Potash fertilizer production is one of the most important economic activities. Historically, potash mining has had a significant impact on the environment, often with catastrophic consequences. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of studies on the environmental impact of potash mining using the example of the Verkhnekamskoe potash deposit. The deposit is located in the central part of the Solikamsk depression in the Pre-Ural foredeep (Perm Krai, Russia). All the main features and problems of underground mining of water-soluble ores and potassium fertilizer production are considered using the example of one of the world’s largest potash deposits. This paper looks into the specifics of the material composition of waste, its disposal, underground mining issues associated with the solubility of salts, and the risks of groundwater inflow into the mine workings, which causes flooding of mines. The results of all surveys show that potash mining affects the atmosphere, surface water, groundwater, soil, and vegetation. The most effective measure to reduce the adverse environmental impact of potash mining at the Verkhnekamskoe Deposit is hydraulic backfilling of mine chambers, which protects the underground mines from flooding, minimizes ground subsidence, and reduces the area of potash waste.
This study considers the contents of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in the soils of natural–technogenic landscapes in the Verkhnekamskoe potassium–magnesium salt deposit (Perm Krai, Russia). The purpose of the study is to assess the lateral activity distribution of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in the soils of natural–technogenic landscapes of the mining areas on the territory of the Berezniki–Solikamsk industrial hub. Seventy-five soil samples from depths of 0–0.4 m are examined. The specific activities of the natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the soil samples are measured using gamma spectrometry. The average values of the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K are 11.78 Bq/kg, 8.11 Bq/kg, and 246.9 Bq/kg, respectively. A gamma survey is conducted using the MKS/SRP-08A search dosimeter–radiometer over a control point framework covering 50,000 hectares. The research shows that the migration of the studied natural radionuclides is limited to a radius of 10 km. The results of the gamma-radiation measurements in the study area fall within a range of 0.06–0.25 µSv/h, which does not exceed the permissible limits. According to the findings, there is an increase in the concentration of natural radionuclides in transit supra-floodplain terrace landscapes and accumulative floodplain landscapes in the area affected by potash mining.
Over a long period of time, a huge amount of technogenic bottom sediments has been accumulating in the Kosva Bay with significant concentrations of amorphous iron and aluminium hydroxides, which, in turn, are active sorbents of pollutants. This study examines the distribution of trace elements and rare earth elements and their toxicity in the Kosva Bay of the Kama Reservoir (Perm Region, Russia). In the middle reach, the Kosva River crosses the Kizel coal basin, where acid mine water is discharged from closed mines. The average content of trace elements in the samples of bottom sediments of the bay varies from 0.10 mg/kg (Se) to 176.36 mg/kg (Ba). The amount of rare earth elements varies from 66.8 to 83.6 mg/kg. The ecological significance of trace elements and rare earth elements was studied using an element-by-element assessment (EF and Igeo), Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), Mean Probable Effect Concentration Quotient (PECQ), and two bioassays (Daphnia magna Straus and Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb. The highest Hg enrichment was found at two sampling points. Taking into account the average value of Igeo, the pollution by Co, V, Nb, Hg, Sn, Zn, Sm, Ni, Cr, and Gd is the highest and corresponds to extremely contaminated category. The RI values indicate that pollution categories vary from moderate risk to considerable risk. According to mean PECQ values, bottom sediments of the bay have moderate potential toxicity towards biological communities. Results of chronic and acute toxicity on test objects D. magna and Scenedesmus quadricauda Breb show the water extract from bottom sediments having no effects on the test objects. The results of the study show that in order to assess the quality of bottom sediments, an integrated approach, combining chemical and ecotoxicological analyses, is needed.
A study of the effect of subaquatic discharge of karst groundwater sources on the composition of the Vishera River, the largest tributary of the Kama River, was carried out. The study was carried out on the territory of the State Nature Reserve "Vishersky" and included the determination of the flow rate, temperature as well as chemical composition of natural waters. Six zones of karst groundwater discharge and their influence on the water regime of the Vishera river were studied in detail. It was shown that subaquatic sources in the places of their discharge, forming up to 36% of the river flow, significantly affect the temperature regime. A significant part of dissolved substances, primarily calcium ions and hydrocarbonate ions, as well as some trace elements (Li, Sr, V, Cr) enter the Vishery river with karst waters. The results of the study show that monitoring the composition and properties of groundwater discharged covertly in the river channel is an important part of the monitoring of water bodies of both protected and developed areas.
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