Mine Waste Areas Research Articles

Plant Species Diversity of Plant Communities and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Buffer Zone of Momianhe Stream Along a Long-Term Mine Wastes Area, China.

The species composition of eight shrub communities were investigated in order to understand the species diversity of plant communities in buffer zone and wetland of Momianhe stream along a long-term mine waste area, Lanping county, Yunnan province, China. Dominant plant species and soil samples were collected to analysis heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) accumulation characteristics. The results showed that 100% samples for Zn, Pb, Cd, and 87.5% samples for Cu in the investigated area exceeded the Yunnan geochemical background value of the heavy metals in the soil. There were 36 plants species in communities, among which Epilobium pyrricholophum, Elsholtzia argyi, Artemisia vestita, Tripogon chinensis were the dominant species. Plant species, the number of individuals, Ecological Dominance (Do), Shannon-Wiener index (H'), Simpson diversity index (Dsi) and Pielou evenness index (Epi) were affected by Cd and Cu contents of the soil and sediment. Therefore, the results indicate that Cu and Cd contents and ecological risk in the process of long-term vegetation restoration of small catchment in lead-zinc mine waste area should pay more attention.

Environmental investigation of pollutants in coal mine operation and waste dump area monitored in Ordos Region, China.

The increasingly severe emissions of greenhouse and poisonous gases from environmentally unsafe stockpiled coal mine waste dumps have urged people from the academia as well as the industry to focus on environmental impact assessment. In this study, one-year air pollutant monitoring was conducted at the Qipanjing coalfield in Inner Mongolia of China for determining the distribution pattern statue of pollutant exposure and its main driving factors. We used FTIR spectroscopy to measure the inorganic compounds in particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 μm. The spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of leading pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3 and CO were analyzed. Firstly, the research showed that the temporal and spatial distribution of pollutants in the coal mine waste area is non-homogeneous. Secondly, some meteorological parameters, such as wind speed, relative humidity, temperature, and rainfall, were found to have significant effects on air pollutant distribution. Stable atmospheric conditions were unfavorable for the diffusion of pollutants and prolong the pollution process. Finally, in the vicinity of coalfields, SO2 and NO2 are present in high concentrations in air. Primary reasons for such high values are coal mining-related activities and active mine fires. This study will help to offer valuable and detailed information for understanding and interpreting the pollution source.

Big geospatial data analysis for Canada’s Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory (APEI): using google earth engine to estimate particulate matter from exposed mine disturbance areas

ABSTRACTParticulate Matter (PM) emissions originating from mine waste and mine tailings can be hazardous to human health, depending on the ore type and processes used to extract ore. Until now, only a single, simple estimate of the total area of mine waste area across all of Canada has been available for calculating air quality emissions from this source. This single estimate, based on manual satellite interpretation completed in 1977, was extrapolated to estimate mine areas for all years from 1990 to the present. These area estimates were used annually to calculate the particulate matter from mines for the Canadian Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory (APEI); however, there is high uncertainty in these measurements of mine area and therefore in emissions estimates. In order to increase certainty in emissions estimates, the exposed mine waste areas must be mapped for each year. Mapping mine waste over areas as large as the Canadian landmass requires enormous quantities of data and considerable computational power, which will be compounded when a time-series analysis is required. Therefore, in this study, we have employed Google Earth Engine (GEE) Javascript API to map exposed mine areas in four “benchmark” years (1990, 2000, 2010, and current year 2018) as part of the APEI. A random forest classifier was trained using two separate datasets (Landsat-5 year 2000; and a combination of Landsat-8, Sentinel-1, and Sentinel-2 for the year 2018). Transfer learning was then used to apply the year 2000 model to the year 1990 and 2010 Landsat-5 imagery, which produced classification results for the four “benchmark” years in our time series. This tool has enabled the monitoring of mine growth over a 30-year period and has confirmed that overall the area of mines is growing in Canada. Overall, Google Earth Engine proved to be an invaluable tool in mapping exposed mine waste areas and would be similarly useful for any organization with large-area monitoring mandates or those interested in time-series analysis of the Landsat archive.

