Reclamation Techniques Research Articles

Possibility of spatial estimation of soil erosion using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model and generalized additive model in post‐hard coal mining spoil heap

AbstractRevegetation and plant cover establishment on coal mining heap areas are effective methods for reducing runoff and soil erosion. They are essential components for reestablishing ecosystems in ecologically vulnerable areas. Our study area covered the Upper Silesia coal region. The research focused on active and passive reclamation plots of the study area with different land covers, that is, woodland, grassland, forbland, and control plots. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial allotment of soil erosion in various reclamation techniques and land covers of a mining area using a combination of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, geographic information systems, and regression modeling with generalized additive models. We demonstrated that the combination of different data analysis methods can be used to accurately predict soil degradation, even if not all factors used in the RUSLE model are wall‐to‐wall available. However, only sheet and rill erosions can be predicted using this model. The results demonstrated the spread of soil erosion over the post‐coal mining heaps, varying from 0.03 Mg/ha/year to 583.47 Mg/ha/year. The highest soil erosion rate was observed at the control site (bare rock without vegetation). Approximately 62.6% of the region remained in the safe zone, whereas approximately 1.4% of the area was classified as a very severe zone for erosion.

Greenhouse investigation on the phytoremediation potential of pioneer tree Pinus halepensis Mill. in abandoned mine site

Tailings and mine dumps are often pollutant sources that pose serious environmental threats to surrounding areas. The use of pioneer vascular plants to extract or stabilize metals is considered among the more effective mine tailing reclamation techniques. The study aimed at evaluating the phytoremediation potential of Pinus halepensis in abandoned mine-tailing (SW-Sardinia, Italy). Plant ability to tolerate high Zn, Pb, and Cd concentration and their accumulation in roots and aerial parts were assessed at greenhouse conditions. Experiments were performed on 45 seedlings planted in different substrates (mine-tailings, mine-tailings compost-amended, and reference) and on 15 seedlings grown spontaneously in the contaminated mine site investigated with their own substrates. The phytostabilization potential of plant was evaluated through biological accumulation and translocation indexes together with plant survival and biometric parameters. The outcomes showed the adaptability of P. halepensis to grow and survive in contaminated substrates. Compost addition did not improve plant survival and growth, however, it enhanced total carbon and nitrogen contents of soil, restricted metal bioavailability, and accumulation in plant aerial parts. These findings highlight that P. halepensis may be considered for phytostabilization given the great potential to limit Zn, Pb, and Cd toxicity in plant tissues by applying compost amendment in metal contaminated mine sites.

Water Valuation in Urban Settings for Sustainable Water Management

This study examines water scarcity and quality deterioration in various components of the urban setting, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, residential buildings, and the recreational industries. This paper also analyzes various measures that can be used as valuation matrices to assess the quality and quantity of water consumption, as well as conservation practices and sustainable management strategies. The aim of this work is to enhance and encourage an increase in the value of consumed water through economistic, efficient, and sustainable approaches. The analysis includes the evaluation of measures such as price reform, adoption of efficient appliances, implementation of effective utilization techniques, reduction in water waste, treatment of wastewater, and employment of reuse and reclamation techniques. This article further discusses the multifaceted costs associated with the acquisition of water, emphasizing the need to consider not only economic factors but also environmental and social implications. This study examines the potential adverse effects of introducing value-added measures, specifically focusing on the impact of water pricing reforms on farmers and industrial manufacturers. The analysis highlights the potential increase in costs that these stakeholders may face as a result of such reforms. This study suggests that the implementation of subsidies can be an effective measure to mitigate the negative effects discussed. This article highlights the urgent global need for governments and international organizations to implement strict policies and regulations in order to preserve water resources and protect their inherent value and, also, emphasizes the importance of consumers understanding the true value of water in order to grasp its significance and scarcity.

