Abstract
Tsugu old mine located at Kitashitara Country, Aichi Prefecture was selected for field survey area. Antimonite had been mined at this old mine for 17 years until 1955. Antimony concentrations in soil and river water around the old mine were determined.
The results obtained in this study were summarized as follows.
1) Antimony concentrations in soil as water-soluble, acid-soluble and content were much higher around the old smelter than other area. Maximum content was 5,500mg/kg detected at near the old smelter. This value exceeds maximum natural abundance by almost 6,000times.
2) The ratio of water-soluble and content of antimony around the smelter was 0.30%(average). This value is much lower than that obtained at another smelter or a chemical fiber factory.
3) Arsenic and lead concentrations in soil around the old smelter were higher than antimony concentrations. Those two heavy metals are contained in antimonite or in other ore. It was considered that the residue of ore refining had caused these metal contaminations.
4) Valency of antimony in soil or river water was determined by APCDT extraction test. Antimony (V) was preferential in both soil and river water.
