Slag Research Articles

A contribution to the study of copper production in the Iron Age polity of Paphos in Cyprus

This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeometallurgical assemblage consisting of slag and metal samples from two Cypro-Classical monuments recently located within the urban landscape of the polity of Paphos, and from two slag heaps in the metalliferous region of the Paphos hinterland. The project identified technological changes and innovations, such as the introduction of new types of fluxes and the optimization of the smelting technology. Furthermore, the analysis of slag samples from one of the two monuments, identified as workshop complex on the plateau of the Paphian citadel, revealed the presence of an iron smithy. This pioneering interdisciplinary study paves the way for the development of a comparative archaeo-metallurgical project that will define the fingerprint of the Paphos copper deposits. The study was carried out in the context of the University of Cyprus-Leventis Foundation Project, “From the metalliferous sources to the citadel complex of ancient Paphos: Archaeo-environmental analysis of the mining and the built environment” (acronym MEANING 2017–2019).

Is the Slag Heap of a Former Ferrochromium Plant a Significant Environmental Hazard?

This study assessed the possible impact of a former ferrochromium plant in Siechnice (Lower Silesia, Poland) on water reservoirs and living organisms. The metal concentrations (Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe, and Cr) in the sediments were determined, along with ecotoxicological studies that were conducted on both the sediments and the surface water of three water bodies that border the slag heap. The samples of the sediments and water were taken at different distances from the landfill area. The studies also covered a human health risk assessment. The highest concentrations of all the studied elements were observed in the sediments taken from the water reservoir closest to the landfill. In the case of the sediments, a 30% death rate for Heterocypris incongruens (Ostracodtoxkit F) was recorded at the same site. Additionally, at this site, the ecotoxicological studies on the surface water revealed the highest mortality for Daphnia magna (Daphtoxkit F magna) and the lowest values of LC50 for algae (Algaltoxkit). The health risk assessment of the sediments was estimated by calculating the noncarcinogenic health risk using the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI), and the carcinogenic risk was calculated using the excessive risk of cancer development (ECR) measurement. The hazard index (HIing) for Cr exceeded 1 for children, which suggests that possible adverse health effects might occur for humans. The ECR values calculated for Cr and Pb were above the range limit of 10−6. The value for Cr was the highest for the sediments from the closest water reservoir to the landfill for both children and adults. Studies prove that the water reservoirs located near landfills pose potential ecological risks, and the risk is the highest where the distance is the shortest from the slag heap. In prospective human health risk assessments, the sediments from the closest water body pose a potential carcinogenic health risk to humans, especially to fish consumers, i.e., the residents of neighboring areas who might experience severe health problems from the intake of Cr and Pb through fish consumption. Significant steps should be taken to reduce Cr concentrations in the sediments to minimize the risk of human health adverse effects.

The importance of time and other determinants in the assessment of heavy metals release during solid waste management

One of the parameters affecting the leachability of heavy metals from waste is their contact time with the leachant. In this paper, the leaching behaviour of Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni was evaluated in relation to the liquid to solid ratio (L/S), which is a reflection of time after which a certain volume of water permeates the material, e.g. in slag heaps or landfills. A leaching study was carried out by different leaching methods with using three test materials, i.e. hazardous zinc slag, lump copper slag and mineral-organic composite. It was found that the highest amount of metals leached in the long term in the maximum availability test, under the following leaching conditions: L/S = 50 dm3/kg, reduced pH of the leachant, fragmentation of the materials to particle size < 0.125 mm. Comparing the results obtained in the batch test and the percolation test, no strict trend was observed in the release of a given metal from different test materials. The analysis using the tank test showed that processes controlling leachability can result in the release of the highest metal loads immediately after contact between the material and the leachant, but can also contribute to the release of metals only after prolonged contact.

