Kolubara Basin Research Articles

The effect of moisture content on the Hardgrove grindability index of coal from the Kolubara basin

The effect of moisture content on the Hardgrove grindability index of coal from the Kolubara basin

The middle miocene (Badenian) holoplanktonic mollusks (Euthecosomata - Pteropoda) from Serbia, central paratethys

The present paper deals with holoplanktonic gastropods (Pteropoda) from the Middle Miocene (Badenian) deposits of Serbia. The material for the present study comes from three localities at the southern margin of the Pannonian Basin (Central Paratethys): Konjarnik (greater center of Belgra de), Sumijevac stream near Koceljeva (western Serbia), and Radljevo (Kolubara Basin, central Serbia). A total of four taxa were recorded and their stratigraphic value is discussed. Two taxa were identified to species level: Vaginella austriaca KITTL, 1886, belonging to the family Cavoliniidae GRAY, 1850 (1815), and Limacina valvatina (REUSS, 1867)?, from the family Limacinidae GRAY, 1847. Four specimens could only be identified to genus level (Vaginella sp. indet. and Clio? sp. indet.). The specimen of Clio? sp. indet. is possibly the first find of the genus Clio in Serbia. Here presented records of the genera Vaginella and Clio? from the late Badenian (NN6 nannozone) modify the insight into their paleogeographical distribution in the Middle Miocene of the Central Paratethys.

Contribution to the Serbian coal ranking and fly ash characterization using Pb isotopic ratio

The Republic of Serbia generates the majority of its electricity at the thermal power plants (TE) Nikola Tesla, Kolubara, and Kostolac. Coal is extracted from the Kolubara basin, which produces approximately 70% of lignite (an average of 30 million tons per year), and the Kostolac basin, which produces 30% of lignite. Ash, fly ash, and slag are examples of coal combustion residues. Because of the high content of potentially hazardous elements such as As, Pb, Cd, and Cr, environmental pollution with ash and fly ash has been extensively researched. Stable isotopes of lead can be used to trace lead sources. It is possible to monitor the presence, transformation pathways, and environmental impact of Pb by determining its isotopic composition in coal and fly ash. For the first time, the isotopic composition of selected coal samples from the Kolubara and Kostolac mines, as well as fly ash from the Kolubara (A and B), Kostolac (A and B), and Nikola Tesla (TENT A3, A2, B2) thermal power plants, was investigated in this study. The obtained data for 206Pb/207Pb in coal serve as the foundation for ranking domestic coals, whereas the isotopic ratios 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/207Pb in fly ash can be used to monitor and control lead pollution from investigated sources.

PRVA ARHEOLOŠKI LOKALITETI REGISTROVANI U OKRUŽENjU LEKOVITIH IZVORA DUŽ SLIVA KOLUBARE

There are several healing springs in the geographical area of the Kolubara river basin. Archaeological finds testify to the possibility that some of them were known and used during the prehistoric, ancient and/or medieval period. Archaeological sites are registered in the atari of the settlements Banja Ljig, Oglađenovac, Crniljevo, Slavkovica, Paune and Petnica. From the survey of the locality, it is certain to conclude that in the areas surrounding the healing springs along the Kolubara basin, a turbulent life took place during numerous epochs in the past. We can consider that the existence and use of thermal springs represented an important element of the life of the communities of the past.

Use of high-energy ionizing radiation for microbiological decontamination of coastal soil in the Kolubara river basin, Serbia

