Geophysical surveys for identifying source and pathways of subsurface water inflow at the Bangur chromite mine,Odisha, India

Geophysical survey was carried out in an effort to solve an underground flooding problem at the Bangur chromite mine of Odisha Mining Corporation Limited, Odisha, India. To identify sources and pathways of the influx, very low-frequency electromagnetic, self-potential and resistivity surveys were performed. Geophysical studies clearly depict a major fracture zone passing through the mine and its connection to a water storage pond. The fracture zone extends further west from the pond to the Salandi River and the Salandi Reservoir. The dip of the delineated fracture zone is around 45° to the N, and it matches with the fault plane exposed in the mine. Since water enters into the mine from the west, the delineated fracture zone is thought to be the main pathway for the inflow. Geophysical studies conclude that the IMFA pond, Salandi River and Salandi Reservoir could be possible sources of water in the mine. To ascertain the source and pathway, tracer testing was conducted at two locations, based on the geophysical survey by the hydrogeological team, but tracer test results were inconclusive. However, the fact remains that the water enters to the mine through the delineated fracture and poses threat in mine operation. Dumping water in nearby pond will again enter in mine with interconnected fractures. Therefore, for safe mining operation, it is proposed to drill a slanted tube well at the delineated fracture and pump out maximum water and discharge the pumped water at canal situated about 2.5 km from the mine.     

Mineralogy,petrography and micro-chemical characteristics of enclaves of mylonitic BIFs within Sukinda ultramafic complex,Odisha

Elongated NE-SW trending bodies of iron-rich rock are exposed adjacent to pyroxenite dyke within Sukinda ultramafic complex, Odisha. Field study followed by optical and electron microscopy, XRD and EPMA investigation reveal the rocks to be fine grained, weathered, limonitised; containing quartz, magnetite, hematite/martite and goethite. The rock has suffered from deformation during intrusion of chromiferous magma. It rarely shows banding/lamination, but largely exhibits mylonitic fabric, resulting from magmatic intrusion. The stronger deformation is evident from sub-grain formation, deformed mineral grains; often with orientation, stretching (boudinage) and shortening (folding); presence of porphyroclasts, pull-apart structure, undulose extinction, dynamic recrystallisation etc. From the microstructure and mineral abundance, the rock is designated as “Mylonitic Magentite Quartzite” (MMQ).Enrichment of some elements like Ni, Mg, Cr in the magnetite phase of MMQ is attributed to solid state diffusion of these elements from chromiferous mafic magma during thermal metamorphism. This is determined from electron probe microanalysis of iron-rich phase in MMQ, which is found to contain 88-90 wt% of FeO^(t) with ~1%, NiO, ~1%, MgO and 0.1% Cr₂O₃ having around 3 mole% of trevorite; 4-6% of magnesioferrite; 0.15-0.3% of chromite; 86-87% of magnetite and 3-4% of wustite. Considering presence of wustite as temperature indicator, the temperature of magma envisaged to be around 950-1100°C.In a later period, the MMQ has undergone oxidation and lateritisation owing to its prolonged exposure. During this process, new minerals like hematite and goethite substituted magnetite, resulting leaching of iron (FeO: 62-68%) and magnesium (MgO: 0.1-0.35) and enrichment of chromium (Cr₂O₃:4-7%) and nickel (NiO: 1.6-2.3%). The silica (SiO₂: 4-5%), alumina (Al₂O₃:~1%) are contributed by kaolinite, formed during lateritisation.The field and laboratory studies confirm these iron-rich exposures to be enclaves of BIFs, banded magnetite quartzite (BMQ) in particular, within the Sukinda chromiferous ultramafic complex. Micro-structural features and microchemical composition of iron minerals in these exposures are interpreted as the influence of forceful ultramafic intrusion into the existing BMQ and effect of thermal metamorphism followed by oxidation, weathering/lateritisation.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around chromite mining areas, Nuggihalli, Karnataka, India

