Properties of mine soil and its affects on bioaccumulation of metals in tree species: case study from a large opencast coalmining project
Title:
Properties of mine soil and its affects on bioaccumulation of metals in tree species: case study from a large opencast coalmining project
Author:
Maiti, S. K.
Appeared in:
International journal of mining, reclamation and environment
Paging:
Volume 20 (2006) nr. 2 pages 96-110
Year:
2006-06-01
Contents:
Opencast mining results in severe destruction of the landscape due to the formation of overburden dumps and voids at mining sites, increased erosion, altered aesthetics and an increased pollution load onto the surroundings. Reclamation of these mine dumps forms an integral part of environmental management plan for any mining project. An advance understanding of the properties of mine soil (e.g. rock geochemistry, rock depth profiling) is important in the preparation of reclamation and closure plans. The studies undertaken in the Central Coalfield Limited (CCL) KD Heslong opencast project, revealed that the bioavailability of toxic metals depends on the physico-chemical characteristics of mine soil, and that bioaccumulation of toxic metals varies among tree species. In the nutritionally poor mine soil, the plant species Dalbergia sissoo, Cassia seamea, Acacia mangium and Acacia auriculiformis were found growing satisfactorily. Addition of topsoil and liming in the plantation pits was found to be essential and, if possible, incorporation of acid neutralizing materials such as fly ash should be undertaken.
Journal description