Analysis of Post-Mining Vegetation Development Using Remote Sensing and Spatial Regression Approach: A Case Study of Former Babina Mine (Western Poland)

The vegetation of the post-mining areas is subject to constant and significant changes. Reclamation works, carried out after the cessation of mineral extraction, contribute to the intensive development of new plant species. However, secondary deformations, occurring even many years after the end of exploitation, may cause the degradation of the vegetation cover. It is, therefore, an important issue to identify changes in flora conditions and to determine whether and to what extent past mining has a negative impact on the plant cover state. The objectives of this research have been as follows: (1) analysis of the flora condition in the post-mining area in the 1989–2019 period, (2) identification of sites with significant changes in vegetation state, and (3) modeling of the relationship between the identified changes in vegetation and former mining activities. The research was carried out in the area of the former opencast and underground lignite mine “Friendship of Nations—Babina Shaft,” which is located in the present-day Geopark (Western Poland), using Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI derived vegetation indices (NDVI, NDII, MTVI2) and GIS-based spatial regression. The results indicate a general improvement in flora condition, especially in the vicinity of post-mining waste heaps and former opencast excavations, with the exception of the northwestern part of the former mining field where the values of all of the analyzed vegetation indices have decreased. Also, four zones of statistically significant changes in the flora condition were identified. Finally, the developed GWR models demonstrate that former mining activities had a significant influence on changes in the plant cover state of the analyzed region.

Hydrological and erosion responses of steep spoil heaps to taproot and fibrous root grasses under simulated rainfalls

Spoil heaps, resulting from excavation and backfilling activities at construction sites, are one of the most important risk sources of soil erosion, threatening local ecosystems and even leading to geological disasters. However, after revegetation, spoil heaps can be transformed into available land resources such as cultivated land and forest land. Previous studies have reported the runoff and sediment reduction benefits of different vegetation measures on spoil heaps, while little information has been documented about what differences in the taproot and fibrous root grasses were transferred into the differences in hydrological and erosion processes. This study compared the effects of taproot (Artemisia gmelinii (A. gmelinii)) and fibrous root (Cynodon dactylon (C. dactylon)) grasses on soil erosion and runoff production processes and the reduction benefits of spoil heaps with silt loam soil. A series of rainfall events at three intensities (0.8, 1.2, and 1.8 mm min−1) were simulated on runoff plots (length of 3.0 m and width of 1.0 m) under treatments of A. gmelinii, C. dactylon, and bare soil (BS, as control) (each treatment was replicated), and the initial runoff time (IRT), saturated hydraulic conductivity, runoff rate (RR), flow velocity, and soil loss rate (SLR) were measured. The results showed that grasses delayed the IRTs on spoil heaps by 0.69–12.96 min compared BS, and the delay effects were more significant for fibrous root grass than for taproot grass. The soil loss reduction benefits (91.1 %) of the two kinds of grass were approximately 2.2 times greater than those of runoff volume reduction (42.1 %), and shear stress could be used to predict the soil loss rate following power functions (R2 = 0.72–0.85) for the grass-covered plots. The taproot grass exhibited a higher erosion reduction than fibrous root grass and is thus preferred to control the soil erosion of spoil heaps. Taproot grass has a greater stem diameter and can insert deeper into spoil heaps to consolidate the soil particles, which can improve roughness and hydraulic resistance, thereby producing a lower effective hydraulic shear stress that is directly exerted on soil particles. This study enhances the understanding of different grasses on the water erosion process and mechanism of spoil heaps and provides scientific guidance for selecting erosion control practices.

Chemical Composition of Spring Wheat Plants on Acidic Sod-Podzolic Light Loamy Soil, Calcified by Calcium-Containing Industrial Waste. Empirical Models of Translocation of Macro- and Microelements into Vegetative

In 2 vegetation experiments laid on acidic sod-podzolic light loamy soil, a comparative study of the fertilizing value and reclamation properties of finely ground dolomite flour (DF) particles used for road construction and blast furnace slag (FS) of a metallurgical plant was carried out. It was found that 1 year after liming, DF, introduced in doses equivalent to FS in terms of neutralizing ability, contributed to a greater shift in pHKCl and a greater accumulation of the sum of the exchange bases Ca2+ + Mg2+. In terms of the effect on the productivity of wheat straw, variations with FS, introduced in equal amounts with DF, were not inferior to the latter. The effect of liming DF on wheat grain yield was more significant than with FS. The relationship between the content of mobile Ca2+ + Mg2+ cations in reclaimed soil and the productivity of wheat grain was revealed. Empirical dependences describing the effect of increasing doses of meliorants on the transition of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and manganese into straw and grain of plants have been developed. It is concluded that at the first stage of the dissolution of meliorants, their chemical nature was the leading factor in achieving the effect of curing. The degree of grinding of lime materials was of secondary importance.