Toxic heavy metals represent one of the possible environmental hazards from mine lands, which affect many countries having historic mining industries. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the degree of soil pollution occurring near chromite mines, and make a systematic evaluation of soil contamination based on geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor and pollution index. This paper presents the pollution load of toxic heavy metals (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn and Zr) in 57 soil samples collected around three different active (Tagdur), abandoned (Jambur) chromite mining sites as well residential zone around Chikkondanahalli of the Nuggihalli Schist Belt, Karnataka, India. Soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals by using Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Results indicated that elevated concentrations of Cr, Ni and Co in soils of the study area exceed the Soil Quality Guideline limits (SQGL). The high enrichment factor for Cr, Ni Co obtained in the soil samples show that there is a steady increase of toxic heavy metals risk in this area, which could be correlated with the past mining activity and post abandoned mining in the area. The data was also treated to study the geoaccumulation index, pollution index and spatial distribution of toxic elements. Emphasis need to be put on control measures of pollution and remediation techniques in the study area.     

Application of statistical methods to study seasonal variation in the mine contaminants in soil and groundwater of Goa, India

 Soil and groundwater samples were collected during two seasons, premonsoon (April 1990) and postmonsoon (December 1990), and analyzed for major elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn and Fe), trace elements (Ni, Pb, Co, Cr and Zn) and water parameters (pH, conductivity, acidity, alkalinity, hardness, Cl and SO₄). All the data were subjected to linear discriminant analysis and partial correlation analysis in order to understand the seasonal variation in the data. It was observed from the Mahalanobis generalized distance that in both soil and groundwater samples there was a large difference in the concentration level of premonsoon and postmonsoon data. Linear discriminant functions were calculated to distinguish between premonsoon and postmonsoon samples. From the partial correlation coefficient analysis of soil samples, dominance of chemical weathering and precipitation of atmospheric fallout during monsoon were inferred. In the case of the water samples, high conductivity and high hardness in the postmonsoon samples as well as atmospheric fallout of Pb and Ni during the premonsoon period was suggested from partial correlation of water samples. Received: 19 September 1995 · Accepted: 12 December 1995     

Effects of heavy metal pollution on the soil microbial activity

The effects of heavy metals on soil microbial processes were investigated over a period of six weeks. Analytical grade (Sigma) sulphate salts of copper, zinc and nickel were added individually and in combinations to soil samples and incubated in different plastic pots. Samples were taken from the pots forthnightly and the rates of microbial carbon and nitrogen mineralization, microbial biomass carbon and respiration were measured. The results showed the effect of metals on the measured parameters were significant (P<0.05.). By the 6^th week postreatment, the rates of carbon accumulated were high in the copper (6.03 %) and copper:Zinc (5.80 %) treatments but low in the nickel and zinc (4.93 % and 5.02 % respectively). The rates of Nitrogen mineralization were 0.41 and 0.44 % in samples treated with copper and copper:zinc compared to 0.22 %–0.24 % obtained at the beginning of the experiments. Soil microbial biomass carbon declined from average value of 183.7–185.6 μg/g before treatment to as low as 100.8 and 124.6 μg/g in samples treated with copper:zinc and copper respectively.The rate of respiration of the soil microbial populations was equally inhibited by the metals. From an average rate of 2.51–2.56 μg of C/g respiration of the soil microbes declined to 0.98, 1.08 and 1.61 μg of C/g in the copper:zinc, copper and zinc treated soils by the end of the experiment. The results suggest additive or synergistic effects of the metals.     

Characterization of the Sukinda and Nausahi ultramafic complexes,Orissa, India by platinum-group element geochemistry

Samples of 20 chromitite, 14 ultramafic and mafic rock, and 9 laterite and soil samples from the Precambrian Sukinda and Nausahi ultramafic complexes, Orissa, India were analyzed for platinum-group elements (PGE). The maximum concentrations are: palladium, 13 parts per billion (ppb); platinum, 120 ppb; rhodium, 21 ppb; iridium, 210 ppb; and ruthenium, 630 ppb. Comparison of chondrite-normalized ratios of PGE for the chromitite samples of lower Proterozoic to Archean age with similar data from Paleozoic and Mesozoic ophiolite complexes strongly implies that these complexes represent Precambrian analogs of ophiolite complexes. This finding is consistent with the geology and petrology of the Indian complexes and suggests that plate-tectonic and ocean basin developement models probably apply to some parts of Precambrian shield areas.     