Bioleaching potential of bacterial communities in historic mine waste areas

Microbial activity has the potential to alter all cultural heritage in mining and metallurgy, due to metal mobilization by leaching. This communication shows the consequences of the bioleaching ability of two natural enrichments on copper slag samples from a historic ore smelting site in Sangerhausen (Mansfeld, Sudharz, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany). Enrichment cultures gained from mine drainage were dominated by either the iron and sulfur-oxidizing Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans, or by the iron-oxidizing Leptospirillum. During 35 days of bioleaching in media containing copper slag pulp, inoculated with these enrichments, the change in pH and solubilized metal concentrations of the systems were monitored. Both bacterial strains were completely different from each other in their pattern of pH variation and rates of metal solubilization. The maximum removal of Cu (1725 mg/l) and Zn (715 mg/l) from copper slag substrate was achieved with enrichment culture of A. ferrivorans SCUT-1. However, maximum Mn (207 mg/l), Pb (86 mg/l), and Ni (75 mg/l) removal was observed with enrichment culture of Leptospirillum strain YQP-1. Implications for metal mobilization along with alteration of artifacts from not only historic mining areas but also aspects of decontamination and remediation are discussed.

Multimedia exposures to arsenic and lead for children near an inactive mine tailings and smelter site

Children living near contaminated mining waste areas may have high exposures to metals from the environment. This study investigates whether exposure to arsenic and lead is higher in children in a community near a legacy mine and smelter site in Arizona compared to children in other parts of the United States and the relationship of that exposure to the site. Arsenic and lead were measured in residential soil, house dust, tap water, urine, and toenail samples from 70 children in 34 households up to 7 miles from the site. Soil and house dust were sieved, digested, and analyzed via ICP-MS. Tap water and urine were analyzed without digestion, while toenails were washed, digested and analyzed. Blood lead was analyzed by an independent, certified laboratory. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated between each environmental media and urine and toenails for arsenic and lead. Geometric mean arsenic (standard deviation) concentrations for each matrix were: 22.1 (2.59) ppm and 12.4 (2.27)ppm for soil and house dust (<63μm), 5.71 (6.55)ppb for tap water, 14.0 (2.01)μg/L for specific gravity-corrected total urinary arsenic, 0.543 (3.22)ppm for toenails. Soil and vacuumed dust lead concentrations were 16.9 (2.03)ppm and 21.6 (1.90) ppm. The majority of blood lead levels were below the limit of quantification. Arsenic and lead concentrations in soil and house dust decreased with distance from the site. Concentrations in soil, house dust, tap water, along with floor dust loading were significantly associated with toenail and urinary arsenic but not lead. Mixed models showed that soil and tap water best predicted urinary arsenic. In our study, despite being present in mine tailings at similar levels, internal lead exposure was not high, but arsenic exposure was of concern, particularly from soil and tap water. Naturally occurring sources may be an additional important contributor to exposures in certain legacy mining areas.

Fish-hood: Environmental assessment, critical Indigenous studies, and posthumanism at Fish Lake (Teztan Biny), Tsilhqot’in territory

This article is about how fish are regulated through environmental assessment. The theoretical frame used is nested between critical Indigenous studies and posthumanism which allows for an interrogation of how fish are very formally produced as disposable through mining regulatory procedures, such as environmental impact statements, that form the basis of the environmental assessment processes in Canada. The site of analysis is Fish Lake on Tsilhqot’in lands in the interior of British Columbia. I look at the corporate-scientific foundation of Canadian federal environmental assessment and an amendment within the federal Fisheries Act that allows fish bearing lakes to be turned into mining waste areas. An analysis of the use of these regulations illuminates part of the story about a twice-rejected copper–gold mine proposal at Fish Lake. In light of how Canadian regulations can produce fish as disposable, I explore if the value of fish can be explained externally from capital accumulation and technical representations in scientific studies within environmental assessment. The article reveals the environmental assessment process largely negates what I refer to as “fish-hood.”

