Sedimentological investigation of mining pollutants in watersheds using core sampling techniques: A case study of Tar Creek, Oklahoma, USA

Agboro Harrison 1 and Sandra Isioma Erue 2

1 Department of Environmental Health and Management, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT., USA. 06516.
2 Department of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX., USA. 77004.
 
Review
World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 2023, 09(02), 406-416.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjaets.2023.9.2.0237
Publication history: 
Received on 09 July 2023; revised on 25 August 2023; accepted on 28 August 2023
 
Abstract: 
This study investigates the vertical and spatial distribution of heavy metal pollutants in sediment cores collected from the Upper Tar Creek, an ecologically sensitive watershed impacted by lead-zinc mining in southeastern United States. Using stratified core sampling at three transect sites, the analysis focused on the concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cd, As, and Mn, alongside grain size distribution and organic matter content. Results revealed significant surface enrichment of Pb, Zn, Cd, and As, especially at the downstream site, suggesting recent anthropogenic deposition. In contrast, Mn showed increasing concentrations with depth, indicating geogenic input. Strong correlations were observed between metal concentrations, silt-dominated grain size fractions, and elevated loss-on-ignition (LOI) values, highlighting the role of fine, organic-rich sediments in metal retention. Pollution indices (Igeo, EF, CF, and PLI) confirmed substantial contamination, with Site C representing a critical depositional sink. The findings underscore the urgent need for sediment management strategies and contribute a replicable model for sedimentological assessment of mining-impacted river systems in tropical environments.
 
Keywords: 
Sediment Core; Heavy Metals; LOI; Grain Size; Pollution Indices; Upper Tar Creek; Mining Impact; Environmental Geochemistry
 
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Copyright © 2023 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0