Impacts of Mining and Urbanization on the Qin-Ba Mountainous Environment, China

Abstract

Abstract:The Qin-Ba Ecological Functional Zone is a component of China's ecological security pattern designed to protect the regional ecosystem and maintain biodiversity. However, due to the impact of mining and urban encroachment, the plight of a sustainable ecosystem in the Qin-Ba mountainous area is deteriorating. This paper has used a remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) to examine the impacts of mining and urban encroachment on the environment in the Qin-Ba mountainous area. The results indicate that the total mined area in 2013 was 22 km 2 and is predicted to escalate. Results also show that the ecosystems in Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province and Baokang County, Hubei Province were most severely affected by mining. Urbanization in the Qin-Ba mountainous area has seen an increase of 85.58 km 2 in urban land use from 2010 to 2013. In addition, infrastructure development including airport construction, tourism resorts and real estate development in the Qin-Ba mountainous area has intensified environmental and biodiversity disturbances since large areas of forest have been cleared. Our results should provide insight and assistance to city planners and government officials in making informed decisions.

The Urban Sustainability Index in Urban Aglomeration

“…Related to the environment, the urban growth negatively affects the environment. This conclusion is in line with the results of research the impact of mining development and urban infrastructure on environmental ecosystems (Xu , et al, 2016), the impact of urban growth on biodiversity (Zeng , et al, 2016), (Coles, et al, 2010), (McCarthy, et al, 2010),the impact of urban growth on the climate change (Ahmad & Choi, 2010),the social equity and environmental conditions have been marginalizedby the rapid economic development (Fan & Qi, 2010), the satisfication with neightborhood attribtes decreases with increasing urbanization (Oleyar, et al, 2008), (Jiang & Hardee, 2009),and (Zheng, et al, 2010). The phenomena of negative impact of the urban growth on the environment generally occurs because it only promotes the short-term interests of the economy.…”

The Bacterial Population of Neutral Mine Drainage Water of Elizabeth’s Shaft (Slovinky, Slovakia)

“…One of the most critical issues in mine environments is the natural oxidation (chemical and biological) of sulfide mineral tailings that are exposed to water, oxygen, and microorganisms. This oxidation is responsible for the generation of mine drainage that compromises the quality of soil, surface water, and sub-surface water bodies, hence affecting overall biodiversity [2][3][4][5].…”

“…These deposits are permanent source of toxic substances, especially heavy metals which contaminate all environmental compounds, mainly soil and water. Changes of water and soil quality affect also biodiversity of mining area [2][3][4][5]. The properties of drainage water depend on many factors, including mineralogical, geochemical properties, hydrogeological conditions, and the activity of lithoautotrophic microorganisms.…”

Evolution of the Koma Bangou Gold Panning Site (Niger) From 1984 to 2020 Using Landsat Imagery

“…To better manage the artisanal gold mining activities, it is first necessary to accurately map and monitor the waste extent. The use of remotely sensing techniques, including satellite imagery, has proven useful for this purpose (Barenblitt et al, 2021;Forkuor et al, 2020;Hao et al, 2019;Khalifa & Arnous, 2012;Marcangeli, 2003;Mensah et al, 2017;Ngom et al, 2020;Nodem et al, 2019;Paull et al, 2006;Schimmer, 2008;Sonter et al, 2014;Suresh & Jain, 2013;Werner et al, 2019Werner et al, , 2020Werner et al, , 2020Woldai, 2001;Xu et al, 2016). The different Landsat sensors (LS 4-5 TM, LS 7 ETM+, LS 8 OLI/TIR) provide multispectral images that can be effectively used for mapping and monitoring waste.…”