Analysis of a Composite Admixture Based on Ready-Mixed Concrete Waste Residuals

Reasonable treatment and utilization of waste residuals discharged during the production of ready-mixed concrete is an important problem in the cement industry. In this study, a composite admixture was prepared by using ready-mixed concrete waste residuals, furnace slag, and water granulated slag. The grinding characteristics of such material were investigated. Moreover, the effect of such admixture on cement hydration and pore structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microcopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. As shown by the results: The grinding characteristics of the waste residuals can be improved significantly by mixing them with furnace slag and water granulated slag. Furthermore, the composite admixture does not change the composition of hydration products; rather it contributes to refine the pore structure of the matrix, thus improving the mechanical properties of these cement-based materials.

MITIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE ACCUMULATION THROUGH THE EXPLORATION AND SCREENING OF AGROWASTE FOR INHERENT ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES

The escalating accumulation of waste, particularly agro-waste, poses a substantial threat to the environment. In response to this critical issue, innovative approaches are essential to reduce waste heaps and their detrimental impacts. This study focuses on harnessing the potential of various agro-waste materials for the creation of multifunctional agents suitable for applications in the realms of food, textile, and industry. From an initial selection of six distinct agro-waste sources, three were identified for their promising antimicrobial properties. The study presents a comprehensive framework for repurposing agro-waste into value-added products with antimicrobial attributes. Overall, the findings of this research underscore the significance of transforming waste materials into valuable resources, emphasizing the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices to counteract environmental degradation.

SUBSTANTIATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF CHOOSING A SUSPENSION BASED ON THE SODIUM GROUP IN THE TREATMENT OF COAL MINING WASTE DUMPS

Purpose. To study the effectiveness of sodium group based suspensions: sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrocarbonate and sodium carbonate for neutralisation of spontaneous combustion processes of waste rock during the operation and formation of coal mining waste. To establish the dependence of the influence of suspensions on the chemical elements of the waste stockpile, taking into account external environmental factors. Methods. For solving the set tasks, methods of comparative analysis of theoretical and laboratory studies of the impact of suspensions on the processes of the mechanism of redox reactions of spontaneous combustion of waste heaps obtained in the process of processing minerals of coal mines were used. The application of rational method of processing the results of the experimental study of the interaction of waste mass with sodium solutions using the correlation analysis of Student’s t-criterion is described. Results. The spontaneous ignition mechanisms of the stockpile have been investigated, based on the interaction of the active chemical elements in the stockpile: pyrite, sulphur and iron oxide with the environment. The selection and optimization of the parameters of a sodium group based slurry when treating the stockpile will solve the problem of spontaneous combustion in the treatment of the stockpile by crystallizing the active chemical elements and filling in its porous structure. Scientific novelty. The dependence of the influence of the environment on the processes of thermal oxidation of waste rock mass is established. The expediency of application of methods and techniques for elimination of self-ignition foci, as the main factors of environmental pollution, is substantiated. A new expedient method and method has been proposed, which will allow estimating not only the economic effect but also the ecological one, which will contribute to improving the ecological and economic situation of the mining regions where mining wastes are located. Practical implication. It consists in the development of recommendations for methods and techniques to eliminate spontaneous combustion of mining wastes. The methodology for determining the required quantitative and qualitative composition of inert substances (suspensions) containing sodium group to eliminate sulphurous zones of exogenous combustion processes of waste mass is proposed. Recommendations on the use of these means and methods have been developed.

Selection and identification of thermophilic yeast strains in leachate from the organic waste heap in Phu Luong district, Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam

The study was carried out to isolate and select useful thermophilic yeast strains in the process of organic domestic waste treatment in Phu Luong - Thai Nguyen. Research results from 23 samples of rust have isolated 10 strains of yeast on YPG medium at 40 oC. Among them, 6 strains of yeast were selected with the ability to grow and develop in a wide temperature range from 20-45 oC. The results of identification combined with morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of yeast strains showed that, out of 6 selected strains, there were 3 strains belonging to the genus Saccharomyces (Saccharomyces sp. TNY13.01, Saccharomyces sp. TNY22.01), Saccharomyces cerevisiae TNY13.09), 2 strains of the genus Candida (Candida sp. TNY23.01, Candida tropicalis TNY23.126) and 1 strain of the genus Papiliotrema (Papiliotrema laurentii TNY23.127). Among them, the identified strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae TNY13.09 has the ability to grow at 45, tolerates a wide pH range of 4.0– 8.5, has a positive catalase reaction, is capable of using a variety of carbon sources, and belongs to class I biosafety group. On that basis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae TNY13.09 has the potential to be further researched and applied as additional microbial inoculants to the organic waste heap.

