Abstract
The development of coal deposits is accompanied by negative environmental changes. In the territory of the Kizel coal basin (Perm Region, Russia), the problem of contamination of water sources by acid mine waters and runoff from rock dumps is particularly acute. Mine waters are acidic (pH 2–3), with high mineralization (up to 25 g/L) and significant content of sulfate ions, iron, aluminum, manganese, toxic trace elements (As, Co, Ni, Pb and Zn). They are formed as a result of the interaction of underground waters from flooded mines of the Kizel basin with coal and rocks of dumps with high sulfur content (15%). Uncontrolled inflow of mine water into rivers (about 22 million m3 annually) leads to significant amounts of iron and aluminum hydroxide precipitation. These precipitations are in active interaction with river water, polluting the rivers tens of kilometers downstream and are entering the Kama reservoir. Studies of alluvial precipitation can be considered as a method of control and predictors of technogenic water pollution. The mineral composition of river sediments was studied with the application of different methods, including studies of sand-gravel and silty-clayey sediments. The sandy-gravel grains in the bottom load are mainly composed by natural minerals and are represented by a significant number of particles of coal dumps, slags and magnetic spherules. The silty-clayey material, mixed with natural minerals, contains a significant number of amorphous phases with a predominance of iron-rich substances, which may actively concentrate toxic elements. The presence of jarosite, goethite, basaluminite, lepidorocite and copiapite in silty-clayey sediments are indicators of the influence of mine waters.
Highlights
Modern alluvial sediments as one of the components within the upper part of the lithosphere are a traditional object of study of geological sciences, and an important element of the environment
The main factors of the territory contamination are the self-diffusion of acidic mine waters and the runoff of rock dumps and industrial sites [2,3,4]
Mine waters flow into 19 rivers of Minerals 2020, 10, 364; doi:10.3390/min10040364
Summary
Alluvial sediments integrate geochemical and mineral features of catchment rocks, and rivers are a link between areas of sediment mobilization in catchments and large sediment accumulation basins [1]. The authors have conducted studies of the impact of coal mining on the current state of the river ecosystems in Kizel coal basin (Perm Region). The main factors of the territory contamination are the self-diffusion of acidic mine waters and the runoff of rock dumps and industrial sites [2,3,4]. The North Vilva River, 500 m below the mouth of the Kizel River (15) Mine drainage. Contaminated river water runoff quartz (52), plagioclases (23), clay minerals (9) **. Quartz (25), clay minerals (12), plagioclases (7).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
