Use of Remote Sensing and In Situ Monitoring to Evaluate Turbidity in an Open-Pit Mining Lake

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The formation of pit lakes in decommissioned open-pit mines has raised concerns regarding long-term water quality. Turbidity, a key indicator of suspended particulate matter, influences water clarity and aquatic ecological processes. This study estimates surface turbidity in the Águas Claras Mine (MAC) pit lake in Nova Lima, Brazil, using satellite imagery and in situ data to generate a continuous time series and assess compliance with thresholds established by current Brazilian environmental legislation. Landsat 5 and 8 imagery were used to derive a spectral turbidity index. Based on the temporal overlap between satellite and field data, a linear regression model (R² = 0.77) was developed and applied to extend the turbidity time series. The results indicate that turbidity values remained below the legal limits for Class 1 freshwater. Higher turbidity levels were observed during the initial filling phase, associated with exposed slopes, as well as episodic increases during the rainy season due to sediment runoff. Over time, progressive revegetation and minimal anthropogenic disturbance contributed to the stabilization of water quality conditions. The integration of in situ measurements and remote sensing proved to be an effective approach for monitoring water quality in post-mining environments, supporting both environmental liability assessment and closure management.