Dispersion Pattern of PGE and Ag in Chromiferous Ultramafic Suite of Rocks in Sukinda Valley,India

Potential chromite ore deposits of India are situated in Sukinda, Odisha, which may also be considered as a potential resource for platinum group elements (PGEs). This paper reports on PGE geochemistry in twenty six samples covering chromite ores, chromitites and associated ultramafic rocks of the Sukinda ultramafic complex. Platinum group element contents range from 213 to 487 ppb in the chromite ore body, from 63 to 538 ppb in rocks that have chromite dendrites or dissemination and from 38 to 389 ppb in associated olivine–peridotite, serpentinite, pyroxenite and brecciated rocks. The PGEs are divided into two sub‐groups: IPGE (Ir, Os, and Ru) and PPGE (Pd, Pt, and Rh) based on their chemical behaviour. The IPGE and PPGE in these three litho‐members show a contrasting relationship e.g. average IPGE content decreases from chromite to chromitite and associated rocks while PPGE increases in the same order. Appreciable Ag in chromitite (270–842 ppb) is recorded. Positive correlation between IPGE with Cr₂O₃ and with Al₂O₃ is observed while these are negatively correlated with MgO. Covariant relationships between Au and Mg in rocks devoid of chromite and between Ag and Fe in chromitite sample are observed. Chromite in all seams and some chromitite samples exhibit an IPGE‐enriched chondrite normalized pattern while PPGE are highly fractionated and show a steep negative slope, thereby indicating that PGE in the parental melt fractionates and IPGE‐compatible elements prefer to settle with chromite. The rocks devoid of chromite and rocks containing accessory chromite exhibit a nearly flat pattern in chondrite‐normalized PGE plots and this suggests a limited fractionation of PGE in these rocks. Variation in the distribution pattern of PGE and Ag in three typical litho‐members of the Sukinda Valley may be related to multiple intrusion of ultramafic magma, containing variable volume percentage of chromite.     

A sulfur isotopic study of the San Cristobal tungsten-base metal mine,Peru

The San Cristobal tungsten-base metal deposit differs from other quartz-wolframite vein deposits in that it has a major period of base metal mineralization consisting of pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena. Homogenization temperatures of primary and pseudosecondary inclusions were measured in augelite (260–400°C), quartz (230–350°C) and sphalerite (180–220°C). The ³⁴S values of H₂S in solution in equilibrium with the vein minerals range from 1.6 to 9.0 permil increasing through the paragenesis. The relatively heavy values suggest a nonmagmatic source for the sulfur. Evaporitic sulfates are a likely source of heavy sulfur and sedimentary anhydrite is known to occur near the San Cristobal region. In contrast to San Cristobal are three similar quartz-wolframite vein deposits, Pasto Bueno, Panasqueira, and Tungsten Queen. They each have an average ³⁴S value for sulfides of about 0 permil, suggesting a sulfur of magmatic origin. At San Cristobal an influx of sedimentary sulfur could not only account for the distinctive isotopic signature of the sulfides but also for the presence of the base metal mineralization.     

Groundwater solute chemistry,hydrogeochemical processes and fluoride contamination in phreatic aquifer of Odisha,India