The Kolubara river pollutes the coastal land in the river basin and makes it unsuitable for agricultural activities in that area. Also, contaminated land poses a risk to the environment. Different methods can be used for soil decontamination. These methods include biological treatment/bioremediation, chemical oxidation, soil stabilization, physical methods, such as soil leaching, or treatment with high-energy ionizing radiation. Gamma irradiation of soil is a well-known method of inhibiting microbial activity. This paper investigated the influence of different doses and dose rates of gamma irradiation on microorganisms' decontamination of coastal soil, in the Kolubara river basin. The irradiation effects on reducing the total number of microorganisms and removing mold and pathogenic bacteria from soil samples were examined. Gamma radiation affects the soil's organic matter, causing the formation of free reactive radicals, which act as reducing and oxidizing agents, cleaving C-C bonds, and depolymerizing carbohydrates. It was found that a dose of 3 kGy of gamma radiation, neutralizes all pathogenic bacteria, a dose of 5 kGy deactivates mold in soil samples, and a dose of 10 kGy is optimal to kill all microorganisms in the samples and sterilize exposed soil. The research showed that the dose rate does not significantly affect microbiological decontamination of soil using gamma irradiation. The content of heavy metals in soil was determined, and the obtained values were compared with the remediation limit values prescribed by the regulations. It was concluded that the content of heavy metals in the analyzed soil samples is below the limit of remediation values. The only exception is the slightly increased copper content in one sample. The result of this research is the conclusion that the coastal land from the Kolubara basin can be decontaminated by gamma radiation treatment. This advanced soil treatment technology is available in Serbia because there is an industrial plant for gamma radiation treatment within the Vinca Institute.

Seasonal variation in metal concentration in various tissues of the European chub (Squalius cephalus L.).

Due to the increasing industrialization, metals are discharged into all spheres of the environment, in particular, in river courses, which leads to the need for constant monitoring. Metals do not degrade into harmless end products; they are very persistent and have high potential for accumulation in biota. Metals in the fish body are accumulated in different amounts in the tissue specific matter. In relation to the biotic conditions and fish metabolism, the load of food, or the stage of the reproductive cycle, the seasonal variation of metal levels can be expected. Because of that, the objective of our present study was to analyze 15 metals and metalloids in liver, gills, muscle, and gonads of European chub (Squalius cephalus) throughout the 4 seasons, autumn, winter, spring, and summer. The specimens were collected from two rivers, Pestan and Beljanica at the Kolubara basin, and their concentrations were determined with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Specimens from both rivers have shown similarities in metal accumulation like the highest accumulation of majority of elements in gills, lowest accumulation of majority of elements in muscle (except for Hg), and higher accumulation of some elements in summer (Cu, Fe, Zn). In addition, Cu and Fe showed affinity for liver, while Ba, Cr, Sr, and Zn were specific for gills. Also, Al, B, Fe, Ni, and Pb did not show significant differences in concentrations among different seasons in all investigated tissues.

Air-suspended particles of air in the urban zone of Lazarevac town (Serbia): An environmental aspect

Composite monthly samples of airborne particles collected at the measuring station in Lazarevac (Kolubara basin, Serbia) during nine consecutive months were chemically characterized in this study. The concentrations of certain minor elements in the PM10 particles exceed a pallet of the elements that contain values higher than the maximum allowed concentrations. The most concerning are the As and Co concentrations, two very toxic elements that can cause cancer-related sicknesses through eventual inhalation. This report connects the chemical composition of the suspended air particles (potential pollutants) with their source and provides an estimate of the air quality in the investigated area for a particular timeframe of several consecutive months. The results indicated that air quality in Lazarevac area was rather low, affected by the excessive As and Co concentrations. The main source of the measured air pollution was an increased level of ash. The resulting ash-dominating pollution implies the necessity of the use of proper air filters in the nearby thermo-electric power plants, and sustainable use of coal in domestic households. In addition, the pollution can be moderated by careful use of coal as a solid fuel in individual local households. The results additionally provide a solid base for the future comparative studies of the local and regional air quality.

