Mine Waste Heaps Research Articles

Geochemical properties of water under the waste heaps in Chervonohrad mining region

The geochemical properties of water under the waste heaps within the Chervonohrad mining region have been studied. The environmental remediation around the technogenic reservoirs of rock heaps using the bioplateau systems is proposed. In 2017, samples were taken from reservoirs of technogenic origin located at the foot of rock heaps of such coal mines as “Mezhyrichanska”, “Velykomostivska”, “Stepova”, “Zarichna”, “Lisova” and “Chervonohradska”. According to the analysis of the studied parameters, it has been determined that water under the Mezhyrichanska Mine waste heaps is the most polluted. The most dangerous landscape-transforming factor of water under the waste heaps is the transfer of polluting substances into the soil, surface and subterranean waters. Through the use of the Pearson coefficients of correlation, the ratios between pollution patameters have been obtained. The determined correlation coefficients are high, positive (r = 0.78 – 0.99) and evidence of the toxic components spread in water under the waste heaps throughout the entire coal mining region. The obtained geochemical data on water under the waste heaps of mines in the Chervonohrad mining region are important in terms of the environmental impact assessment of mining activity on the human body and the biosphere components – the hydrosphere, the phytogenic field. It is necessary to establish environmental monitoring systems and to develop measures for the environmentally safe decommissioning the waste heaps of coal mines.

WAYS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF OCCURRENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ORIGIN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN AREAS OF ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT AT COAL MINES

The description of the topic and problems of the object. The factors of environmental danger that can lead to emergency situations in areas of technogenic impact of mining enterprises in the Lviv-Volyn coal basin are analyzed.
 The purpose of the article is to justify the feasibility of the measures to minimize the spread of pollutants from mine dumps by the arrangement of geochemical barriers.
 The results of the research. The microelement composition of the dumps rocks of some mines in the coal basin have been examined. The rocks of mine waste heaps Chervonograd in compareness with the clark for clays and mudstone rocks of waste heaps concentrate Cobalt, Lead, Magnesium, Yitrium, Cuprum, Itterbium and Beryllium; Nadiia – Gallium, Manhan, Plumbum, Stanum, Itterbium, Cuprum; Stepova – Titanium and Tsirconium; Mezhyrichanska – Molybdenum and Plumbum. By the principal component methodparagenetic associations of trace elements and environmental parameters, which gave the opportunity to predict the ways and forms the main components of migration of trace element contamination are dedicated. In particular, for the rocks of mine waste heaps at Stepova such paragenetic associations are allocated: 1) the thickness of the bulk layer, the swiftness of slope, the ash content of rocks, the concentration of Sn, Cr, Zn and mudstones; thecontent of coal, pyrite, siderite, siltstone, Co, Ni, Mo, Cu, geomorphological characteristics, radioactivity of rocks; 2) the concentration of Pb, Ti, Cu, Sr, mudstone and rocks; 3) the contents of Mn and P. For the rocks of mine Mezhyrichanska are shown the association: 1) content of V, Y, Yb, Co, Ti, P, Cr, Ni, Be, Mn, Cu, Ba, Sn, Sc, Zn, Ga, Sr, Zr, ash content of rocks 2) the content of Mo, distribution of coal, not burnt rocks and pyrite. For the environment protection from pollution the most optimal methods are based on acceleration of the natural transformation of pollutants in the secure or their targeted concentrations in some limited areas with an area of the lithosphere, which are declared. To reduce the level of environmental risk and minimize the occurrence of emergency, on the territory of the Lviv-Volyn coal basin, the arrangement of artificial geochemical barriers on the way of pollutants from coal mine waste dumps to water have been proved for the first time.

Quantifying erosion of ‘at risk’ archaeological sites using repeat terrestrial laser scanning

Effective heritage management is reliant on an understanding of the range of current and potential future threats facing archaeological sites. Despite this, the processes leading to the loss of in situ archaeological remains are still poorly understood, including the rates, timing and drivers of surface erosion. This issue is particularly significant for abandoned historical metal mines in upland landscapes, where erosion rates are typically higher due to a combination of the unstable character of the archaeological deposits and the increased effectiveness of surface erosion processes. This study utilises repeat terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to monitor the changing condition of two adjacent lead mines in the North Pennines, UK, over an 18month period. The high spatial and temporal resolution of the TLS data, in conjunction with land cover characteristics derived from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey, allows the detailed quantification of the causes and impacts of surface change. The results demonstrate that stream bank erosion is the process responsible for the most widespread and archaeologically significant damage, although localised gullying of mine waste heaps resulted in the largest volumetric loss of material (>160m3). Temporal variation in the erosion of upland archaeological sites is highly episodic, being dominated (>70%) by high magnitude but low frequency storm events. These results provide invaluable information regarding the causes and impacts of erosion of upland archaeological remains, as well as establishing a proven methodology which can now be applied to archaeological sites in other landscape contexts.

