Scholarly record

RECENT MINERAL DEPOSITION AND REMOBILIZATION PROCESSES IN CLINKER WASTE HEAPS IN THE VICINITY OF KCM SMELTER, PLOVDIV

R. Atanassova, T. Kerestedjian

Abstract

Clinker waste heaps in the vicinity of KCM smelter, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, expected to be relatively insoluble, and hence inactive according to the environment, were found to be affected by burning of spontaneously ignited carbonaceous material contained in it. This way the waste heap represents an active chemical reactor. The investigation revealed that the process turns the chemically resistant glassy phases into water soluble compounds, abundantly found close to gas and vapour exhalations through deep cracks in the dump. Deposited recent phases have been identified. Most of these phases are sulphates of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Al (chalcanthite, antlerite, bonattite, chalcocyanite, melanterite, copiapite, halotrichite, and apjohnite) gypsum and native sulphur. Physical and chemical properties of the exhalations have been measured and employed in the explanation of the specific mineral assemblage formed. The result of the remobilization of the heavy metals is significant increase in the environmental risk, including ground and surface water pollution as well as airborne soil contamination. The knowledge of the described phenomenon is an important element in the process of the development of proper management plan.

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