LiDAR Point Clouds Usage for Mapping the Vegetation Cover of the “Fryderyk” Mine Repository

The paper investigates the usage of LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data for the automation of mapping vegetation with respect to the evaluation of the ecological succession process. The study was performed for the repository of the “Fryderyk” mine (southern Poland). The post-flotation area analyzed is a unique refuge habitat—Natura2000, PLH240008—where a forest succession has occurred for several dozen years. Airborne laser scanning (ALS) point clouds were used for deriving detailed information about the morphometry of the spoil heap and about the secondary forest succession process—mainly vegetation parameters i.e., height and canopy cover. The area of the spoil heap is irregular with a flat top and steep slopes above 20°. Analyses of ALS point clouds (2011 and 2019), confirmed progression in the forest succession process, and land cover changes especially in wooded or bushed areas. Precise vegetation parameters (3D LiDAR metrics) were calculated and provided the following parameters: mean value of vegetation height as 6.84 m (2011) and 8.41 m (2019), and canopy cover as 30.0% (2011) and 42.0% (2019). Changes in vegetation volume (3D area) were shown: 2011—310,558 m3, 2019—325,266 m3, vegetation removal—85,136 m3, increasing ecological succession—99,880 m3.

Pb dispersion pathways in mountain soils contaminated by ancient mining and smelting activities

Over the last millennia, mining and smelting activities have produced large amounts of mine and metallurgical wastes that remain enriched in potentially toxic trace elements (PTE). A spatial distribution of Pb content was coupled to mineralogical observations and single extraction tests to characterise the Pb contamination legacy and Pb dispersion trajectories in an ancient mining and smelting site that has been abandoned for approximatively 200 years. In the Peisey-Nancroix Pb–Ag mine (Savoy, France), extreme anthropogenic Pb contamination is located close to the slag heaps and along ore and slag transport paths. The contamination gradient is restricted to a few hundred metres downhill, down to background Pb values. The Pb-bearing phases change along the contamination gradient. The most contaminated soils contain significant amounts of galena and slags that are more or less weathered into pyromorphite and cerussite. Pb-bearing Mn (hydr-)oxides are the most stable and ubiquitous forms of Pb, which proportions increase downgradient. Despite the presence of some stable Pb-bearing phases (pyromorphite, Pb-bearing Mn (hydr-)oxides), extraction tests indicate that a small proportion of Pb may still be mobile over time.

Pedantry in Palaeolithic? The story of two small Swiderian pits from Chełmno-Dobrzyń Lakeland

The article presents a multifaceted analysis of two collections of flint products from Late Palaeolithic pits discovered during the excavations of sites Ludowice 6 (Ryńsk comm.), and Paliwodzizna 29 (Golub-Dobrzyń comm.). Both sites are located in the Chełmno-Dobrzyń Lake District in central Poland. The research included raw material analysis, technological and morphological analysis, studies using the refitting method, and use-wear analysis. As a result of the conducted study, it was shown that both features are most likely a remnant of refuse pits in the type of waste heaps, but their detailed functional origins are different.

Chemical and sanitary assessment of coal spoil heaps in the south of the Kuznetsk Basin

Due to the large amount of pollution at coal spoil heaps, soil reclamation is slow and requires development and use of microbial preparations, selected based on assessments of the biochemical parameters of soil and the extent of its contamination. The material for this study was mine soils sampled in three different zones (Ka, Kb, Kc) of the Korchakol coal spoil heap. The studied sanitary and chemical indicators did not exceed the approximate permissible concentrations (APC) / maximum allowable concentrations (MAC), except for oil products (in the Ka, Kb, Kc zones, the excess averaged 2.2, 1.4, 1.2 times, respectively). The study found a direct correlation between the zinc content and the enzymatic activity of polyphenol oxidase, the level of Ni and peroxidase, as well as an inverse correlation between the As and Cu concentrations with invertase and nitrite reductase, respectively. The index of bacteria of the Escherichia coli group (coliform bacteria) in different zones exceeded the standard values by 61 and 171 times. Even though the sanitary indicators studied do not exceed permissible levels, they can slow down growth and development of plants. Thus, successful reclamation of mine soils requires introduction of biological preparations based on microorganisms that biotransform heavy metals and rhizobacteria.