Mercury and selenium interactions in human blood in the Wanshan mercury mining area, China

Human blood mercury (Hg), selenium (Se) and other trace element levels were investigated in the Wanshan mercury mining area. Residents living near the mine waste heaps had significantly elevated blood Hg, Se and arsenic (As) levels, which indicates the impact from Hg mining and smelting activities. Rice samples showed high Se levels, as 72.6% of total Se intake comes from rice consumption. The means of the Se:total Hg (THg) and Se:methyl Hg (MeHg) molar ratios were 60.7±27.1 and 110±53.6 respectively. Blood Se:Hg molar ratios were negatively correlated with blood Hg levels. 80.2% of the study population had blood THg levels that exceeded the 5.8μg/L regulation level set by the USEPA, which indicated the risk of Hg exposure. On the other hand, the blood Se levels were within a safe-level range, and dietary Se intake protected local residents who suffered from Hg exposure.

Revegetation of extremely acid mine soils based on aided phytostabilization: A case study from southern China

Acidification is a major constraint for revegetation of sulphidic metal-contaminated soils, as exemplified by the limited literature reporting the successful phytostabilization of mine soils associated with pH<3 and high acidification potential. In this study, a combination of ameliorants (lime and chicken manure) and five acid-tolerant plant species has been employed in order to establish a self-sustaining vegetation cover on an extremely acid (pH<3) polymetallic pyritic mine waste heap in southern China exhibiting high acidification potential. The results from the first two-year data showed that the addition of the amendments and the establishment of a plant cover were effective in preventing soil acidification. Net acid-generating potential of the mine soil decreased steadily, whilst pH and acid neutralization capacity increased over time. All the five acid-tolerant plants colonized successfully in the acidic metal-contaminated soil and developed a good vegetation cover within six months, and subsequent vegetation development enhanced organic matter accumulation and nutrient element status in the mine soil. The two-year remediation program performed on this extremely acid metalliferous soil indicated that aided phytostabilization can be a practical and effective restoration strategy for such extremely acid mine soils.

Human inorganic mercury exposure, renal effects and possible pathways in Wanshan mercury mining area, China

Rice can accumulate methylmercury (MeHg) and rice consumption is the main route of MeHg exposure for the local population in Guizhou, China. However, inorganic Hg (IHg) load in human body is not comprehensively studied in highly Hg polluted areas such as Hg mining areas. This study is designed to evaluate human IHg exposure, related renal effects and possible pathways in Wanshan Hg mining area, Guizhou, Southwest China. Residents lived within 3km to the mine waste heaps showed high Urine Hg (UHg) concentrations and the geometrical means (Geomean) of UHg were 8.29, 5.13, and 10.3μg/g Creatinine (Cr) at site A, D, and E, respectively. It demonstrated a gradient of UHg concentrations with the distance from the pollution sources. A significantly positive correlation between paired results for UHg concentrations and serum creatinine (SCr) was observed in this study, but not for UHg and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). There are significant increases of SCr in two quartiles with high UHg concentrations. The results indicated that human IHg exposure may cause impairment of renal function. By calculation of Probable Daily Intake from different routes, we found that dietary intake is the main pathway of IHg exposure for the local population, rather than inhalation of Hg vapor.

