Copper transformation and distribution in a small scale gold mining : case study in Pichit Province | |
| Author | Sarun Thanavibulsate |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-08-31 |
| Subject(s) | Copper--Transport properties--Environmental aspects--Thailand--Pichit Gold mines and mining--Thailand--Pichit |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Khoa Phanom Pha is one of gold mining site located in northern part of Thailand and it is surrounded by intensive rice paddy fields. It is interesting that the level of copper in this specific mine's tailing was as high as 192 mg kg⁻¹ DW where the threshold effect level of copper in soil for plant growth is as low as 23 mg kg⁻¹ DW. Consequently, this study was simulating the distribution models of copper during rainy and dry season to determine degree of copper risk in this specific study area (2,000 hectares). From the distribution models, it reveals that copper was not distributing greatly into vicinity area in both seasons as it is an immobilizing metal in nature. The major factors that transport copper to the environment were found to be run-off water and windblown dust. The nearby paddy field area that poses the low potential risk (threshold effect level: 23 mg kg⁻¹ DW of copper) were approximately 248 and 181 hectares for rainy and dry seasons respectively. Moreover, the potential of risk in each environmental compartment was also evaluated by using HQ risk screening method. Mostly the great risk found merely in the mining area and it reduced to acceptable level in surrounding environment. Furthermore, the human health risk was assessed by considering three main exposure routes (ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation). As a result, Baan Di Num Khun's villagers pose the highest risk when comparing with Baan Khoa Phanom Pha and Baan Khoa Chet Luk villagers. In additional, soil copper guideline value was developed for this specific area by using a linear relationship between copper (DTPA-extractable) in soil and total copper in rice shoot where 17 mgCu kg⁻¹ DTPA DW was established. Finally, from the study results, it can be generally concluded that human intervention is not currently required. In contrast, monitored natural attenuation is presently found to be the most cost-effective approach for this specific area. |
| Year | 2008 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Preeda Pakpian; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Chongrak Polprasert;Visvanathan, C.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | RTG Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2008 |