Torrential flood prevention in the Kolubara river basin

One of the most vulnerable parts to natural hazards in Serbia is Kolubara river basin. In the past, during the period from 1929 to 2013, 121 torrential flood events in the Kolubara river basin were recorded which show that this territory is extremely vulnerable to the torrential floods. The extreme event which occurred in May 2014 causing the catastrophic material damages and casualties was the latest and historical flood. The analysis of natural conditions in the Kolubara basin uniformly showed that this area is predisposed to a greater number of torrential floods due to its geomorphological, hydrological and land use properties. Torrential floods are closely related to the intensity and spatial distribution of erosive processes in the upper part of the Kolubara basin. The estimation of soil erosion potential is generally achieved by Erosion Potential Model (EPM). For the purposes of determining the degree of torrential properties in various water streams in the Kolubara basin, the calculation of susceptibility to torrential floods was assessed by Flash Flood Potential Index (FFPI). More than half of the basin area (57.2%) is located within the category of very weak and weak erosion (Zsr = 0.35), but the category of medium erosion is geospatially very common. Such a distribution of medium erosion category provides conditions for generating, i.e. production of sediment which would boost torrential properties of water streams. After the classification of the obtained FFPI values it was determined that 25% of the Kolubara basin is very susceptible to torrents and this data should be seriously taken into consideration. Based on the analyses, the best and most successful manner of defence is prevention which consists of the integrated river basin management system (integrated torrent control system) so that technical works in hydrographic networks of torrents and biological and biotechnical works on the slope of the basin would be the best solution. Permanent control of erosive and torrential processes in the river basin will be not only important for flood control but it can also protect the existing and future water reservoirs and retentions from siltation with erosion sediment which is of great significance to the water management, agriculture, energy sector, and the entire society.

Electricity production from biogas in Serbia: Assessment of emissions reduction

Biogas represents a promising source for the production of clean energy. The objective of this paper was to quantify the potential for the reduction of emissions to the environment during the production of electricity from biogas in comparison with environmental effects of the production of the same amount of electricity from fossil resources (coal from Kolubara basin and natural gas). Basis for comparison of environmental impacts in this work was the annual production of electricity in biogas plants of the total capacity of 80 MW. This study has shown that the annual production of electricity from biogas power plants of 80 MW results in: substitution of up to 840 kt of coal from Kolubara basin and 123.2 million m3 of natural gas; reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases in the range of 491.16 kt - 604.97 kt CO2-eq, depending on the energy efficiency of the process of electricity production from biogas; reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases up to 92.37 kt CO2-eq compared to the use of natural gas for electricity generation.

Reprint of “Petrological and organic geochemical properties of lignite from the Kolubara and Kostolac basins, Serbia: Implication on Grindability Index”

The influence of different coal lithotypes on grindability has been investigated using lignite from two of the most important Upper Miocene lignite basins in Serbia (Kolubara and Kostolac). Yellow xylite-rich types demonstrated the most negative impact on Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI). All different types of xylite-rich coal, as well as total xylite-rich coal from the Kolubara basin have a negative influence on the grindability properties, while only the yellow type of xylite-rich coal from the Kostolac showed a negative impact on HGI. Matrix coal does not show a clear effect on HGI.A negative correlation between textinite content and HGI is observed in both basins, whereas contents of other macerals do not show influence on grindability properties.Content of total organic carbon demonstrated the negative impact on HGI. Correlation analysis indicates that the negative impact of the yellow type of xylite-rich coal and the sum of total xylite-rich coal on the grindability properties partly can be related to content of total organic carbon and high amount of soluble organic matter. Matrix lithotype does not show any significant correlation with bulk geochemical parameters in both basins.The peat-forming vegetation of all samples from both basins were dominated by decay-resistant gymnosperm (coniferous) plants, belonging to one or several of the families Taxodiaceae, Podocarpaceae, Cupressaceae, Araucariaceae, Phyllocladaceae and Pinaceae. Lignite from the Kolubara basin is characterized by a higher contribution of angiosperm vegetation than coal from the Kostolac basin. Peatification of the Kolubara coal occurred under more oxic conditions than the Kostolac one.Analysis of biomarkers indicated that the negative impact of all types of xylite-rich coal from the Kolubara on HGI can be related to the higher proportion of angiosperms, abundance of mid-chain n-alkanes and sesquiterpenoids, aromatization of non-hopanoid triterpenoids and hopanoids, and intense degradation of wood tissues in a more oxic environment. The positive impact of matrix coal on HGI in the Kolubara samples can be attributed to elevated content of non-aromatic hopanoids and low amounts of aromatic non-hopanoid triterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, which seems to hinder the grindability properties.