사면의 지표변위 측정을 위한 레이저 거리측정기의 활용

본 연구에서는 레이저 거리측정기를 이용하여 사면의 지표변위를 효과적으로 측정하는 방법을 제안하였다. 기존 사면의 지표변위 혹은 지중변위를 측정하기 위한 복잡하고 고가의 장비 대신에 제안된 방법을 적용할 경우 보다 간편하고 쉽게 지표변위를 측정할 수 있다. 레이저 거리측정기는 적색 레이저를 측정을 원하는 피사체에 시준하면 반사되는 레이저를 이용해 거리를 측정하는 기기로 작동방법이 용이하고 측정정밀도도 아주 높으며, 가격이 저렴한 장점이 있다. 제안된 방법의 활용가능성을 검토하기 위하여 실제 지표변위가 지속적으로 발생되는 현장에 적용하였다. 대상지역은 석탄폐석 적치장의 영향으로 하부에 위치하는 절취사면 및 자연사면의 여러 위치에서 지표변위가 발생된 현장이다. 대상지역에 지표변위를 직접적으로 측정하기 위하여 6개의 측정구간과 26개의 측정지점을 선정하였다. 일정한 기간 동안 제안된 방법을 이용하여 측정한 결과 누적 지표변위량 뿐만 아니라 지표변위속도까지 측정이 가능하였다. 그리고 이들 결과를 종합적으로 분석하여 지표변위 발생방향을 확인 및 예측할 수 있다. In this study, the method to measure effectively the ground surface displacement of slope was proposed using the Laser Distance Measurer (LDM). Applying the proposed technique is more simple and easier than the complicated and high-priced instrument to measure the ground surface displacement. LDM is an instrument that the red laser aimed at the target and then the reflected laser used for calculating the distance. The advantages of LDM are easy operating method, high measurement precision and lower in price. To check the feasibility, the proposed method applied to the real site that the ground surface displacement of slope was occurred continuously. The ground surface displacements were occurred in various points of the natural and cut slopes located at the lower part of coal mine waste heap due to the load of waste heap. To measure directly the ground surface displacement in this site, 6 measurement sections and 26 measurement points were selected. As the result of the displacement measured by the proposed technique within a certain period time, the accumulative ground surface displacement could be measured as well as the velocity of displacement could be estimated. Also, the progress direction of ground surface displacement can be confirmed and predicted through the analysis of all measured result.

The role of anthropogenic water reservoirs within the landscapes of mining areas – a case study from the western part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin

Abstract A few thousand anthropogenic water reservoirs can be found in the area of the Upper Silesian Coal Basis (USCB) located in southern Poland. In this paper the role of such anthropogenic lakes in the landscape of the western part of the USCB was presented and illustrated with the example of Knurów, a mining city, and its immediate surrounding area. The study of landscape changes in this area was carried out on the basis of archival and contemporary cartographic materials, historical sources, and interviews with inhabitants and direct field observations. It was found that the origin of the majority of the water reservoirs is related to hard coal, clay and sand mining. They were created primarily as a result of filling subsidence basins and post-mining excavations with water, as well as being the result of the construction of various hydro-technical facilities (settling ponds, fire protection water reservoirs, etc.) In the study area the anthropogenic water reservoirs are of different sizes, shapes and durability and play different roles in the environment. Between 1884 and 2001 their number increased 25-fold, while at the same time their total surface area increased more than 8-fold. The role of the newly created water reservoirs in the landscape primarily involves the transformation of the existing terrestrial ecosystems into wetland ecosystems. The agro-forestry landscape of the late 19th century was transformed into a typically anthropogenic landscape with a dominant share of water reservoirs, settlement ponds and mining waste heaps. The most common species of plants around the water reservoirs are Phragmites australis, Typha latifolia, Ceratophyllum demersum, Elodea canadensis, Potamogeton natans, Lemna sp., Acorus calamus, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Alisma plantago-aquatica and Glyceria aquatica. The most valuable elements of the flora include Trapa natans and Ruppia maritima, species recognized in Poland as threatened with extinction. Changes in the vegetation cover can be considered favourable since the analysed area is currently characterised by greater biodiversity. Reservoirs are in general positively perceived by residents and used for recreational purposes.

