Scholarly record

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION IN THE COAL MINING WASTE DUMP OF PETRILA IN THE JIU VALLEY AS A SOURCE OF NOX, CO2, AND CH4 EMISSIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK

Lautaru Vlad, Alexandru Gireada, Sorin Simion, Alin Irimia, Andrei Gireada

Abstract

The coal mining waste dump of Petrila in the Jiu Valley, Romania, represents a significant source of environmental hazards due to spontaneous combustion of coal residues. This study investigates the generation of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, and NOX), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) from the Petrila dump, focusing on their correlation with self-heating phenomena and internal temperature variations. Field observations were conducted on the dump, recording signs of surface smoke, elevated temperatures, and other indicators of spontaneous combustion. Gas samples were collected using portable analyzers and analyzed to determine concentrations and spatial distribution patterns. The results indicate that areas exhibiting self-heating show higher emissions of NOX, CO2, and CH4, highlighting a direct link between autoignition processes and the release of hazardous gases. The study further discusses the environmental and health implications of these emissions, as well as the necessity for continuous monitoring and management strategies to mitigate associated risks. This research provides a preliminary assessment of multi-gas emissions from the Petrila coal waste dump and contributes to a better understanding of the environmental impact of mining residues in the Jiu Valley region.

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