Non-Linear Clumped Isotopes from DIC Endmember Mixing and Kinetic Isotope Fractionation in High pH Anthropogenic Tufa

Clumped isotope values (Δ47) of carbonates forming in high pH conditions do not correspond to mineral precipitation temperatures due to certain effects including kinetic isotope fractionation and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) endmember mixing. Field-based archives of these carbonate environments are needed to evaluate and quantify these effects accurately. In this study, we measure the clumped isotope values of anthropogenic carbonates for the first time. Tufa layers were analyzed from samples precipitating in a high pH (&gt;10) stream that drains a major slag heap in north east England. Δ47 values are 0.044‰–0.183‰ higher than expected equilibrium values. Non-linear distribution of clumped isotope data is diagnostic of DIC endmember mixing, rather than partial equilibration of DIC. Episodic dilution of hydroxide-rich stream waters by equilibrated rainfall surface runoff provides the mechanism by which mixing occurs. Δ47 values are ~0.010‰–0.145‰ higher than linear clumped isotope mixing profiles, suggesting that the majority of Δ47 increase results from a combination of endmember non-linear mixing effects and an atmosphere-hydroxide sourcing of DIC. The diagnostic trends and variation in clumped isotope values present in these results demonstrates the potential of anthropogenic carbonate systems as a useful archive for studying and quantifying kinetic effects in clumped isotopes.

Mineralogical and microstructural changes in alkali-activated and hybrid materials exposed to accelerated leaching

Alkali-activated materials (AAM) and hybrid cements (HC) have become sustainable alternatives to Portland cement (PC) due to their low carbon footprint. The main differences between AAM and HC lie in their content of clinker (none in the AAM and usually lower than 30% for HCs) and the type of activator used (strong alkaline solutions for AAM and small amounts of solid alkalis for HC). Durability problems related with microstructural changes due to decalcification and leaching of the cementitious paste have been well researched for PC pastes, but it is still not well known for AAM and HC. The present work aims to study the leaching process for cement pastes of both types of sustainable pastes.Blast furnace slag (BFS) was selected as a precursor to manufacture hybrid slag (HS) pastes and alkali-activated slag (AAS) pastes. A commercial CEM IV was selected as reference material. A 6 M NH4NO3 solution was used to accelerate leaching kinetics. After 28 days of immersion, the mineralogical and microstructural changes were evaluated.Results show that AAS pastes exhibited the highest leaching resistance of all the pastes under study, due to the absence of portlandite and the high level of polymerization of silicate chains. In HS pastes, the presence of portlandite (due to PC in the material) and gypsum (due to the activator) explains their intermediate performance, in between CEM IV and AAS.

Аналіз структурно-хімічного стану дуплекс-систем силікати-силіциди лужно-земельних металів. Повідомлення 1.

The classification and structuring of oxide and metallic phases of binary duplex systems of silicates-silicides of alkaline earth metals are carried out in the work. This will determine the optimal composition of alkaline earth metal alloys based on silicon in the refining of ferrocarbon melts and modification of non-metallic inclusions. The ionic-molecular complexes of magnesium, oxygen and silicon are constructed in the work, which determine the mechanism of formation of non-metallic inclusions (magnesium silicates) in steel when using silicomagnesium alloys for refining. The parameters of chemical bonding for oxides with ionic bond type, for liquid silicomagnesium alloys having a metallic type of chemical bonding and for hard alloys with metal-covalent bond are determined. The presented results of structural and chemical analysis of the duplex system MgO–SIO2–Mg–Si allow to reveal the mechanisms of desulfurization processes and to develop technologies of blast furnace desulfurization in smelting and ladle treatment with furnace slag, magnesium and its alloys with silicon. Keywords: polygonal diagram, magnesium oxides, alkaline earth metal silicides, quantum mechanical parameters, classification and structuring.

