Jarosite distribution maps based on the Sentinel-2 image band calculations and jarosite abundance analyses in the Bor mining area, Serbia

Abstract

To determine the contamination caused by the waste generated in the historical Bor mining area and to present a sustainable environmental impact assessment method, the distribution of mine waste in the nearby riverbed is presented using remote sensing techniques and field observations. It is known that the existence of jarosite represents the presence of mine waste, and the reflection spectrum of jarosite exhibits an absorption band around 920 nm. Therefore, we use two multispectral Sentinel-2 images to determine a method to measure the amount of jarosite present. Furthermore, the amount of jarosite is evaluated by comparing X-ray powder diffraction analysis results of the collected ground-surface material samples and the normalized difference surface index (NDSI) values obtained from the Sentinel-2 band calculation. The results indicate that jarosite is distributed along the mining areas and the rivers downstream of the mine. Sediments containing jarosite have formed especially at the confluence of the rivers. From this survey result, it is possible to understand the overall spatial distribution of mine waste including jarosite around the mine, and it is concerned with the local situation. Therefore, the data of this research will be useful for future environmental restoration scenarios.