Evaluation of Environmental Impacts of the Figueira Coal-Fired Power Plant, Paraná, Brazil

The present study investigates the petrographical and chemical characteristics of the feedcoal used in the coal-fired Figueira Power Plant, Paraná, Brazil, and the chemical characteristics of fly and bottom ashes generated in the combustion process. Chemical characteristics of soils, water and plants collected in the proximity (250 to 5000 m) of the power plant were also studied in order to determine if there exist any contamination caused by emissions of the power plant. The feedcoal is of high volatile C/B rank. Mean ash content is 30.3 wt% and the mean sulphur content is 4.3 wt%. Trace element concentrations &gt; 500 mg·kg−1 include Zn and As, trace elements &gt; 100 mg·kg−1 include Mn, B, Pb and Sn, and trace elements &gt; 50 mg·kg−1 include Cr, U, V. For fly and bottom ashes the highest trace element concentrations were recorded for Zn, As, Mn, Sn and B, with most trace element enriched in the fly ashes. In the soil samples the mean values of the trace elements are highly variable ranging from &lt; 1 mg·kg−1 for elements such as Cd, Sb, Se and Tl to concentrations &gt; 20 mg·kg−1 for elements such as B, Cr, Mn, V and Zn. At 5 sample locations out of 38 As concentrations were found to exceed the upper limits considered by the Brazilian Environmental Agency, and at one point each Co and Sb was found to be elevated. The saturated hydrocarbon fraction in the soils suggest an origin from terrestrial plants by the predominance of C27, C29 and C31 n-alkanes. Enrichment of PAHs were determined at sample locations near the power plant, with PAH ratios suggesting an origin both of petroleum and coal combustion. Analyses of the surface water showed sulfate concentrations well within the range reported for fresh water, with pH values indicative of neutral conditions for most samples. At one locality very high sulfate concentrations, along with a low pH value and enrichment in a number of trace elements (B, Be, Cd, Co, Li, Mn, Ni, Tl, U and Zn) were observed. It is suggested that these unusual concentrations are related to the proximity of the sample location to an abandoned coal mine. The saturated hydrocarbons determined in the water samles indicate a contribution of terrestrial plants by the predominant C27, C29 and C31 n-alkanes, whereas most PAHs where below the detection limit. Trace element concentrations in the Fern and Arrow Leave samples taken at locations of the prevailing southerly wind direction show for a number of elements (As, B, Pb, U, Zn) increasing values at sample sites near the power plant. One extraordinary high concentration of As (5248 mg kg−1) was determined in a fern sample, which also showed a relatively high Se value. It is suggested that the high As and Se concentrations are not related to emissions from the power plant, but rather reflect the proximity of the sample location to mine waste areas of the operating nearby coal mine. Enrichment of certain elements such as Zn and As found in soil and plant samples and the occurrence of some PAHs at locations near the power plant, suggest a contribution from emissions by the power plant. However, most trace element concentrations do not exceed the upper limits as indicated by the Brazilian Environmental Agency and PAH ratios suggest for many samples an origin of petroleum (incomplete fuel burning by motor vehicles) rather than coal combustion. Enrichment of trace elements and sulfate concentration in soil and water samples observed at a limited number of sample locations may be related to other anthropogenic sources such as abandoned coal mine sites and mine waste areas of operating coal mines.

Relation Between Edaphic Factors and Vegetation Development on Copper Mine Wastes: A Case Study From Bor (Serbia, SE Europe)

