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Scientific Article details

Title Analysis of the properties of coal sludge in the context of the possibility of using it in biological reclamation
ID_Doc 14520
Authors Sliwka, M; Kepys, W; Pawul, M
Title Analysis of the properties of coal sludge in the context of the possibility of using it in biological reclamation
Year 2022
Published Gospodarka Surowcami Mineralnymi-Mineral Resources Management, 38, 4
DOI 10.24425/gsm.2022.143629
Abstract The mining industry, including hard- coal mining, has a significant and multifaceted impact on all components of the environment. One of the factors is the production of various types of waste which, due to their physico-chemical and ecotoxic properties, do not always pose a threat to the environment and can be used in various ways. Such treatment of waste perfectly fits into the concept of the circular economy through the protection of natural resources and the maximum re-use of waste. One of the wastes generated by hard- coal mines is coal sludge from the purification of underground water in surface settling tanks. The article presents the results of research on the physico-chemical and phytotoxic properties of carbon sludges from two settling tanks with regard to assessing the possibility of their re-use in the reclamation of degraded areas. These sludges contain mainly sand fractions. An analysis of their chemical composition revealed the presence of heavy metals. Leachability studies have shown that despite the high concentrations of metals, a small quantity of these metals passes into the solution. In this respect, therefore, they do not pose a threat to the environment. However, a threat may result from the presence of chlorides and sulphates, the amounts of which are influenced by, among other factors, the time of waste storage in the settling tank. Phytotoxicity tests performed on garden cress (Lepidium sativum) did not show a toxic effect at any concentration of the water extract. In addition, for one of the sludges, water extracts with concentrations starting from 12.5 and 50% stimulated the growth of the plant's shoots and roots, respectively. The results show that the tested coal sludges may be used in appropriate doses for reclamation work, for example, when establishing a plant cover.
Author Keywords waste management; phytotoxicity; biotests; coal sludge; reclamation
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000928276300009
WoS Category Mineralogy; Mining & Mineral Processing
Research Area Mineralogy; Mining & Mineral Processing
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