Petrological and organic geochemical properties of lignite from the Kolubara and Kostolac basins, Serbia: Implication on Grindability Index

The influence of different coal lithotypes on grindability has been investigated using lignite from two of the most important Upper Miocene lignite basins in Serbia (Kolubara and Kostolac). Yellow xylite-rich types demonstrated the most negative impact on Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI). All different types of xylite-rich coal, as well as total xylite-rich coal from the Kolubara basin have a negative influence on the grindability properties, while only the yellow type of xylite-rich coal from the Kostolac showed a negative impact on HGI. Matrix coal does not show a clear effect on HGI.A negative correlation between textinite content and HGI is observed in both basins, whereas contents of other macerals do not show influence on grindability properties.Content of total organic carbon demonstrated the negative impact on HGI. Correlation analysis indicates that the negative impact of the yellow type of xylite-rich coal and the sum of total xylite-rich coal on the grindability properties partly can be related to content of total organic carbon and high amount of soluble organic matter. Matrix lithotype does not show any significant correlation with bulk geochemical parameters in both basins.The peat-forming vegetation of all samples from both basins were dominated by decay-resistant gymnosperm (coniferous) plants, belonging to one or several of the families Taxodiaceae, Podocarpaceae, Cupressaceae, Araucariaceae, Phyllocladaceae and Pinaceae. Lignite from the Kolubara basin is characterized by a higher contribution of angiosperm vegetation than coal from the Kostolac basin. Peatification of the Kolubara coal occurred under more oxic conditions than the Kostolac one.Analysis of biomarkers indicated that the negative impact of all types of xylite-rich coal from the Kolubara on HGI can be related to the higher proportion of angiosperms, abundance of mid-chain n-alkanes and sesquiterpenoids, aromatization of non-hopanoid triterpenoids and hopanoids, and intense degradation of wood tissues in a more oxic environment. The positive impact of matrix coal on HGI in the Kolubara samples can be attributed to elevated content of non-aromatic hopanoids and low amounts of aromatic non-hopanoid triterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, which seems to hinder the grindability properties.

Variability in DNA damage of chub (Squalius cephalus L.) blood, gill and liver cells during the annual cycle

In this work the genotoxic potential of water in three localities in Serbia, which differ by the nature and degree of pollution, was determined in tissues of European chub (Squalius cephalus L.) on monthly basis over the 2011/2012 year season using the alkaline comet assay. Specimen samples of chub were taken from Special Nature Reserve “Uvac”, as control site, and Pestan and Beljanica Rivers, as polluted sites at Kolubara basin, surrounded with coal mines. Three tissues, blood, gills and liver were used for assessing the level of DNA damage. Analysis was done by software (Comet Assay IV). The control site at Reserve “Uvac” showed the lowest DNA damage values for all three tissues compared to Pestan and Beljanica. Blood has the lowest level of DNA damage in comparison with liver and gills. Decreased damage for all three tissues was observed at summer, while during the spring and autumn damage increased.

Petrological and geochemical composition of lignite from the D field, Kolubara basin (Serbia)

The Upper Miocene lignite from the Main coal seam in the D field, Kolubara basin, is a typical humic coal with huminite, liptinite and inertinite concentrations of up to 83.7vol.%, 17.2vol.% and 15.5vol.%, respectively. In the huminite group, textinite and ulminite are the most abundant macerals with variable amounts of densinite and attrinite. Liptodetrinite and sporinite are the most common macerals of the liptinite group, while inertodetrinite is the most abundant maceral of the inertinite group. The mineral matter consists mostly of clay minerals. The main sources of organic matter were gymnosperms (conifers) and microbial biomass, followed by angiosperms. Based on composition of saturated and aromatic diterpenoids it has been established that coal forming plants belonged to the gymnosperm families Taxodiaceae, Podocarpaceae, Cupressaceae, Araucariaceae, Phyllocladaceae and Pinaceae. Peatification occurred in neutral to slightly acidic, fresh water environment. Composition and distribution of biomarkers show that diagenetic changes of the organic matter were mainly governed by bacterial activity in a suboxic to oxic environment. Based on distribution of aromatic diterpenoids a novel diagenetic pathway for transformation of abietane-type precursors under suboxic to oxic conditions is proposed. Variations in compositions of macerals and biomarkers are in concordance with pronounced seasonality during Pontian, which caused changes in the water level, redox conditions during peatification, and to some extent vegetation differences in the paleo-plant communities.

