Evaluation of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soil and Potential Ecological Risks Generated by Environmental Liabilities in Tacna, Peru

Environmental liabilities continue to pose an unresolved concern for administrators due to their high potential for ecosystem contamination. This research focuses on assessing the content of potentially toxic elements, the degree of contamination, and potential ecological risks in abandoned mining areas that formerly exploited sulfur and copper. The results showed elevated concentrations of Arsenic (1,102 mg/Kg), Cadmium (271 mg/Kg), Lead (15,961 mg/Kg). The presence of flora, fauna activity, rivers, and rural communities near the mining sites was observed, indicating significant environmental risks. The evaluated mining environmental liabilities (MELs) lack direct responsible parties, thus requiring the Peruvian government to assume remediation responsibilities. To date, no mitigation actions have been taken, primarily due to the absence of a situational diagnosis. Concerning contamination indices, such as the Geoaccumulation Index, Contamination Degree, Pollution Load Index, Contamination Load Coefficient, and Potential Ecological Risk Index, all areas exhibited some form of contamination, indicating high environmental risks. A preliminary risk assessment associated with the presence of mining environmental liabilities has been conducted, marking this research as the first of its kind in the southern region of Peru. This assessment provides administrators with crucial information to establish priorities for implementing remediation plans aimed at reducing pollutant loads. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive contamination assessments and the development of effective management practices, including the implementation of a monitoring program to safeguard soils affected by mining activities. Additionally, it is essential to design various technological strategies to restore degraded ecosystems, thereby protecting rivers, agricultural zones, and nearby rural communities.