Impact evaluation of coal mine drainage On physicochemical properties of soil and Aquifer around coal mining areas in Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan (T-1333) (MFN 8134)

Abstract

The growing population especially in developing countries such as Pakistan needs more natural resources which can be obtained through increased mining activities and amplified rate of extraction. Mine waste derbies are one of the most common and problematic by products. These by pro ducts are often sulphide rich due to higher concentration of pyrite. Trace elements such as Co, Mo, Zn, Ni, As, Si and Cr are also found in these byproducts. Acid mine drainage which originate from mine waste dumps and pyrite, usually found with metal sulphide which is the most significant environmental issue that has arisen in the mining industry since last two decades. The main objective of this research study was to evaluate physio chemical parameters in water and soil samples collected from different points of study area. The value of pH, EC TDS and salinity were measured with the help of electronic meter. Total Hardness and chlorides were measured with titrirnetric method, nitrate and sulfate with the help of Spectrometer. Heavy metals were analyzed in Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Statistical analysis such as Pearson's correlation and Principal Component Analysis were also applied for source identification. pH, Total Hardness, Chlorides, nitrates and TDS of the samples lied within the permissible limit whereas EC, Salinity and sulfate were above permissible limits. Cadmium was in higher concentration in both soil and water samples. Chromium and iron were high in water samples. In Coal mine waste rock and discharge water all the parameters were showing very high values which are far above the permissible limits. In Pearson correlation strong correlation was observed between EC, TDS, Total Hardness, Chlorides, Iron, Cadmium and chromium in water samples and strong correlation was observed between EC, Sulphate, Chlorides, Iron, Zinc, Cadmium and Chromium in soil samples. These results concluded that these parameters showing strong correlation will increase or decrease in same proportion. For further confirmation of source PCA was applied. PCA factor loading showed a strong correlation between Salinity, EC, TDS, Total Hardness, iron, Cadmium and chromium in water samples and strong correlation was observed between Salinity, EC, Sulphate, Chloride, Iron, Zinc and Chromium in soil samples in one group and pH and nitrate in another group. These results reveal that coal mine solid and effluent wastes are major causative agents for area's soil and water pollution.