Treatment with Native Species of Acidic Waters from the San Antonio Mine, Huachocolpa – Huancavelica

Abstract

Acid mine drainage generates severe environmental impacts due to its heavy metal content; this research evaluated the efficiency of putacca (Rumez Peruvianus) and totora (Scirpus californicus) in the bioadsorption of contaminants from the acid drainage of the San Antonio Mine, Huachocolpa, Huancavelica.

The research was experimental and applied in nature. Three bimonthly sampling events were conducted at the mine entrance and inside the mine, collecting water and plant samples. The absorbance of arsenic and antimony was measured by observing the interaction of the metals with the roots and stems of the selected plants.

The results indicated that totora reed exhibited an absorbance of -0.065 mg/L for arsenic and -0.060 mg/L for antimony, values higher than those obtained with putacca (0.048 mg/L and -0.024 mg/L, respectively). This demonstrates that totora reed is more efficient at capturing heavy metals.

It is concluded that the use of native species such as totora reed is a viable strategy for mitigating water pollution in mining ecosystems. This finding opens opportunities for its application in environmental remediation projects.