Levels of trace metals and anions in uranium mill tailings

Tailings samples collected from three tailings ponds of Jaduguda were analysed for metals and anions. The concentration values of all the trace elements are comparable with the soil elemental concentration, except Pb, Ni and Cu, which showed slightly higher concentration levels. pH measurements showed acidic conditions in two tailings pond samples, which can promote leaching of these metals from the tailings pond. The fluoride, chloride and nitrate concentration of all the samples are in the same range as that of soil. The uranium concentrations in the tailings ponds are in the range of 30.3-97.6 (μg/g). (author)