Hydropedological Characterization of a Coal Mining Waste Deposition Area Affected by Self-Burning

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Marques, JM (Author) FCUP; Narayan, A (Author) Other; Santos, P (Author) Other; Ribeiro, J (Author) Other; Antunes, SC (Author) FCUP; Melo, A (Author) Other; Rocha, F (Author) Other; Flores, D (Author) FCUP; Mansilha, C (Author) Other

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: HYDROLOGY

Vol. 11

Final page: 62

ISSN: 2306-5338

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Earth and related Environmental sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-C6D

DOI: 10.3390/hydrology11050062

Abstract (EN): Coal mining often produces severe environmental effects, including impacts on the soil system and, specifically, on hydropedological conditions that control the leaching of significant ions and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs). The research objective is to assess changes in the hydropedological conditions in an area with a coal mining waste pile that underwent self-burning. An integrative approach was implemented, starting with the definition of hydropedological zoning based on field observations of soil formation factors (namely, parent material, relief, biological activity, anthropic influence, and time). The soil profile in each hydropedological zone was characterized regarding morphological features. The upper mineral horizons were sampled and characterized in terms of mineralogy and PTE geochemistry. Field measurements of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, soil water content, and hydrophobicity were performed. Afterwards, the hydrogeochemistry of leachates was determined, and the soil leaching potential was evaluated. The research outcomes express substantial differences regarding the hydropedological zones: development of different soil profiles, diverse mineralogy and PTE geochemistry, higher unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and leaching of major ions, and PTEs in soils affected by coal mining activities. Finally, a Principal Component Analysis confirmed the existence of significant contrasts according to hydropedological zoning.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 17