Thin film composite reverse osmosis membranes with metal-organic coordination complexes stabilized CNTs interlayer for enhanced removal of trace organic contaminants

Reverse osmosis (RO) has been recognized as a reliable technique for wastewater reclamation. To enhance its rejection of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs), a novel strategy was proposed to improve reverse osmosis (RO) membranes by fabricating thin-film nanocomposite membrane (TFNi) with a TA-Fe3+/CNTs interlayer. The TFNi-30 membrane was obtained by optimizing the loading capacity. This optimized membrane gave rise to an enhanced water permeance of 3.2 ± 0.2 L m-2 h-1 bar-1, which was two times higher than that of the control membrane (1.1 ± 0.2 L m-2 h-1 bar-1), while achieving a considerably higher rejection of inorganic salts and trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) thanks to the formation of a denser polyamide rejection layer. In addition, the specific roles of the interlayer structure in determining the separation performance of RO membranes were investigated by tailoring the support-free RO membranes and comparing them with the conventional membranes. This study would provide a peer reference for designing high performance RO membranes for wastewater reclamation via the TFNi strategy.

Challenges and Solutions for Global Water Scarcity.

Climate change, global population growth, and rising standards of living have put immense strain on natural resources, resulting in the unsecured availability of water as an existential resource. Access to high-quality drinking water is crucial for daily life, food production, industry, and nature. However, the demand for freshwater resources exceeds the available supply, making it essential to utilize all alternative water resources such as the desalination of brackish water, seawater, and wastewater. Reverse osmosis desalination is a highly efficient method to increase water supplies and make clean, affordable water accessible to millions of people. However, to ensure universal access to water, various measures need to be implemented, including centralized governance, educational campaigns, improvements in water catchment and harvesting technologies, infrastructure development, irrigation and agricultural practices, pollution control, investments in novel water technologies, and transboundary water cooperation. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of measures for utilizing alternative water sources, with particular emphasis on seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation techniques. In particular, membrane-based technologies are critically reviewed, with a focus on their energy consumption, costs, and environmental impacts.

Bioresources in Organic Farming: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Systems

Over the years, the practice of agriculture has transformed from the era of traditional to that of intensive agriculture in the bid to boost the production index that will satisfy the food needs of the globally growing population. However, the continuous and exaggerated use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has resulted in major adverse impacts on food and environmental safety, whereas most traditional techniques for reclamation of natural soil nutrients, including shifting cultivation and polyculture, are no longer attractive measures of land rejuvenation. There is, therefore, the need for urgent evaluation and adoption of innovative methods of replenishing the agricultural soils that conform to the current agricultural systems without exerting undesirable effects on the ecosystem. In this review, we elucidated the use of key bioresources, such as organic fertilizers, biofertilizers, and biopesticides, as alternatives to chemical-based products in attaining a safe and sustainable agricultural system. Bioresources are naturally available, safe, and easily accessible products. The potential of these biological products in fostering soil microbial growth, plants’ productivity, and induced host immunity to diseases, alongside the promotion of healthy soil–microbe–plant relationships and preservation of the ecosystem processes without disruption, are aspects that were also explored. Therefore, the productive use of bioresources is considered strategic as it pertains to attaining safe and sustainable food production.

Mesoporous biobased carbonaceous adsorbent for dye removal from water: Eutectic molten salts effect and adsorption mechanisms

Dye-polluted wastewater is released from various industries, such as textile and paint industries. Among different reclamation techniques, adsorption has been widely used for dye removal. Carbonaceous adsorbents, such as graphene, are among the most sought-after compounds for adsorption applications because of their high specific surface area and adjustable surface features. In this study, graphene-like carbon (GLC) was prepared from biomass as it is a facile and eco-friendly approach. Biomass-derived GLC was prepared by pyrolyzing waste wood in the presence of FeCl3/ZnCl2 as a eutectic binary mixture. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Raman analyses revealed that FeCl3 had a template effect during pyrolysis, whereas ZnCl2 acted as a pore former. Moreover, FeCl3 and ZnCl2 concentrations positively affected the BET value, regardless of the salt type. Further, waste wood-derived graphene-like carbon (WGLC) pyrolyzed at 900 °C with biomass: FeCl3: ZnCl2 at a ratio of 1:2:1 (WGLC-121) showed the highest specific surface area (2073.78 m2 g−1) and could remove >90 % of rhodamine B (RhB) and Congo red (CR) dyes. The pseudo-second order kinetic model showed a stronger correlation with the experimental data than the pseudo-first order model. While intra-particle diffusion was the rate-determining step in RhB adsorption, it did not influence CR adsorption. Further, the Freundlich model better explained the RhB (qmax = 633.86 mg g−1) and CR (qmax = 141.28 mg g−1) adsorption and revealed the superiority of WGLC-121 in dye removal compared to the previously reported adsorbents. The adsorption isotherm, energy, and thermodynamic parameters confirmed that the dyes were adsorbed through physisorption. Furthermore, the inter-molecular interaction between the RhB and CR molecules influenced the dye adsorption rate and isotherm. The findings of this study demonstrate the high potential of a binary mixture of FeCl3 and ZnCl2 for preparing carbonaceous adsorbents from waste wood to remove dyes from industrial wastewater.