Searching for Opportunities in Environmental Trouble

Water Reuse There are more than 4,000 miles of rivers and creeks in Pennsylvania as a result of the water draining out of abandoned coal mines. The orange-tinted water and rust-colored rocks are reminders of the damage going on since the days Pennsylvania mines powered the United States’ rise as a global industrial power. Now producing natural gas by fracturing, the Marcellus shale is driving the state’s economy and those dead streams could present an unusual opportunity: offering both a source of much-needed water and a way to help clean up of waterways polluted by coal mine waste. There is an exploration and production (E&amp;P) company in the state, Seneca Resources, using the abandoned mine drainage (AMD) water for fracturing. By pumping as much as 500,000 gal/D of water from an old coal mine with low levels of sulfates, iron, and often other metals, it can improve the quality of the water downstream by taking those things out. “There are a lot of opportunities in the southwestern part of the state,” because there are so many flooded old mine shafts draining into waterways, said Doug Kepler, vice president of the environmental engineering group at Seneca Resources. “There is a lot of activity. A lot of operators are looking into whether they can do that.” Water used by Seneca requires little treatment because the sulfate and iron levels are low, but that is the exception in Pennsylvania, where chemicals leached from the water in old coal mines and from mining waste heaps can create metal-laden, acidic water that is deadly to fish, insects, and plant life in rivers. While many E&amp;P companies are interested in AMD water for fracturing, there are technical and legal obstacles to overcome. Treatment methods are needed for water that is often highly acidic, loaded with sulfates, and high in iron or other metals. The cost of that water has to be competitive with relatively inexpensive freshwater sources, and that amount must cover the cost of disposal of any byproducts. And environmental regulators need to answer a critical question: If an oil company uses mine drainage for a time as a source of water for fracturing, will it be responsible for that water source forever? The state has said it supports the use of AMD for fracturing, and Pennsylvania environmental regulators have supported a bill limiting liability for AMD use by the oil industry. The US Environmental Protection Agency has remained mute on liability questions related to AMD use, said Tom Gray, energy and natural resources manager at Tetra Tech, who delivered a presentation on the advantages of using mine water for fracturing. “To my knowledge, the EPA has never provided a direct written response.”

Viola tricolor (Violaceae) is a karyologically unstable species

Viola tricolor is a pseudometallophyte covering heavy-metal-polluted and non-polluted areas. The species is a member of the evolutionarily young sect. Melanium of Viola. In this study, we sought to determine whether the karyotype of V. tricolor is stable with respect to chromosome structure or is altered depending on environmental conditions (heavy-metal-polluted vs. non-polluted areas). We established the karyotypes of plant material originating from a Zakopane meadow (non-metallicolous population) and from the Bukowno mine waste heap (metallicolous population), showing evident interpopulation differentiation in chromosome type (2M+20 m+2sm+2st vs. 18 m+8sm), in the number, size, and distribution of rDNA loci (25S and 5S), and also in chromosome mutations, mainly fission of chromosomes into acentric fragments and translocation of the fragments. Variable numbers of both 25S and 5S rDNA loci were distributed at different positions of the chromosomes and not on specific pairs of chromosomes. The results clearly indicate that the karyotype of V. tricolor results from the unstable genetic structure of the species. This character, typical for relatively young evolutionary groups, proves its membership to the Melanium section considered to be young within the genus Viola.

The impact of hardpans and cemented layers on oxygen diffusivity in mining waste heaps: Diffusion experiments and modelling studies

This study reports column tests and modelling results to assess the impact of hardpans and cemented layers on oxygen supply in mine waste sediments. The analysed sediment samples were obtained from a low-sulphide and low-carbonate polymetallic mine waste tailings impoundment located in the Freiberg mining district in Germany. The three samples were characterised by different degrees and types of cementation. After physical and mineralogical properties of the samples had been determined, breakthrough curves of oxygen were measured in column studies at different degrees of water saturation, and the diffusivities were assessed using a numerical modelling approach. Results demonstrate that cemented layers and hardpans in undisturbed sediments associated with fine-grained material operate as preferential pathways for diffusive gas transport during rewetting, leading to higher oxygen diffusivities compared to disturbed sediments. Under air-dry conditions, the disturbed samples show higher diffusivities than the undisturbed sample, indicating clogging of the porosity by precipitation of secondary minerals such as trivalent Fe oxyhydroxides acting as a barrier and thereby decreasing the diffusivity of the undisturbed sample. In contrast to sediments without cementation, diffusion experiments of sediments with cemented layers used in this study yield similar tortuosities in spite of their different grain size distributions, pointing to the important role of these heterogeneities for gas diffusion.

Mercury pollution in Wuchuan mercury mining area, Guizhou, Southwestern China: The impacts from large scale and artisanal mercury mining

To evaluate the environmental impacts from large scale mercury mining (LSMM) and artisanal mercury mining (AMM), total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) were determined in mine waste, ambient air, stream water and soil samples collected from Wuchuan mercury (Hg) mining area, Guizhou, Southwestern China. Mine wastes from both LSMM and AMM contained high THg concentrations, which are important Hg contamination sources to the local environment. Total gaseous mercury (TGM) concentrations in the ambient air near AMM furnaces were highly elevated, which indicated that AMM retorting is a major source of Hg emission. THg concentrations in the stream water varied from 43 to 2100ng/L, where the elevated values were mainly found in the vicinity of AMM and mine waste heaps of LSMM. Surface soils were seriously contaminated with Hg, and land using types and organic matter played an important role in accumulation and transportation of Hg in soil. The results indicated heavy Hg contaminations in the study area, which were resulted from both LSMM and AMM. The areas impacted by LSMM were concentrated in the historical mining and smelting facilities, while Hg pollution resulted from AMM can be distributed anywhere in the Hg mining area.

