Abstract
Huge amount of mill tailings at Kolar Gold Fields are creating environmental problems. In this study, an attempt was made to assess the impacts of mill tailings on agriculture lands and to identify suitable species for its reclamation. For this, soils collected from different agriculture lands were mixed with tailings in different proportions and tomato (<i>L</i><i>y</i><i>copersicon esculentum</i>) was planted in soils and mixtures. For selection of suitable species, native species were planted only in tailings. Physico-chemical properties varied in soils, tailings and mixtures. pH and electrical conductivity of soils increased with an increase of tailings content. Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium in soil-tailings showed symptoms of deficiency in tomato plants except calcium and sulphur. Correlation among iron, manganese, zinc and copper indicated common source of their occurrence. These elements decreased with increase of pH and sand percentage, and increased with the increase of clay content. Iron, manganese, copper in tomato fruits were within the limit whereas zinc was observed toxic beyond 30% of mill tailings. Soil/tomato plant transfer coefficients distinguished the concentrations of micronutrients in tomato fruits and soil-tailings mixture. Growth status of native species revealed that Babool, Gulmohar, Neem and Eucalyptus are suitable for dump reclamation.
Highlights
At Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Karnataka, about 40 million tonnes of mill tailings were generated during beneficiation of gold ore[1], which have covered about 2-sq. km. of the area[2]
The lowest value in mill tailings indicates that drought resistance/ native plants, which do not need water for irrigation, would be suitable for dump reclamation
It is clear that the highest value is less than 1.7 g/cm3 as bulk density greater than 1.8 g/cm3 are considered unsuitable for plant growth[7]
Summary
At Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Karnataka, about 40 million tonnes of mill tailings were generated during beneficiation of gold ore[1], which have covered about 2-sq. km. of the area[2]. At Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Karnataka, about 40 million tonnes of mill tailings were generated during beneficiation of gold ore[1], which have covered about 2-sq. Particulate matter concentration beyond the permissible limit at KGF has indicated influence of tailings on air environment[3]. Formation of gullies on the dumps due to rain may affect the surrounding. As agriculture lands are available at some distances around the dumps, it can influence the crop yields. The nutrients present in mill tailings can be used for the ecological restoration of dumps. According to Williamson and Johnson[6], the favored stabilization method for metallic mine wastes is by the use of vegetation. Native species provide an aesthetically attractive vegetation cover, long-term surface stability and a low maintenance commitm-
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