How natural attenuation can benefit the environment: a case study of a water reservoir in Brazil

This paper investigates the occurrence of natural attenuation in sediments from a water reservoir impacted by metals and radionuclides resulting from acid mine drainage. The chemical and radiochemical characterization indicated the enrichment of radionuclides ( 238 U and 226 Ra) and metals (Zn) in the sediments. The isotopic deviation δ 34 S (− 1.3 to − 17.4‰) and high contents of Acid Volatile Sulfide (2.34 to 5.71 g kg −1 ) indicated the occurrence of natural attenuation all through the reservoir, which contributes to the chemical stabilization of the contaminants.