ChemInform Abstract: The Biogeochemistry and Microbiology of Sulfidic Mine Waste and Bioleaching Dumps and Heaps, and Novel Fe(II)‐Oxidizing Bacteria

AbstractReview: 122 refs.

The impact of cemented layers and hardpans on oxygen diffusivity in mining waste heaps A field study of the Halsbrücke lead–zinc mine tailings (Germany)

This article reports fibre-optic oxygen measurements on a reactive mine waste heap located in the polymetallic sulphide mine district of Freiberg in south-eastern Germany. The heaped material consists of sulphide-bearing tailings from a processing plant of a lead–zinc mine. Mine waste material was deposited in the water phase after separation of mining ores in a flotation process. The tailing impoundment is partly covered with coarse sand and topsoil. Oxygen profiles were monitored during one year at eleven locations showing different physical and mineralogical compositions. At each location a borehole was drilled where the optic sensors were installed at 2–5 different depths. After installation the oxygen profiles were monitored seven times during one year from 2006–2007 and three to five oxygen profiles at each location were obtained. Oxygen measurements were accompanied by physical, chemical and mineralogical data of the tailing material. Additionally, a detailed mineralogical profile was analysed at a location representative for the central part of the heap, where the cemented layers show lateral continuity. Results showed that cemented layers have a significant influence on natural attenuation of the toxic As and Pb species owing to their capacity of water retention. The measured oxygen profiles are controlled by the zone of active pyrite weathering as well as by the higher water content in the cemented layers which reduces gaseous atmospheric oxygen supply. In contrast, gypsum bearing hardpans detected at three other locations have no detectable influence on oxygen profiles. Furthermore, the grain size distribution was proved to have a major effect on oxygen diffusivity due to its control on the water saturation. Temporal changes of the oxygen profiles were only observed at locations with coarse sediment material indicating also an important advective part of gas flux.

Predicting long-term contamination potential of perched groundwater in a mine-waste heap using a random-walk method

Mine-waste heaps are potential long-term sources of contamination for surface-water courses and groundwater systems. Application of a novel physically based particle-tracking model to a mine-waste heap in northern England, UK, has enabled predictions to be made of the lifetime of contaminants leaching, revealing a pattern of source-mineral depletion. A mine-waste heap is conceptualised by a series of one-dimensional unsaturated “columns” in which active weathering of source minerals takes place. These columns drain into a saturated zone, through which the contaminants are transported to the heap discharge. Solute transport is simulated within the model by the random-walk method while reaction kinetics are incorporated to account for the timescales of source mineral depletion. Results reveal that the mine-waste heap is likely to remain polluting for several centuries, with the governing factor in the magnitude of pollution being the transport of the reactant, oxygen, to the source-mineral surfaces.

English

In the Upper-Silesian Coal Basin southern Poland large areas of coal mine waste heaps, riverbanks and shoulders of transportation routes built of coal mine waste are biologically restored by the initiation of soil-forming processes. The purpose of this research was to determine, using laboratory research and observation in situ (field), some physical and chemical properties of mixtures of topsoil composed the forming process (coal mine waste and sewage sludge), before placing them on the coal mine waste heaps and riverbanks, and after a period of 1- 3 years, when the layer has been fully penetrated by root mass. Adequate physical properties of topsoil the process of forming mixtures protect the spoil-banks against erosion. Poor water retention ability should be taken into consideration when selecting the plants for biological restoration. High levels of macro components and increased sorption guarantee long and appropriate supply of nutrients. The application of analysed soil-forming mixtures for biological restoration of coal mine waste heaps and spoil-banks, along with proper selection of plants, assist maintaining a durable, self-sustaining ecosystem.

Characterization of iron- and sulphide mineral-oxidizing moderately thermophilic acidophilic bacteria from an Indonesian auto-heating copper mine waste heap and a deep South African gold mine.

