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Impact of coal mining on mine water quality

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Abstract

The coal mining industry has to dispose of millions of litres of water every day. This water forms main source of various water supplies in the thickly populated coalfields. In this study, water samples from major coalfields were collected and analysed in an attempt to reflect the impact of mining on water quality in these areas. Various physico-chemical characteristics of mine waters as analysed include pH, alkalinity/acidity, specific conductivity, hardness, total solids, sulphate, chloride iron and trace materials.

This investigation reveals that mining activity, markedly pollute the mine waters. Mine waters are of highly complex nature and of widely varying composition. These are nearly neutral, alkaline, mildly acidic and highly acidic in nature. Special emphasis on water quality deterioration due to acid mine drainage which result in significant concentration levels of tract (toxic) metals, is given. A classification of these mine waters is also made.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Studies in Mining Environment, Indian School of Mines, 826004, Dhanbad

    Gurdeep Singh

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  1. Gurdeep Singh
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Singh, G. Impact of coal mining on mine water quality. International Journal of Mine Water 7, 49–59 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02504598

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02504598

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