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To investigate the heavy metal enrichment mechanisms and release characteristics of typical deposits in karst areas, the Sb tailing pond of Dachang, Qinglong, Guizhou Province, China, one of the three largest Sb mines in the word, was selected as the study area. In this study, samples were collected from tailings (0~120 cm) and analyzed for changes in Sb and As content at different pH values by simulated acid rain static release experiments, and solid waste materials (fly ash, quicklime, and zeolite powder) were selected to design an orthogonal test to explore the optimal stabilization effect of Sb and As. The results showed that the average contents of Sb and As exceeded background values of Guizhou soil to different degrees. The content of As leaching revealed slight differences in the leachate. Sb was sensitive to more acidic conditions, and its release content can pose an ecological risk. Further, the best stabilization effect of Sb and As was observed after adding different ratios of fly ash, quicklime, and zeolite powder for a period of maintenance, which can be used as promising stabilizing materials for mine tailings remediation. This study provides comprehensive theoretical support for enhancing source control and risk management of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated inventory of atmospheric antimony (Sb) emissions from anthropogenic activities in China is compiled for the years 2005-2009. Emissions are estimated for all major anthropogenic sources for the first time. We estimate that the national emissions of antimony are 818 metric tons (t) in 2009, with the largest contribution from coal combustion at 61.8% of the total, while 26.7% of Sb is emitted from nonferrous metals smelting. Emissions are heaviest in Guizhou province, mainly due to small-scale combustion of high-Sb coal without emission control devices, and in Hunan province, where extensive smelting occurs. Furthermore, Sb emissions from 2188 large point sources and area sources are distributed within latitude/longitude-based grids with a resolution of 30 mm × 30 nm where Sb emissions are largely concentrated in highly populated and industrialized southwestem China, the east central region, and coastal areas. The uncertainties in our bottom-up inventory are quantified as —11% to 40% by Monte Carlo simulation. We recommend continuous field testing of coal combustors and smelters in China to improve the accuracy of these estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]