Janus Membrane with Hydrogel-like Coating for Robust Fouling and Wetting Resistance in Membrane Distillation

Membrane distillation (MD) is a promising technique for water reclamation from hypersaline wastewater. However, fouling and wetting of the hydrophobic membranes are two prominent challenges for the widespread application of MD. Herein, we developed an antiwetting and antifouling Janus membrane comprising a hydrogel-like polyvinyl alcohol/tannic acid (PVA/TA) top layer and a hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane substrate via a facile and benign strategy combining mussel-amine co-deposition with the shrinkage-rehydration process. Interestingly, the vapor flux of the Janus membrane was not compromised, though a microscale PVA/TA layer was introduced, possibly due to the high water uptake and reduced water evaporation enthalpy of the hydrogel-like structure. Moreover, the PVA/TA-PTFE Janus membrane sustained stable MD performance while treating a challenging saline feed containing surfactants and mineral oils. The robust wetting resistance arises from the synergistic effects of the elevated liquid entry pressure (1.01 ± 0.02 MPa) of the membrane and the retardation of surfactant transport to the substrate PTFE layer. Meanwhile, the hydrogel-like PVA/TA layer hinders oil fouling due to its strongly hydrated state. Furthermore, the PVA/TA-PTFE membrane exhibited improved performance in purifying shale gas wastewater and landfill leachate. This study provides new insights into the facile design and fabrication of promising MD membranes for hypersaline wastewater treatment.

Optimizing growth chamber conditions for maintaining Arcticlichen‐dominatedbiocrusts

Optimizing growth chamber conditions for Arctic lichen biocrusts will create new opportunities to assess and prioritize reclamation techniques given the challenges associated with conducting arctic field work. Our study is the first to examine growth chamber conditions for optimizing survival and growth of Arctic lichen biocrusts, as measured by changes in lichen cover. We assessed effects of substrate crossed with substrate depth, substrate sterilization, lichen inoculation and community composition, and watering frequency in four concurrent experiments over 6 weeks on survival of arctic biocrusts collected from Diavik Diamond Mine Inc., Northwest Territories, Canada. Mixed species declined less thanFlavocetraria cucullata, and substrate affectedF. cucullatasurvival over time. Live lichen cover declined least with a 3‐day watering frequency and substrate depth of 1 cm. Sterilization did not affect lichen survival, and no contamination was observed over 6 weeks. Our results highlight the challenges of maintaining and growing lichens under controlled conditions, as only a few treatments showed increases in cover. Our research shows that even short‐term growth chamber experiments have potential to screen reclamation treatments prior to field assessments, permitting reclamation scientists to optimize limited time and resources while in the field.

HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION IN SEDIMENTS AND BIOACCUMULATIONS IN CATFISH (SILURIFORMES) AND TOMATO FRUIT (LYCOPERSIUM ESCALENTUM) FROM UNRECLAIMED MINING PITS

