Impact of mining tailings seepage on agricultural soils: Comparative analysis of Cu and Pb in Quiruvilca, Perú

Antonio Pardo-Yacupayco C.; Esmit Vega-Villalobos N.; Eleazar Garcia-Giraldo S.; Klysman Laiza-Vera W.; Alejandro Minaya-Masias M.; Ysaac Zavaleta-Linares J. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.297

Resumen

' The contamination of agricultural soils by heavy metals from mining activities constitutes a significant threat to environmental sustainability and human health. The objective of this research was to conduct a comparative analysis of the presence of copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in agricultural soils affected by tailings seepage in the Quiruvilca area, Peru. The study adopted a quantitative approach with a non-experimental design, considering six soil samples and six tailings water samples collected at different points within the study area. The samples were analyzed using volumetric techniques and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results showed high concentrations of Cu in soils, reaching values of up to 0.03%, exceeding the Environmental Quality Standards (ECA). In the case of tailings water, Cu concentrations reached up to 72.25 ppm and Pb ranged between 1.21 and 1.73 ppm, exceeding the limits established by the National Water Authority (ANA). It is concluded that tailings seepage has generated a significant chemical alteration in the agricultural soils of the study area, with elevated concentrations of Cu and Pb, representing an environmental and productive risk for agricultural activity.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte