Scholarly record
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF MINING WASTE USAGE DURING A GRAVEL PIT RECLAMATION IN THE VISTULA VALLEY IN OSWIECIM (SOUTHERN POLAND)
Abstract
This article presents a case of reclamation of excavations after exploitation of gravel located in the Vistula River near Oswiecim. Gravel deposits are located there shallowly below the surface and they are associated with river accumulation. This area is characterized by a very high level of groundwater vulnerability. After depletion of the gravel field, the excavations are liquidated by backfilling with waste, usually mine waste. The material to be used underwent a formal assessment of its impact on the aquatic environment. In the opinion of the environmental protection authorities, this material is a natural aggregate, neutral to the environment. For the purposes of this article, the chemical composition of the water samples taken from a gravel pit backfilled with waste, an active gravel pit, and the Vistula river flowing nearby was analyzed. Using the PN-EN 12457 [1] standard, the load of pollutants that can be leached from the mining waste used for backfilling the excavation was determined. A hydrochemical analysis of water taken from the backfilled excavation indicated that significant loads of pollutants are leached from the mining waste. On the foregrounds of the deposited material, the water electrical conductivity (EC) in the reservoir residue exceeded 5.4 mS/cm. The typical value of EC of groundwater in an active neighboring excavation is about 1.5 mS/cm. The assessment of the quality of water taken from the excavations was referred to the quality of water from the Vistula River, which receives saline waters from coal mines. The procedures of granting formal permits for the liquidation of excavations were also examined. The analysis of the described case revealed that the procedure for accepting waste for use in engineering works requires a thorough verification and some legislative changes.
Publication Impact Profile
- Citations
- CrossRef - Citation Indexes: 1
- Scopus - Citation Indexes: 2
- Captures
- Mendeley - Readers: 6
Publication details
References0
Structured references will appear here after the reference import pass. The count is preserved now so the scholarly record is not incomplete.
Citing literature
Number of times cited according to Crossref: 1
View or Download full articleAccess options
SWS access login
Login as SWS Scientific CommitteeLogin as SWS Scientific PartnerLogin as SWS AuthorAuthors and approved SWS contributors will read and export their own linked papers after identity matching by SWS profile, email and SGEM GlobalID.
For librarian assistance: [email protected]
Purchase Instant Access
- Article can be downloaded after successful payment.
- Article may be used according to SWS library access terms.
- Article cannot be redistributed.