The relationship between edaphic characteristics and vegetation growing on mine wastes in the Bor region (East Serbia, SE Europe) was studied using multivariate statistical analysis. The influence of edaphic factors on the composition of plant life-forms was also investigated, since it could reflect strategies for the avoidance of or tolerance to disturbances of ecosystems. The goal was to provide potential models for the restoration and management of this and similar mine waste areas. The results of this study imply that soil textures, nitrogen contents, reclamation technology and the presence of hydrothermally altered andesite as the type of bedrock significantly influenced plant colonization and vegetation composition of the Bor mine wastes. These edaphic factors explained 30.3 % of the total variation in the vegetation data set. It was also revealed that the pattern of plant life-forms found on the considered site groups corresponded to the soil texture. Based on their relative abundance on the investigated sites and relationships with soil properties it is concluded that therophytes and geophytes are unsuccessful primary colonizers of the Bor mine wastes. Hemicryptophytes of psammophytic character were the most successful primary colonizers and therefore potential candidates for anthropogenically-assisted natural recovery. This study suggested that an assessment of edaphic factors should be widely used in the characterization of mine wastes prior to reclamation. Estimation of their role in the development of existing mine vegetation should predate reclamation procedures. Thus, approaches based on adequate plant life-forms should have a more prominent role in future mine reclamation schemes.

Biorremediação de áreas contaminadas com cobre

Copper is an essential micronutrient to all living organisms, although in high concentrations it can cause environmental problems. Vineyard areas are potential copper-contaminated sites due to intense and constant use of sprays contai­ning copper in formulation. Copper mining waste areas also have high copper concentrations with high potential to contaminate adjacent areas. Use of efficient techniques for remediation of these areas is necessary to reduce negative impacts and improve environmental conditions. Organisms such as plants, fungus and bacteria are efficient alternatives and coast-friendly to all involved parts. The objective of this review is to discuss the main aspects of bioremediation of copper-contaminated areas and show some research aspects to optimize the process. Bioremediation of contaminated areas can be more efficient when efficient and resistant microorganisms isolated from copper-contaminated areas are used together with copper hyperaccumulator plants.

Heavy metal distribution and chemical speciation in tailings and soils around a Pb–Zn mine in Spain

Soil pollution by lead, zinc, cadmium and copper was characterized in the mine tailings and surrounding soils (arable and pasture lands) of an old Spanish Pb–Zn mine. Sixty soil samples were analyzed, determining the total metal concentration by acid digestion and the chemical fractionation of Pb and Zn by the modified BCR sequential extraction method. Samples belonging to mine waste areas showed the highest values, with mean concentrations of 28,453.50 mg kg −1 for Pb, 7000.44 mg kg −1 for Zn, 20.57 mg kg −1 for Cd and 308.48 mg kg −1 for Cu. High concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd were found in many of the samples taken from surrounding arable and pasture lands, indicating a certain extent of spreading of heavy metal pollution. Acidic drainage and wind transport of dust were proposed as the main effects causing the dispersion of pollution. Sequential extraction showed that most of the Pb was associated with non-residual fractions, mainly in reducible form, in all the collected samples. Zn appeared mainly associated with the acid-extractable form in mine tailing samples, while the residual form was the predominant one in samples belonging to surrounding areas. Comparison of our results with several criteria reported in the literature for risk assessment in soils polluted by heavy metals showed the need to treat the mine tailings dumped in the mine area.

Abandoned Smolník mine (Slovakia) – a catchment area affected by mining activities

Smolnik is a historical Cu-mining area that was exploited from the 14th century to 1990. The Smolnik mine was definitively closed and flooded in 1990–1994. Acid mine drainage discharging from the flooded mine (pH = 3.83, Fe = 542 mg/l, SO4 = 3642 mg/l, Cu = 1880 μg/l, Zn = 9599 μg/l, As = 108 μg/l) acidified and contaminated the Smolnik Creek water, which transported pollution into the Hnilec River catchment. The Smolnik mine waste area has been used as a model area to document pollution of waters, stream sediments, and soils by metals and other toxic elements. Major goals of this complex study were to document creek water transport of the main pollutants (Fe, sulphates, Cu, Al, As, etc.) in the form of suspended solids, to investigate elements mobility in common mine waste (rock and processing waste heaps and tailing impoundment) and in the soil on the basis of neutralization and leach experiments. Different methodologies and techniques for sampling and chemical and mineralogical characterization of samples were used and checked to evaluate environmental risk of this abandoned mine area.