Iron- and chalcopyrite-oxidizing enrichment cultures were obtained at 50 degrees C from acidic, high-temperature, copper/gold mine environments in Indonesia and South Africa. Over 90% copper yield was obtained from chalcopyrite concentrate with the Indonesian enrichment in 3 months with 2% solids concentration, when pH was maintained at around 2. Neither addition of silver cations nor an enhanced nutrient concentration influenced chalcopyrite leaching. Excision and sequencing of bands from denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of the amplified partial 16S rRNA gene showed that the enrichment cultures from different environments in South Africa and Indonesia were very simple, and similar. Chalcopyrite concentrate supported a simpler and different community than Fe2+. The members of the enrichment cultures were closely related to Sulfobacillus yellowstonensis and Sulfobacillus acidophilus.

Heavy Metal and Nutrient Concentration in Soil and Plants Growing on a Metalliferous Chromite Minespoil

Metal contamination in soil and plant samples from a chromite mine and its adjoining regions was determined. The metal concentration varied in stem, leaf and root of different tree species. In the case of shrubs, the highest concentration of iron (18.5 mg kg−1) was detected in the stem of Combretum roxburghii. The concentration of aluminium varied from 1.8 - 5.3 mg kg−1 dry weight, whereas the nickel content was found to be the highest in the stem of Calotropis gigantea. In the case of herbs, chromium concentration was highest (60.9 mg kg−1 dry weight) in Evolvulus alsenoides and the lowest (18.8 mg kg−1 dry weight) in Andrographis paniculata. There was a significant correlation observed between chromium in soil with the root of tree species like Lagerstroemia parviflora, Madhuca longifolia, Anogeissus latifolia and Haldina cordyfolia. Nickel in soil was significantly correlated with the stem and leaf of all the tree species except Chloroxylon sweitenia. Iron in soil showed correlation with the stem and leaf of Chloroxylon sweitenia. Among the shrubs (Calotropis gigantea, Combretum roxburghii and Smilax zeylanica), chromium in soil showed a correlation with the root. Nickel in soil was positively correlated with the stem and leaf of Calotropis gigantea and Combretum roxburghii. Among the herbs, chromium in the whole plant of Evolvulus alsenoids, Solanum surattense and Phyllanthus fraternus showed significant positive correlation with soil; nickel in Solanum surattense showed significant positive correlation with soil. The positive correlation coefficient was observed between iron in the whole plant and soil on Phyllanthus virgatus, Phyllanthus fraternus and Andrographis paniculata. The above information would be useful for the establishment of a vegetation cover on the minewaste heaps.

Origin and Distribution of Sulphate in Surface Waters of the Mansfeld Mining District (Central Germany)—A Sulphur Isotope Study

In the Mansfeld region (Central Germany) copper mining contributed to an enormous pollution of the environment. Metal- and sulphate-bearing sediments and leachates emerge from the former copper smelters and mining waste heaps, spread along local rivers and finally reach the Saale river. A sulphur isotope study on water and stream sediments was performed along the River “Böse Sieben” and from its tributaries to determine the different sulphur sources. Four major sulphur sources exist in the area: metal sulphide mineralisations (Kupferschiefer), metalliferous sulphidic flue dust, slag, and anhydrite and gypsum of Permian and Triassic age. We obtained δ34S(SO4)-values in water samples varying from +4‰ to −18‰ CDT, clearly reflecting the input of sulphate from different sources. Sulphate from the oxidation of sulphidic mining residues is restricted to the mining area and cannot be traced for more than 5 km downstream. The major source for sulphate is the dissolution of gypsum and anhydrite. The sulphur isotope composition in dissolved and sedimentary adsorbed sulphate differs only slightly from each other. Microbial dissimilatory sulphate reduction can not be excluded in the shallow sediment layers.

Changes of buffer action in the carboniferous claystones located at limestone waste on hard coal heaps

ABSTRACT The work represents the results of research concerning the evaluation of buffer action of carboniferous claystones from coal mines from The Upper Silesia Coal Basin in Poland. These claystones are located in hard coal heaps where acidification is is due to weathering of pyrite included in them. The evaluation of buffer action is based on, model calculations, which take into account proton “release” while sulphides present in the rocks are being oxydated and mineral constituents neutralization ability. Activity of each mineral components are calculated using B.Ulrich (1986) model. The carboniferous claystones potential of buffering ability is presented. Possibility of buffer action change of these rocks by addition of low granular limestone is important for speed and intensity of this acidification process. The production of lime in Poland is very important and low granular limestone waste is easely obtainable. The use of this material for improvement of buffer action of carboniferous claystones is ecological meaning full especially for the biological aspect and for non-soil reclamation of mining waste heaps.