The study examined the levels of selected heavy metal in sediments and their bioaccumulation in catfish (Oreochromis niloticus) and Tomatos (Lycopersium escalentum) from selected unreclaimed mining pits used for irrigation and fish farming in Bukuru town, Jos south Local Government Area “L.G.A” Plateau State. Five (5) unreclaimed ponds were purposively selected; sediment, fish and tomato samples were collected from January to September, with January to March representing dry season and April to September as rainy season. Thirty-two (32) water samples were collected across the study area, while six (6) samples of fish and tomato were collected, three (3) for each season in addition to two controls sampled for different seasons. Samples were analyzed for Cd, Mn, Hg, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ur and Zn. All the heavy metal parameters except Zn, exceeded levels observed at control point as well as maximum permissible limits in the rainy season. Comparison of mean seasonal levels of heavy metals in sediment samples with control, revealed statistical difference at ρ < 0.05, d = 0.007. Similar pattern was observed for the dry season at ρ > 0.05, d = 0.008, an indication that the level of heavy metals presence in sediment samples from unreclaimed mining pits is statistically higher than levels at control point, irrespective of season. Similar results were obtained for Catfish in both seasons (ρ < 0.05, d = 0.006 and ρ < 0.05, d = 0.02) and Tomatoes (ρ < 0.05, d = 0.003 and ρ < 0.05, d = 0.04). These sites should be urgently reclaimed using approved reclamation techniques to eradicate the adverse health impact of consumption of the fruits, animal protein and vegetables cultivated at the sites.

Reclamation of Aged Oil Using Physical-Chemical Method and Analysed Using ANFIS Algorithm

In this work, the transformer oil reclamation experimental test has been created utilising the physical-chemical reclamation technique and oil lifespan analysis using ANFIS algorithm. The significant of work is that it develops an ANFIS algorithm for estimating transformer life and analyzing transformer oil reliability. Rubber seed oil (mineral oil) is used in transformers to cool the substantial portion of the power transformer and decrease electrical ageing issues. These mineral oils interact chemically with the windings, suffering electrical and mechanical pressure owing to high temperatures over its power balance which leads to moisture and oxidation. In order to improve the performance of ageing oil, a physical and chemical reclamation approach with two primary steps, Coagulation and Adsorption, is used. Breakdown voltage, flash point, viscosity, and fire point are the important dielectric qualities of oil reclamation that will differentiate the performance between before and after reclamation when compared to diverse oil samples. The results of the work revealed that the physical-chemical reclamation process is enhanced the dielectric characteristics of the ageing oil, and the parameters of the reclaimed oil are utilised to predict the projected lifespan of the transformer service.

Stabilization of cement-treated base mixes incorporating high reclaimed asphalt pavement materials using stabilizer rich in SiO2 and Al2O3

Using RAP material can be one of the promising solutions for solving the new material issues, reducing haulage distance and fuel cost to a great extent as the complete process is done at site only using the Full-depth reclamation (FDR) technique. However, the effect of the high amount of RAP material with stabilizer has not been completely understood for constructing the CTB layer. In the present study, a mixed design of the CTB layer has been formulated considering the requirements of Indian Specifications to utilize maximum RAP material in a sustainable approach. Mechanical and durability properties of CTB mix were evaluated to identify the effect of different cement, stabilizers, and RAP aggregates on the laboratory mixtures. The efficacy of stabilizer with cement was examined to judge the suitability of the same as potential pavement construction materials. The optimal mix was decided mainly based on the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) value and flexural strength of aggregate specimen at 7-days of moist curing. However, for a detailed study, UCS values were checked at three days, seven days, and 28 days. Also, the durability properties of the CTB mix were analyzed by performing a durability test, sorptivity, and rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT). Present laboratory studies firmly indicated that using a stabilizer with cement using 70 % RAP leads to a strong and durable CTB mix.

Water reclamation techniques – A review

Water scarcity is a significant issue the world faces, as freshwater reserves are limited and geographically constrained. Water reclamation can significantly reduce the freshwater inlet and decrease the water footprint. A review of different processes for the physical and biological treatment of greywater is discussed in the following paper. This process includes Aeration, Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP), and Resin-ion exchange. A comparative study based on different parameters includes Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The paper also gives an insight into the process and its effect on the quality of greywater.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Soil Reclamation Techniques Degraded by the Sulfur Industry

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Soil Reclamation Techniques Degraded by the Sulfur Industry

Comparison of synthetic and organic biodegradable chelants in augmenting cadmium phytoextraction in Solanum nigrum

