Selenium Contamination: The Environmental Effectiveness of Current Treatment Methods in the Mining Industry Based on Water Quality Guidelines

Selenium (Se) contamination in water bodies and ecosystems presents challenges to the environment, including wild species, and human communities. The Elk Valley region in British Columbia (BC), Canada, exemplifies these challenges. This research examines the effectiveness of Teck's Saturated Rock Fill (SRF) technology in addressing selenium contamination in Elk Valley utilizing a desktop case study approach, literature review, data analysis, and site overview. The findings indicate that Teck's compliance position, with BC's water quality limits for selenium, is inadequate. However, monitoring data suggests that, despite non-compliance, contamination and environmental risks have not significantly increased. Teck's compliance was found to align with protective guidelines from WHO, Health Canada, and New Zealand, indicating sufficient protection for human and aquatic health. The study suggests that BC's more conservative standards may be unattainable, while guidelines from less-stringent jurisdictions are equally protective. Further analyses are recommended, to review the efficacy of BC's selenium management and treatment guidelines accordingly.

Author dc:creator

• Oladele, Iyefu

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dushenko, William, T.

• School of environment and sustainability

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/IR-19245

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/27571