Water Quality Degradation due to Mining Waste: A Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metals, Concentrations, and Their Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems

Abstract

Water quality degradation caused by mining activities represents a significant environmental issue due to the discharge of waste containing heavy metals into aquatic systems. This study aims to analyze water quality degradation resulting from mining waste through a literature review, focusing on dominant heavy metals, concentration variations, and their impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The method employed is review of national scientific literature published between 2014 and 2025, analyzed using a descriptive-comparative approach. The results indicate that mercury (Hg) is the most dominant heavy metal, particularly in gold mining, with concentrations varying and in some cases exceeding quality standards. Other metals such as Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Ni were also identified. The impacts include changes in pH, increased suspended solids, and accumulation of heavy metals in sediments and aquatic organisms. Overall, mining waste contributes to water quality degradation and poses long-term risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.