Geochemical Partitioning of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in the Ecosystems of Abandoned Mine Sites: A Case Study within the Moscow Brown Coal Basin

Abstract

Significant environmental impacts of mining activities connected with high-sulfur materials result from the production of acid mine drainage and potentially toxic elements, which easily migrate to adjacent ecosystems due to the typical absence of vegetation on spoil heaps and toeslope talus mantle. In this paper, we present the results of the first comprehensive study of the ecosystems affected by acidic and metal-enriched (Al, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, and Zn) mine drainage conducted at spoil heaps and adjacent talus mantle under semihumid climate conditions within the Moscow Brown Coal Basin (Central Russian Upland, Tula Region, Russia). A total of 162 samples were collected, including 98 soil samples, 42 surface water samples, and 22 plant samples (aerial tissues of birch). Coal talus mantle materials of Regosols were characterized by the increased concentration of water-soluble Ca, K, Mg, and S, and all mobile fractions of Al, Co, S, and Zn. The chemical composition of birch samples within the zones affected by acid mine drainage differed insignificantly from those in the unpolluted ecosystems with black soils, due to the high tolerance of birch to such conditions. Differences between the affected and undisturbed sites in terms of the chemical composition decreased in the following order: waters > soils > plants. The geochemical characterization of plants and soils in coal mining areas is essential for the mitigation of negative consequences of mining activities.

Impacts of long-term irrigation with coalmine effluent contaminated water on trace metal contamination of topsoil and potato tubers in Dinajpur area, Bangladesh

“…Long-term irrigation with contaminated water can cause trace metals accumulation in the topsoil at high concentrations as well as groundwater contamination through leaching [ 23 , 24 ]. Wastewater generated from coalmines are comparatively more hazardous as they contain suspended coal powder, stone dust, heavy metals, highly mineralized and/or acidic substances that are potent soil contaminants [ [24] , [25] , [26] ]. From the contaminated soils, trace metals find their way into the food products and reach the human body where they can cause health impairments even at low concentrations [ [27] , [28] , [29] ].…”

Hydrochemistry, Elements Distribution and Their Potential Recoveries in Gold Metallurgical Treatment Tailings Dams

“…Geostatistical and mathematical interpolation techniques, including kriging, cokriging, and inverse distance weighted, are commonly employed for 3D modeling groundwater parameters [19,[21][22][23][24]. Additionally, understanding the hydrochemistry of tailings wastewater and the partitioning of elements among colloidal fractions is vital for assessing its potential for reuse [3,25,26].…”

“…Moreover, Au is highly reactive and can form insoluble complexes with other elements, further complicating its recovery. Understanding the partitioning of Au among colloidal fractions is essential for evaluating its potential for reuse [26,48].…”

Environmental Assessment Impact of Acid Mine Drainage from Kizel Coal Basin on the Kosva Bay of the Kama Reservoir (Perm Krai, Russia)

“…Adverse effects on the abiotic and biotic components of rivers, including the destruction of aquatic life, bioaccumulation of toxic elements by organisms and plants, biodiversity loss, and the health of local residents, are observed for these areas [3][4][5][6]. AMD of abandoned coal mines is the source of river water pollution in the area of Moscow Brown Coal Basin and Kizel Coal Basin of Russia [7][8][9]; Tinto and Odiel Rivers in Spain [10]; Leonor and Pedras streams in a coal mining area (southern Brazil) [11]; rivers of Central Appalachian, Eastern State, and the Great Plains regions of the United States [12]; and many rivers in other regions [13][14][15]. Surface water pollution with AMD associated with coal mining areas are caused by oxidative processes of mine waters due to oxidation of sulfide group minerals, 2 of 23 resulting in the release of large amounts of sulfates, iron, and trace elements (TE) (e.g., As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Al, Mn, Be) [16][17][18].…”