This study focused to enhance the cadmium (Cd) phytoextraction efficiency in Solanum nigrum by applying four biodegradable chelants (10 mM)-ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA), ethylenediamine disuccinate (EDDS), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and citric acid (CA), when grown in Cd-spiked soil (12 and 48 mg kg−1). Plant height, dry biomass, photosynthetic traits, and metal accumulation varied significantly with Cd and chelant treatments. Cadmium-toxicity resulted in reduction of plant growth and photosynthetic physiology, whereas chelant supplementation alleviated the toxic effect of Cd and increased its accumulation. Tolerance index value increased with addition of chelants in the order: EGTA (1.57–1.63) >EDDS (1.39–1.58) >NTA (1.14–1.50) >CA (1–1.22) compared with Cd (0.46–1.08). Transfer coefficient of root increased with supplementation of EGTA (3.40–3.85), EDDS (3.10–3.40), NTA (2.60–2.90), and CA (1.85–2.29), over Cd-alone (1.61–1.63). Similarly, translocation factor was also increased upon addition of EGTA (0.52–0.73), EDDS (0.35–0.81), NTA (0.38–0.75), and CA (0.53–0.54), compared with Cd-alone (0.36–0.59). Maximum Cd removal (67.67% at Cd12 and 36.05% at Cd48) was observed with supplementation of EGTA. The study concludes that the supplementation of EGTA and EDDS with S. nigrum can be employed as an efficient and environmentally safe technique for reclamation of Cd-contaminated soils.

Submerged membrane/adsorption hybrid process in water reclamation and concentrate management—a mini review

Clean water shortage is a major global problem due to escalating demand resulting from increasing human population growth and industrial activities, decreasing freshwater resources and persistent droughts. Recycling and reuse of wastewater by adopting efficient reclamation techniques can help solve this problem. However, wastewater contains a wide range of pollutants, which require removal before it may be reused. Adsorption and membrane processes are two successful treatments used to remove most of these pollutants. Their efficiency increases when these processes are integrated as observed, for example in a submerged membrane adsorption hybrid system (SMAHS). It uses coarse air bubbling/sparging to produce local shear which minimises reversible membrane fouling, improves performance and extends the life of the membrane. Additionally, the adsorbent acts as a buoyant media that produces an extra shearing effect on the membrane surface, reduces membrane resistance and increases flux. In addition, it adsorbs the organics that would otherwise deposit on and cause fouling of the membrane. The use of activated carbon (AC) adsorbent in SMAHS is very effective in removing most pollutants including natural organic matter (NOM) and organic micropollutants (OMPs) from wastewaters and membrane concentrate wastes, the latter being a serious problem in practical applications of the reverse osmosis process. However, certain NOM fractions and OMPs (i.e. hydrophilic and negatively charged ones) are not efficiently removed by AC. Other adsorbents need to be explored for their effective removal.Graphical abstract

Reclamation of Salt-Affected Land: A Review

Reclamation of salt-affected soil has been identified by the FAO as being critical to meet the needs to increase agricultural productivity. This paper reviews commonly used reclamation methods for salt-affected soils, and provides critical identifiers for an effective reclamation practice of salt-affected soil. There are widely used methods to reduce salinity and sodicity of salt-affected soils, including salt leaching, addition of amendments, revegetation using halophytes and salt scrapping. Not all reclamation techniques are suitable for salt-affected land. The reclamation strategy must be tailored to the site, and based on understanding the soil, plant and climate interactions. On some occasions, a combination of techniques may be required for reclamation. This can include salt scrapping to remove salts from the surface soil, the addition of physical amendments to improve soil pore systems and enhance salt leaching, followed by amelioration of soil by chemical amendments to preserve soil physical conditions, and then halophyte establishment to expand the desalinization zone. This study reveals that soil hydro-geochemical models are effective predictive tools to ascertain the best reclamation practice tailored to salt-affected land. However, models need to be calibrated and validated to the conditions of the land before being applied as a tool to combat soil salinity.

