Selenium mobilization

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This project will investigate and identify the conditions under which tailing ponds and treatment systems will release currently sequestered selenium species. Mining operations use anaerobic conditions in tailings ponds and treatment systems to minimize the release of metals and metalloids to the environment. In the case of selenium a metalloid which is enriched in some geological regions in Canada, there is an elevated concentration found in the tailings from coal mining in Western Canada. Minimizing the mobilization of selenium from the tailings and treatment systems is essential for preventing harm to aquatic life, animals and birds that cohabit in the region. Although selenium is an essential element for all organisms at low concentrations, selenium becomes toxic at higher concentrations. Thus understanding the conditions that could cause mobilization of the stabilized selenium is important in preventing future problems. This project will investigate the role of eH, pH and co-contaminants in the speciation and mobility of selenium from tailings and treatment systems.