A decision support system for evaluation of the ecological benefits of rehabilitation of coal mine waste areas

This paper describes a decision support system (DSS) for evaluation of the ecological benefits of rehabilitation of coal mine waste areas. The system was used as a tool to evaluate the ecological benefits; it supported users to select the proper models and index systems according to the waste type or the users’ predilection. The DSS was applied in the Fuxin coal mine dump area. Our novel integrated web‐GIS DSS was implemented using a web server and ServletExec technology over an ArcIMS platform to support data access and processing in a distributed environment. The DSS allows the generation and evaluation of suitable alternatives with respect to salient features of the problem, especially environmental consequences. The paper describes the identification and collection of relevant information, the structure of a database, the design of algorithms for solving the core location problem, the study of models for evaluating the different alternatives and their framing in a complete multi‐criteria decision model. In particular, the model management subsystem supports the user to choose a corresponding algorithm and modify the index for ecological benefits. Finally, the solution of the case study, by means of the DSS, is described.

Assessment of ambient air quality in coal mine waste areas — a case study in Fuxin, China

An extension of the matter‐element method was applied to estimate ambient air quality in Haizhou opencast colliery in Fuxin coal mine. Air pollutants data such as sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, total suspended particulates, particulate matter and dustfall were collected at four different air‐quality monitoring stations located in four districts around the Fuxin colliery. Results show that total suspended particulates, particulate matter <10 μm, dustfall and sulphur dioxide were the predominant pollutants. Other pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides were also detected at the Fuxin colliery. Air pollution came mainly from industrial emissions, mining activities and abandoned gangue stockpiles (mine tailings). Compared to those applied to other mathematical assessment methods, it was demonstrated that the extension of the matter‐element model was quite appropriate for air quality assessment.

Relating landscape characteristics to non-point source pollution in mine waste-located watersheds using geospatial techniques

Landscape characteristics of a watershed are important variables that influence surface water quality. Understanding the relationship between these variables and surface water quality is critical in predicting pollution potential and developing watershed management practices to eliminate or reduce pollution risk. To understand the impacts of landscape characteristics on water quality in mine waste-located watersheds, we conducted a case study in the Tri-State Mining District which is located in the conjunction of three states (Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma). Severe heavy metal pollution exists in that area resulting from historical mining activities. We characterized land use/land cover over the last three decades by classifying historical multi-temporal Landsat imagery. Landscape metrics such as proportion, edge density and contagion were calculated based on the classified imagery. In-stream water quality data over three decades were collected, including lead, zinc, iron, cadmium, aluminum and conductivity which were used as key water quality indicators. Statistical analyses were performed to quantify the relationship between landscape metrics and surface water quality. Results showed that landscape characteristics in mine waste-located watersheds could account for as much as 77% of the variation of water quality indicators. A single landscape metric alone, such as proportion of mine waste area, could be used to predict surface water quality; but its predicting power is limited, usually accounting for less than 60% of the variance of water quality indicators.

Sulfur-isotope distribution and contamination related to the Balya Pb?Zn Mine in Turkey

Sulfur-isotope (δ34S) values and weight (%) of acid-volatile sulfur (AVS), chrome-reducible sulfide (CRS), elemental sulfur (ES), and acid-soluble sulfates were determined in Balya Mine ore rock, mine wastes, and Kocacay River and Lake Manyas sediments. Estimation of isotopic fractionation (Δ34S) between product sulfate and initial CRS (pyrite) was used to evaluate the progress of sulfide oxidation in the mine-waste area. Water- and acid-soluble sulfate produced from different mine-waste samples, such as metallurgical waste (MW) and waste rock (WR), in laboratory experiments also shows distinct δ34S values and allows identification of the acid-mine-drainage sources in the mine-waste area. Average δ34SSO4values are −1.43‰ for MW (n=4) and +2.06‰ for WR (n=8). Short (24 hr) and long (60 days) term leach experiments were considered using alternating wet/dry conditions to simulate sulfate-production capacity and metal-discharge characteristics for MW and WR piles. Release of heavy metals follows the order of Pb2+ >Mn2+ >Zn2+ >Cu2+ for these pile samples. Values of δ34SSO4 for river water that was collected after 3–4 h of heavy rainfall are close to values of δ34SSO4 for water-soluble sulfates from mine-waste piles used in laboratory leach experiments.