Microbiome composition of disturbed soils from sandy-gravel mining complexes with different reclamation approaches

Activities connected to mineral mining disrupt the soil layer and bring parent rock material to the surface. It leads to altering the environmental conditions and leaves behind vast areas of disturbed lands. Returning these lands to natural ecosystems is an important contemporary challenge, which can be acquired by reclamation practices. Soil microbiome composition reflects changes happening to disturbed lands; thus, its analysis is a powerful tool for evaluating the disturbance degree and estimating the effect of the implementation of reclamation techniques. Additionally, factors connected to the characteristics of a particular geographical region have a certain impact on the microbiome and should be taken into account. Thereby, studies of soil microbiomes of disturbed soils of different origins are essential in understanding the dynamics of soil restoration. Here, we focus on soil microbiomes from two sandy-gravel mining complexes in mountainous areas with a moderate continental climate of the Central Caucasus. These quarries share the same parent rock material, but differ in benchmark soil type and reclamation approach - one was left for passive recovery and the other was technically reclaimed with overburden material. Comparative analysis of microbiome composition, based on sequencing of 16S rRNA gene libraries, showed that region and disturbance are the key factors explaining microbiome variation, which surpass the influence of local factors. However, the application of reclamation techniques greatly reduces the dissimilarity of soil microbiomes caused by disturbance. Linking of soil chemical parameters to microbiome composition showed that the disturbance factor correlates with a lack of organic carbon. Other chemical parameters, like pH, ammonium, nitrates and total carbon explain microbiome variability on a smaller scale between sampling sites. Thus, while regional and disturbance factors reflected differentiation of soil microbiomes, soil chemical parameters explained local variation of certain groups of microorganisms.

Program dan Biaya Reklamasi Untuk Jaminan Reklamasi Berdasarkan KEPMEN ESDM No. 1827 Tahun 2018 di PT. TRI ABADI MINERAL (TAM)

Indonesia is a country that has natural resources (SDA). Mining materials are non-renewable natural resources. Mining materials include stone sand, silver, gold, copper, natural gas, and oil. Manokwari Regency is an area that has abundant natural resources. The company's mining activities have provided a reasonably comprehensive source of income for the regions in the last few decades. Mining has also triggered environmental problems that are closely related to land degradation. To overcome environmental problems from mining activities, it is necessary to the reclamation of ex-mining land. This paper aims to obtain a reclamation program, determine the form of revegetation, and obtain a direct and indirect cost budget at PT TAM. The mining area is carried out with an area of 9.1 Ha consisting of an area around the mine along ± 1.86 Km and supporting facilities with an area of 2.05 Ha such as workshops, offices, housing, and a stone crusher. Moreover, the rest is the mining area. The Reclamation activity program is carried out at mine sites, mining roads, and supporting facilities, with the reclamation technique carried out starting from the arrangement of the land surface, making drainage, sedimented pond, and revegetation. Revegetation is carried out in 3 stages. Among others, the first stage is planting cover crops. The second stage is planting the main crop and maintenance. The amount of reclamation guarantee must be paid by PT. Tri Abadi Mineral (TAM) is Rp. 101.260.125,-.

Fertility dynamics of the forest-steppe zone’s arable soils in the central chernozem region (on the example of the Prokhorovsky district of the Belgorod region)

The work is based on the results of a continuous arable soils' agrochemical survey of the Prokhorovsky district of the Belgorod region conducted by the center of the agrochemical service "Belgorod" from 2012 to 2020. During this time, 3 research cycles were performed. The study period was divided into 2 parts: from 2012 to 2016 and from 2017 to 2020. In the course of the study, it was found that chemical reclamation techniques allowed to reduce the area of acidic soils by 25.15%, including medium and strongly acidic by 21.84%; the weighted average value of hydrolytic acidity decreased by 0.70 mmol /100 g of soil. The complex of chemical and agrotechnical measures contributed to the accumulation of soil organic matter by 0.52%, alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen - by 29 mgN/kg, mobile forms of potassium - by 16, sulfur - by 3.2, manganese - by 3.08, copper - by 0.002 mg/kg, as well as an increase in the yield of winter wheat by 27.0%, spring barley - by 26.2%, soy - by 16.8%, grain sunflower - by 14.8%, grain maize - by 6.2%.