Geological and environmental implications in the reclamation of limestone quarries in Sierra de Callosa (Alicante, Spain)

Abstract

Sierra de Callosa have an area of 8 km 2 and a maximum altitude of 566 masl. Geologically, it is found to be primarily comprised of carbonated rocks. Mine spoils coming from limestone quarries extraction are often used in the working reclamation process. These materials could be actually employed profitably once conveniently amended with organic matter. A study on the temporary evolution of nutrients and several physical-chemical parameters in a mineral waste amended with municipal solid waste (MSW) compost has been carried out. The effect of incorporating such waste to mine spoils in an arid gravel quarry has been studied, quantifying the temporal evolution of nutrients and several physical-chemical parameters in the mixture. Three plots have been prepared with mine spoils proceeding from a limestone quarry located in the south of the province of Alicante (municipality of Redován). These plots have been amended with 3 kg/m 2 of MSW compost. Texture, pH, electrical conductivity, oxidizable organic matter, N-Kjeldahl, available P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were analysed. The results reflected the contribution of nutrients to the substrate after the MSW addition. The variability of the information indicated the heterogeneity of the MSW composition, as well as the difficulty of obtaining a homogeneous MSW mixture-mineral waste.

The Use of Composted Municipal Solid Waste under the Concept of Circular Economy and as a Source of Plant Nutrients and Pollutants

“…In an experiment in plots in a quarry restoration, where 3 kg/m 3 of MSW were applied to a substrate composed by limestone outcrop from the rejection of the quarry, an increment of nutrients associated to the composition of the composted MSW was obtained. In the plots in which MSW was applied, an important increase in the soil content of N-Kjeldahl, available P, and the rest of macro-and micronutrients was found, favoring the plant growth [54]. The results reflected the contribution of MSW to the plant nutrition and reinforced the idea of the positive use of the organic fraction of MSW in mining and landfill restoration (Figure 3).…”

Effect of Sludge Amendment on Remediation of Metal Contaminated Soils

“…In addition, reactive layers containing labile organic carbon may promote bacterially mediated sulfate reduction reactions and the removal of sulfate and dissolved metals from contaminated acid mine drainages [17]. Organic amendments from municipal solid waste compost have been used in the reclamation of mine spoils from limestone quarries [18]. In addition, sugar foam waste has been applied to red soils [19] in a semiarid environment similar to the study area conditions.…”

Application of a Multi Stage Method to Assess the Landscape Alteration Induced by Quarrying Sites: A Comparative Analysis

“…On the other hand, the assessment of the physical alteration of a site assumes a certain importance during the planning stage (Menegaki and Kaliampakos, 2006) before work commences at the site and some constraints are determined such as receptors to be screened or sensitive areas to be preserved (Alfaro Degan et al, 2014). During this phase the designer plays a crucial role by deciding upon of the extraction method (Cardu et al, 2001) and the reclamation plan (Gasparovic et al, 2009;Jordan, 2007). Any existing or future urbanization in the surrounding area may also represent a significant parameter (Hernandez et al, 2004).…”