Mineralogy and characterization of deposited particles of the aero sediments collected in the vicinity of power plants and the open pit coal mine: Kolubara (Serbia)

In this paper, particular attention was paid to the presence of aerosol solid particles, which occurred mainly as a result of exploitation and coal combustion in the thermal power plants of the Kolubara basin. Not all of the particles created by this type of anthropogenic pollution have an equal impact on human health, but it largely depends on their size and shape. The mineralogical composition and particle size distribution in the samples of aero sediments were defined. The samples were collected close to the power plant and open pit coal mine, in the winter and summer period during the year 2007. The sampling was performed by using precipitators placed in eight locations within the territory of the Lazarevac municipality. In order to characterize the sedimentary particles, several methods were applied: microscopy, SEM-EDX and X-ray powder diffraction. The concentration of aero sediments was also determined during the test period. Variety in the mineralogical composition and particle size depends on the position of the measuring sites, geology of the locations, the annual period of collecting as well as possible interactions. By applying the mentioned methods, the presence of inhalational and respiratory particles variously distributed in the winter and in the summer period was established. The most common minerals are quartz and feldspar. The presence of gypsum, clay minerals, calcite and dolomite as secondary minerals was determined, as well as the participation of organic and inorganic amorphic matter. The presence of quartz as a toxic mineral has a particular impact on human health.

Mineral composition of the airborne particles in the coal dust and fly ash of the Kolubara basin (Serbia)

The airborne particles were collected near the power plant and the opencast coal mine of the Kolubara basin. This paper represents the part of the one-year project aiming to collect, characterize and then determine the mineralogical composition of the airborne particles. Samples of deposited particulate matter from the air were collected between March 2007 and March 2008. Mean concentrations content of soluble, insoluble and total deposited matter measured annually exceed 200 mg/m 2 per day (U-1 and U-3). The particle distribution at all sites was classified in three classes: the particles larger than 10 μm, the particles from 10 to 2.5 μm and the particles below 2.5 μm. Such a division gave the ratio of inhaled and respiratory particle concentrations by the measuring points. Scanning electron microscopy showed that dust from coal mines and power plant largely consists of the group of mineral grains and coal particles. SEM-EDS analysis also showed that the mineral composition of the deposited particulate matter was heterogeneous but uniform throughout the investigated area. These findings were also supported by X-ray powder diffraction analytical studies, which gave a similar mineral composition for all samples (quartz, feldspar, clays, gypsum, dolomite, calcite, micas, chlorite and hematite). This paper shows that both concentration and mineralogical characterization of airborne particles from mine and power plant are essential for quantification of the fractions that are inhaled and for the identification of potentially dangerous (hazardous) components in the deposited matter.

Modelling of base flows by analysing the streamflow hydrograph

During dry periods, the flow of medium and small streams is significantly reduced and equal to groundwater flow. Since the base flows provide information about aquifer characteristics and retention characteristics of a basin, the possibilities of analysis and simulation of base flows gain importance under the conditions of intensive water use and the increasing demand for adequate water quality protection. In this paper, a model was established and used for the description of the principles governing the changes of base runoff on the basis of a streamflow hydrograph registered at the outlet of the basin on the example of the Kolubara basin up to the ?Valjevo? profile. Since the amount of base runoff from a basin cannot be measured, the results of base flows obtained using the local minimum method were adopted as the criterion for the comparison of the modelled values of base runoffs. The created model was applied for making simulations of the base runoff hydrograph during three characteristic years (rainy 1970, average 1985, and dry 1990). Deviations between the base flow values obtained using the established model and by applying the local minimum method are acceptable from the standpoint of general hydrological accuracy.

