Abstract
The environmental effects of mining and its impact on natural resources are of a holistic nature. One of the modern methods employed for the remediation of technogenically disturbed soils is the application of microorganisms. This paper studies the impact made by soil microorganisms on the accumulation rate of heavy metals in the substrate of waste rock dumps in the process of soil reclamation. Suspensions of soil microorganisms (microorganisms utilising mineral nitrogen forms / MUMN; microorganisms decomposing silicates / MDS; microscopic fungi / MF) were applied to the rock dump surface. Separate groups as well as their combinations were applied. The heavy metal content analysis did not indicate a significant exceedance of the maximum allowable concentration limits (MACL) in the soil of the waste rock. The only metal whose content exceeded the maximum admissible concentration limits was nickel. It has found that the application of microorganisms influences the concentration of several heavy metals due to pH level changes of the rock dump soil.
Highlights
The influence of mining operations on the environment and natural resources is of a multifaceted, lasting, and holistic nature
The aim of this research was to study the effect produced by soil microorganisms on heavy metal accumulation rate in the substrate of mining waste rock dumps
Heavy metals undergo the following transformations while penetrating into soil substrate in the process of technogenesis: oxides change to hydroxides which are dissolved; solid soil phases adsorb cations; phosphates and their compounds with organic substances present in the soil are formed [6]
Summary
The influence of mining operations on the environment and natural resources is of a multifaceted, lasting, and holistic nature. Coal-mining sites are characterised by total destruction of ecosystems and the formation of mining waste rock dumps and borrow excavations. Either soil degradation or deformation of vegetation takes place around coal-mining sites. Storing mining waste (rock dumps and spoil tips) leads to the disturbance of soil and vegetation; as a result, natural landscapes are replaced by technogenic. Such areas remain barren for a long time and are hardly suitable for active soil formation. It is necessary to create conditions that will facilitate more productive soil self-regeneration. It is urgent to take measures aimed at soil reclamation
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