Ecological hazard, typology, morphometry and quantity of waste dumps of coal mines in Ukraine

Abstract

As a result of coal mining, a large number of waste rock dumps have been created on the earth's surface around the world. As a result of deflation and water erosion of the dump surface, extensive contamination of the soil cover of agricultural land with heavy metals occurs, threatening the food security of many countries. The article proposes a method for determining the area of potentially contaminated land in coal-mining regions. The area of such land in Ukraine has been estimated. A scheme for the dispersion of pollutants from waste dumps is proposed, which makes it possible to identify four types of polluted areas. Using the Google Earth service, the exact modern number of dumps in the Donetsk coal basin (Donbass) as a whole (1600) and separately in its western, central and eastern parts was determined. The average height, the average and total area of the base and surface, and the forest cover of the dumps in the Central Donbass were determined. It was found that the area of potentially contaminated land as a result of surface deflation of dumps in Central Donbass is 30,605 hectares. Taking into account the discharge of pollutants both from the surface of the dumps and from the deflationary pollution zone, the area of such land is 35,765 hectares. The mathematical modelling of the processes of pollutant removal by wind and deposition on the soil surface showed that it is possible to radically reduce the area of pollution by afforestation of waste dumps and, first of all, their flat tops.

Prompt determination of predictive parameters for mining-technogenic landscape objects

“…The upper earth crust layer suffers the greatest damage, since millions of cubic meters of minerals and waste rocks are removed from the depths by underground and surface methods, disturbing the natural balance and hydrogeological regimes of ground and surface waters [4,5]. Accumulated large-tonnage industrial waste, being an integral part of mining and processing processes, can contaminate soils and groundwater, posing a threat to natural ecosystems and public health [6][7][8][9].…”

Analytical research of the parameters and characteristics of new “quarry cavities – backfill material” systems: Case study of Ukraine

“…These wastes, often containing hazardous substances, pose a serious threat to the environment and human health and are capable of creating emergency situations (landslides, dam breaks, etc.). Industrial waste occupies large land areas and is constantly expanding, and if underground mine workings are located below it, the waste may even affect its geomechanical condition [17]- [19].…”

Use of solid mining waste to improve water retention capacity of loamy soils

“…The low level of utilization and recycling of waste rock (up to 25-30% of the created parameter) [7] results in its significant accumulation on the daylight surface in the form of waste rock dumps. Over the past 50 years, over 25 billion tons of mining waste have been accumulated in the coalmining regions of Ukraine, occupying thousands of hectares of fertile land [8], [9].…”