Present situation of the keçiborlu sulfur factory flotation wastes and determination of its environmental effects

In this study, present situation of the Keçiborlu sulfur factory flotation waste pond as well as its environmental effects were investigated. In order to investigate physical and chemical properties of the waste pond, a waste material sampling was performed on 50 different points and in 3 different depths (0-30 cm, 30-60 cm, 60-90 cm) of the pond. In order to determine the environmental effects of the waste pond a surface soil (0-3 cm) and leaf sampling was carried out in 2 different directions from the pond to Keçiborlu town centre (TC) and to Keçiborlu agricultural land (AL). Surface soil and leaf sampling was performed in 3 distance intervals (0-100 m, 100-500 m and 500-1000 m) in both sampling directions. At each distance intervals 10 surface soil and 10 leaf samples were collected. Also, well waters of the region were sampled in order to monitor a potential chemical contamination.On surface soil samples; pH, EC, S-SO4-2, DTPA extractable heavy metals (Fe, Al, Ni, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co) and aqua regia soluble total heavy metals (Fe, Al, Ni, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co) analysis were performed. On leaf samples? wash solutions; elemental S and heavy metals (Fe, Al, Ni, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co) analysis were performed. On well water samples elemental S and heavy metals Fe, Al, Ni, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co) analysis were performed.Through analysis performed on waste samples it was determined that the waste material had variable physical and chemical properties. In addition it was determined that the waste material characteristically had very low pH, very high EC, high concentrations of S-SO4-2 and heavy metals. Through analysis performed on (AL) soil samples it was determined that; EC values, S-SO4-2 concentrations, DTPA extractable heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd) concentrations, total heavy metals (Fe, Al, Ni, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co) indicated a negative correlation with the increasing distance from the waste pond. Through analysis performed on (TC) soil samples it was determined that; S-SO4-2, DTPA extractable Cr and total Cd concentrations indicated a negative correlation with the increasing distance from the waste pond while pH values indicated a positive correlation. While the analysis performed on well water samples did not indicate a contamination yet, well water sources of the Keçiborlu agricultural land (AL) should be monitored in the future. Through analysis performed on leaf samples? wash solutions is was determined that; S and heavy metal (Fe, Al, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co) concentrations indicated a negative correlation with the increasing distance from the waste pond in both 2 sampling directions (AL) and (TC). Thus, dispersion of the waste material from the waste pond to the environment was clearly demonstrated.KEYWORDS: Sulfur flotation waste, environmental effect, heavy metals