Organic Matter Dynamics, Aggregation, and Carbon Sequestration in Mine Tailings Amended with Humic Substances

Abstract

Mechanisms of macroaggregation, carbon dynamics, and carbon sequestration were investigated in degraded mine tailings. Humic substances (HSs), wheat straw, lime, and their various combinations were added to the mine tailings and then incubated at 20 °C for 24 weeks. A significant increase (up to 79%) of water‐stable macroaggregates was observed in the HS‐amended tailings after the incubation. During the macroaggregation, 20–33% sand of the mine tailings was bound by HS‐derived active carbon pool. The organic carbon concentration of the macroaggregates significantly increased in the HS‐amended mine tailings compared to the control. Mineral‐associated organic matter carbon derived from the HSs was mainly responsible for the increased concentration of macroaggregate carbon and the increased amount of macroaggregates as well. This active pool of added organic matter was sequestered in aggregates during the process of macroaggregation and thus improved the structure of the mine tailings.