Environmental monitoring of trace elements and evaluation of environmental impacts to organisms near a former uranium mining site in Nigyo-toge, Japan

人形峠ウラン鉱山跡における微量元素の環境モニタリングと生物への環境影響評価

寳來 佐和子*; 村上 翔一*; 迫田 晃弘   ; 中下 留美子*; 國末 達也*; 石森 有  

Horai, Sawako*; Murakami, Shoichi*; Sakoda, Akihiro; Nakashita, Rumiko*; Kunisue, Tatsuya*; Ishimori, Yuu

本研究では、ウラン鉱山跡における微量元素の挙動および生物への環境影響を評価した。異なる三カ所において、堆積物・環境水・生物(昆虫,カエル,イモリ)に含まれる微量元素濃度を定量した。堆積物と環境水中のAsおよびU濃度は鉱滓ダムで最も高く、またこれら元素で最高値を示した生物(イモリ)も鉱滓ダムで採取したものであった。今回得られた生物の元素濃度・濃縮係数・N値を踏まえると、本ウラン鉱山跡においてはイモリに危急種の可能性が考えられ、今後の更なる観察や評価が望まれる。

This study conducted an investigation of trace element behavior at a former uranium (U) mining site and evaluated environmental impacts to biota. Concentrations of trace elements were determined in sediments, water, and three organism types (insects, frogs, and newts) from three zones in the former U mining site. Concentrations of As and U in the sediments and water samples were the highest at the mill tailings pond site, where post-U extraction remnants have been accumulated. Additionally, among the organisms analyzed the highest levels of these elements/isotopes were found in newts from MP. Considering data analyses of the whole-body element concentrations, bioaccumulation factors, and N values for the organisms, it was concluded that newts might be the most vulnerable species in this location. Further monitoring and more accurate evaluation of the ecological impacts are preferred for this former U mining site.