Assessment of Trace Metal Contamination and Water Quality of Surface Waters in the area surrounding the Lomonosov Diamond Deposit (NW Russia)

This article is devoted to the study of the impact of the development of the Lomonosov diamond deposit on the pollution of watercourses with trace metals. The high water cut of the exposed rock strata and the presence of groundwater require the constant pumping of wastewater into the filtration fields, and then to the nearby river. This work shows a significant contribution of discharge processes and drainage waters to the trace metal contents in the surface waters of the Zolotitsa river; an increase in the concentrations of Mg, Sr, Zn, Cu, Cd, As , and Se was noted. The seasonal variations of physicochemical parameters, the trace metal contents, as well as the total uranium and U isotope 234U, 238U, and 235U were analysed. Calculations of water quality indices (HMEI, HMPI, and HMTL) and public health risks (HI and CR) revealed a high level of pollution of certain sections of watercourses. Radiological studies of polluted rivers in the area showed a satisfactory situation. The results of this study can provide a basis for the subsequent monitoring of the impact of anthropogenic activities on nearby watercourses in the development of diamond deposits.