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Assessment of geochemical and hydrologic conditions near Old Yuma Mine in Saguaro National Park, Arizona, 2014–17

Scientific Investigations Report 2018-5019
Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185019

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Abstract

The Old Yuma Mine is an abandoned copper, lead, zinc, silver, and gold mine located within the boundaries of Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain District, Arizona. This study analyzed the geochemistry of sediments associated with the Old Yuma Mine and assessed hydrologic and geochemical conditions of groundwater to evaluate the area surrounding the Old Yuma Mine. The purpose of the study was to establish the geochemical signature of material associated with the Old Yuma Mine and to compare it with background material and groundwater in the area. Few groundwater samples exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standards. Concentrations of several elements were elevated in the waste rock and mine tailings compared with concentrations in sediments collected in background areas. A subset of 15 sediment samples was leached to simulate precipitation interacting with the solid material. Analysis of leachate samples compared to groundwater samples suggests that groundwater samples collected in this study are distinct from leachate samples associated with mining related material. Results suggest that at this time groundwater samples collected during this investigation are not influenced by elements leached from Old Yuma Mine materials.

Suggested Citation

Beisner, K.R., and Gray, F., 2018, Assessment of geochemical and hydrologic conditions near Old Yuma Mine in Saguaro National Park, Arizona, 2014–17: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2018–5019, 52 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185019.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
  • Appendix A
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Assessment of geochemical and hydrologic conditions near Old Yuma Mine in Saguaro National Park, Arizona, 2014–17
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2018-5019
DOI 10.3133/sir20185019
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Arizona Water Science Center
Description Report: vii, 52 p.; Appendix
Country United States
State Arizona
Other Geospatial Old Yuma Mine, Saguaro National Park
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details