Field study of geochemistry and solute fluxes in flooded uranium mine tailings

A geochemical investigation was conducted at the Quirke cell 14 mine waste management area near Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada, to assess the evolution of water quality of submerged preoxidized uranium mine tailings. Dissolved solids, sulphate, and radium fluxes towards the water cover were calculated using measured solute concentrations, water-cover volumes, and seepage rates for 1993 and 1999. Results indicate that flooding of preoxidized tailings can lead to the initial release of dissolved solids, acidity, and sulphate from the tailings to the overlying water cover. However, the overall impact of this release on the water cover can be minimal in the long term because of dilution from precipitation and fresh water inflows and flushing of the oxidation products down into the pore water. Profiles of dissolved metals and sulphate across the tailings–water interface at the study site indicated a high degree of chemical stability. Solute concentrations in the water cover were homogeneous and generally low at all stations. Pore-water profiles revealed minor remobilization of some trace metals and radionuclides in the shallow pore water (~0.15 m).Key words: mine tailings, water cover, pore-water geochemistry, radium, metal mobility, diffusion, flux.

Metal distribution and environmental problems related to sulfide oxidation in the Libiola copper mine area (Ligurian Apennines, Italy)

Metal mobility and distribution in water and sediments in the surroundings of the pyrite–chalcopyrite–sphalerite mine of Libiola, in the Gromolo Valley near Sestri Levante (Genova), are investigated to evaluate the environmental hazard in the area. The mineralisation, related to Apennine ophiolites, was already known in the Bronze Age (about 2500 yr bc), but economic exploitation started in the XVII century. Open galleries, waste dumps and acid drainage testified the past mining activities which ended in 1965. Mine waste material, covering an area of about 0.5 km 2, is reddish–yellowish, generally coarse-grained and stratified. The waste is a mixture of basalt, ultramafic-derived and iron-rich phases, with relatively high concentrations of S (mean 0.3% S) and Cu (mean 0.3% Cu), and significant contents of Zn, As, Mo and Se. Acid drainage, with pH values as low as 2.5, is quite rich in dissolved Fe, Al, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni. Repeated sampling revealed marked chemical variations, particularly in the mine waste area, depending on water flow conditions. Where low-pH water mixes with normal (pH 8) surface water, reddish amorphous iron phases (e.g. ferrihydrite, schwertmannite) precipitate, favouring the scavenging of many elements carried by the acid waters and providing a natural way of remediation for the stream waters. The rapid flocculation causes anomalous contents of Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Sc, Y, La, Ce, and to a lesser extent of Cr and Ni, in the sediments. Although the ochreous colloids are important components of the Gromolo River sediments for about 8 km from the mine, preliminary results indicate that, unless natural conditions change, remobilisation of heavy metals should not be expected.

Radioactivity in the great lakes

Studies of radioactivity in the Laurentian Great Lakes are reviewed to evaluate the impact of radionuclide dissemination on the world's foremost freshwater aquatic ecosystem. The status of radiologically-degraded areas is also reported. Significant amounts of radioactivity are stored in the basin, which has numerous nuclear reactors as well as uranium mine waste areas. The prevailing low levels of artificially-produced radionuclides, arising largely from previous fallout inputs, provide very little radiation dose to the area residents consuming lake water. The interlake transport of radionuclides is adequately described by existing models, though some refinement of the source term is needed. Revised estimates of fallout over each lake are given, but no data are available to estimate drainage basin contributions. Only limited information is available on the dispersal of radioactive pollutants. The influence of chemical parameters on radionuclide cycling has been extensively investigated in Lake Michigan and, to a lesser degree, in Lake Ontario. The need for developing a radiological objective for fish becomes apparent from an assessment of the very few data collected thus far on the biological and dosimetric aspects. Several research and monitoring needs are also identified.