The use of automatic measurement techniques in the geotechnical monitoring system of PGE GiEK S.A., KWB Turów branch

Geotechnical monitoring currently plays a key role in the research of the processes taking place in the ground medium and preventing hazardous events. In the case of open-pit mining, several solutions are commonly used to monitor various geotechnical parameters. However, geotechnical situation is usually assessed based on recorded values of deep and surface displacement, which allow to accurately predict landslides. The measurements are most often carried out manually, which, due to the difficult terrain conditions in the case of open-pit mining, are often timeconsuming and complicated, especially taking into account dangerous landslide movements. Therefore, in order to ensure a higher degree of safety against the risk of landslides, modern solutions are required in the field of geotechnical monitoring. This article presents modern automatic measurement techniques, compares various solutions available on the market and illustrates the benefits of their application in open-pit mining. It also discusses the expansion and modernization of the control and measurement network at KWB Turów, carried out in recent years, as well as the observational method for controlling the efficiency of stackers, developed after the installation of automated measuring stations, with its impact on the geotechnical safety of an internal waste heap. The paper as a case study presents, what a modern and effective geotechnical monitoring system should look like, which in practice will ensure continuous observation of selected parameters and enable a quick response in the event of a landslide threat. Last but not least, the author focuses on the creation of an innovative landslide early warning system, implemented at KWB Turów.

A Study on the Possible Relationship between Physico-Chemical Properties of the Covering Soil and the Mobility of Radionuclides and Potentially Toxic Elements in a Recultivated Spoil Bank

This study is part of the ongoing environmental monitoring program of the abandoned Mecsek uranium mine. On the mine’s recultivated spoil deposit No. I, anomalies that refer to possible migration alongside the slope were detected. The present study was conducted to supplement the ongoing monitoring study with a sampling strategy and analytical methods that can characterize the mobility of potentially toxic elements and radionuclides. A sampling strategy was developed: the vegetation and soil core samples were collected from the slope from top to bottom of the deposit, and nearby this spoil deposit, water samples were collected. Elemental analyses were conducted: the pseudo-total analysis, a total concentration of uranium in water, and the BCR sequential extraction analysis. The radionuclides were determined by gamma spectrometry and alphaGUARD. Additionally, the soil and plant moisture content, soil organic matter, pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined. The Pearson correlation analysis and the principal component analysis, considering all possible influencing factors, verified that the elemental concentration increase from the top to the bottom direction of the deposit is strongly influenced by the soil pH, CEC, and Ca content. The mobility of Cd, Co, Mn, Pb, and U is relatively high and significantly migrates down the slope.

Hydrogeochemical analysis and groundwater pollution source identification based on self-organizing map at a contaminated site

Groundwater contamination at the site has become a very serious problem. A clear understanding of the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater is indispensable for pollution remediation. It requires taking a number of samples and continuous monitoring. However, it is challenging to interpret hydrogeochemical datasets with diverse compositions and wide range of concentration by linear method. In this work, combination of self-organizing map (SOM) and K-means clustering was applied to investigate the hydrogeochemical characteristics at a contaminated site. The results showed that shallow groundwater hydrogeochemical characteristics were performed by 42 neurons and were classified into 5 clusters. The NO3– in cluster 1 widely distributed in the site. The application of fertilizers led to high NO3– concentration in groundwater. Cluster 2 was dominated by Ca2+, Mg2+, Cr(Ⅵ) and NO2– and cluster 3 was characterized by TDS, Na+, Cl−, HCO3– and SO42−. Pollutants were mainly from the migration of components at the chromium slag heap under the effect of convection and dispersion. Cluster 4 was dominated by pH, As and CO32–. Furthermore, the pH with the minimum of 8.3 and the presence of CO32– in groundwater provided a favorable opportunity for arsenic enrichment. Pollutants in cluster 4 originated from rainfall leaching on the chromium slag. Moreover, the migration of components from cluster 4 to cluster 2 was also observed by SOM and numerical simulation. Cluster 5 was mainly dominated by Mn and Fe. Reduced environment and anthropogenic activities caused Fe and Mn to exceed standards. The deep groundwater characteristics were performed using 20 neurons and were identified into 4 clusters. Its contamination was due to the leakage of shallow groundwater. Finally, the Gibbs diagram and the saturation index method performed the chemistry control mechanisms of different clusters. This study demonstrated that SOM could be used to interpret nonlinear and complex contamination datasets.