Evaluation of the dissolved contaminant load transported by the Tinto and Odiel rivers (South West Spain)

The Tinto and Odiel rivers are heavily affected by acid mine drainage (AMD). However, the exact quantities of contaminants transported into the Huelva estuary and the Gulf of Cadiz are unknown. The existing previous investigations are, in general, based on studies with few data or incorrect methodology, and are therefore unreliable. This study aims to present a reliable estimation of the dissolved contaminant load transported by both rivers for the periods 1995/96 to 2002/03. The methodology used is based principally on the correlation between contaminant concentration and flow rate. The results show that both rivers transport enormous quantities of dissolved contaminants: 7900 t a−1 of Fe, 5800 t a−1 Al, 3500 t a−1 Zn, 1700 t a−1 Cu, 1600 t yr−1 Mn and minor quantities of other metals. These values represent 60% of the global gross flux of dissolved Zn transported by rivers in to the ocean, and 17% of the global gross flux of dissolved Cu.