Energy plantations of dendroflora species on open-pit coal mines overburden deposits

In order to define the models of energy plantations of the short rotation on deposols of open-pit coal mines, The Serbian Ministry of Science and Technological Development supported the researches aimed at the determination of the post-exploitation areas suitable for the short rotation plantations in the Kolubara basin. Besides the research of ecological conditions of the post-exploitation areas, research of the development and productivity of biomass in the forest cultures established during the biological recultivation, the comparative experiment was set with the number of fast-growing species, in order to determine the technology of the soil preparation, feeding, density of sowing, measures of protection, effects of phytoremediation, the selection of the mechanical devices, the analysis of the economic parameters, etc. The aim of the research is the increase of the participation of energy from biomass and partial replacement of the fossil fuels, in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol, Davos Forum and other international agreements. This paper presents some results which are part of the project. Key words: Biomass, short rotation plantations, deposols, Kolubara lignite basin.

Recultivation and sustainable development of coal mining in Kolubara basin

Coal plays a fundamental role in global development, but the coal mining industry exerts impact on the environment, society and economy. Kolubara Coal Company produces about 30 million tonnes of coal, and digs about 70 million m3 of overburden per year. The main result of surface coal is certainly taking agricultural land, so that surface mines, which affect large areas in Kolubara, about 100 hectars a year, causing a number of problems related to the recultivation of degraded area after coal extraction. The lignite extraction through the method of opencast mining in Kolubara is about 60 years old. The previous exploitation usage is characterised by the fact that the disposal of overburden is made non-selectively, whereas the surface solum is not being preserved. The recultivation is carried out in parallel with overburden excavation. It is necessary to preserve the fertile solum through selective excavation in order to bring the soil back to its previous purpose - agricultural production. The objective of this paper is mainly to point out the need for the further expansion of the utilization of fossil fuels, which in turn reduces the emission of CO2, and thus reduces or prevents global climate changes on Earth. In addition to that, bringing back deteriorated terrains to their previous purpose - agricultural production, or the afforestation - contributes to the maintenance of ecological balance in nature, which then makes coal mining sustainable.

Diagenesis of diatomite from the Kolubara Coal Basin, Baroševac, Serbia

Diatomite associated with the Kolubara Coal Basin was studied to better understand early stage silica diagenesis of shallow water deposits. The Kolubara Basin consists of Neogene siliciclastic rocks, diatomite, marlstone and rare carbonates. Palaeozoic metamorphic and Mesozoic sedimentary and igneous basement rocks are transgressively overlain by Upper Miocene sandstone, siltstone, shale and mudstone. This Upper Miocene section is transgressively overlain by the Pontian section, which contains diatomite and coal beds. White and grey diatomite forms beds 0.7-2.2 m thick that are continuous over an area of about 2 km2. Siliceous rocks vary in composition from diatomite (81-89 per cent SiO2) to diatom-bearing shale (58-60 per cent SiO2). Siliceous deposits are laminated in places, with the laminae defined by variations in clay minerals, organic matter and diatoms. Diatomite shows only incipient diagenesis characterized by the fragmentation of diatom frustules, the minor to moderate corrosion of frustules and the formation of minor amounts of opal-A' (X-ray amorphous inorganic opal) cement. The low degree of diagenesis results from the young age of the deposits, low burial temperatures and possibly also from the presence of abundant organic matter and the dissolution of kaolinite. The presence of only weak diagenesis is also reflected by the characteristically poor consolidation of the rocks and low rank of the associated coal.

Preparation of filter aids based on diatomites

Two major deposits of diatomaceous earth (diatomite) in the region of the Balkan Peninsula, the Kolubara basin (Serbia and Montenegro) and the Vesje deposit (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), were selected for detailed investigation of their possible application in preparation of beer filter aids. Chemical, mineralogical and structural properties of diatomite samples were analyzed with the aim of predicting the filtration efficiency. Results of beer filtering compounds preparation are presented in this paper. The parameters of crushing, drying, calcination and classification are also defined. Beer filtration tests proved diatomites to be satisfactory and not causing any degradation of filtration process or beer quality. Technological flow scheme for obtaining the beer filter aids is proposed in the paper.