The work investigates the major solute chemistry of groundwater and fluoride enrichment(F~-) in the shallow phreatic aquifer of Odisha.The study also interprets the hydrogeochemical processes of solute acquisition and the genetic behavior of groundwater F~-contamination.A total of 1105 groundwater samples collected from across the state from different hydro-geomorphic settings have been analyzed for the major solutes and F~-content.Groundwater is alkaline in nature(range of pH: 6.6–8.7; ave.: 7.9) predominated by moderately hard to very hard types.Average cation and anion chemistry stand in the orders of Ca~(2+) Na~+ Mg~(2+) K~+and HCO_3~- Cl~- SO_4~(2-) CO_3~(2-)respectively.The average mineralization is low(319 mg/L).The primary water types are Ca-Mg-HCO_3 and Ca-Mg-Cl~-HCO_3, followed by Na-Cl, Ca-Mg-Cl, and Na-Ca-Mg-HCO_3~-Cl.Silicate-halite dissolution and reverse ion exchange are the significant processes of solute acquisition.Both the geogenic as well as the anthropogenic sources contribute to the groundwater fluoride contamination,etc.The ratio of Na~+/Ca~(2+) 1.0 comprises Na-HCO_3(Cl) water types with F~- 1.0 mg/L(range 1.0–3.5 mg/L)where the F~-bears geogenic source.Positive relations exist between F~-and pH, Na~+, TDS, and HCO_3~-.It also reflects a perfect Na-TDS correlation(0.85).The ratio of Na~+/Ca~(2+) 1.0 segregates the sample population(F~- range: 1.0–4.0 mg/L) with the F derived from anthropogenic sources.Such water types include Ca-Mg-HCO_3(Cl) varieties which are recently recharged meteoritic water types.The F~-levels exhibit poor and negative correlations with the solutes in groundwater.The Na-TDS relation remains poor(0.12).In contrast, the TDS levels show strong correlations with Ca~(2+)(0.91), Mg~(2+)(0.80) and even Cl~-(0.91).The majority of the monitoring points with the anthropogenic sources of groundwater F~-are clustered in the Hirakud Canal Command area in the western parts of the state, indicating the role of irrigation return flow in the F~-contamination.     

Heavy metal contamination of soil around Pali Industrial Area,Rajasthan, India

Due to rapid industrialization, urbanization and intensive agriculture in India increasing contamination of heavy metals in soil has become a major concern. An environmental geochemical investigation was carried out in and around the Pali industrial development area of Rajasthan to determine the effect of contamination in the study area. Soil samples collected near the Pali industrial area were analyzed for Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Sr and V contents by using Philips PW 2440 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Samples were collected from the industrial area of Pali from the top 10 cm layer of the soil. Most of the samples were collected near small streams adjacent to industrial areas, and near Bandi River. Levels of the metals in soils around the industrial area were found to be significantly higher than their normal distribution in soil such as Pb – 293 mg/kg, Cr – 240 mg/kg, Cu – 298 mg/kg, Zn – 1,364 mg/kg, Sr – 2,694 mg/kg and V – 377 mg/kg. High concentration of these toxic elements in soil is responsible for the development of toxicity in agriculture products, which in turn affects human life. Distribution of metals, their contents at different locations, correlation of heavy metals in soil and their effect on human health are discussed in the paper.     

Hydrologic and hydrogeologic analyses of an alluvial aquifer underlying Kushabhadra-Bhargavi River basin,Odisha, India

This paper deals with the analysis of groundwater condition in an alluvial aquifer system underlying Kushabhadra-Bhargavi River basin of Odisha, India. The rainfall data and river-stage data of the Kushabhadra River were analyzed for the periods of 1995–2009 and 1991–2010, respectively. Using the available lithologic data, geologic profiles along North-South and East-West sections were prepared and stratigraphy analysis was performed to characterize aquifers and confining layers present in the river basin. The results of stratigraphic analyses indicated that a two-layered aquifer system consisting of an unconfined aquifer and a confined aquifer exists in the study area. The thickness of unconfined aquifer varies from 3.4 to 46.5 m, whereas that of confined aquifer varies from 3.1 to 80.3 m over the basin with an interconnecting confining layer of thickness ranging from 2.1 to 60.0 m. The rainfall-groundwater dynamics and hydraulic connectivity were also investigated for gaining insights into groundwater characteristics. The analysis of groundwater levels indicated that the correlation among the 14 sites is better for most pairs of the sites (r = 0.50 to 0.96) in case of pre-monsoon season’s data and annual data as compared to monsoon and post-monsoon season’s data. This indicates good hydraulic connectivity among the observed sites in the study area. The significant seasonal groundwater fluctuations in the study area indicate appreciable recharge to the aquifer during the monsoon season. The findings obtained and insights gained from this study can be helpful for the water managers and decision makers to understand groundwater dynamics for the efficient planning and management of vital groundwater resources in the region. It is recommended that groundwater monitoring should be continued at more sites to understand long-term spatio-temporal characteristics of groundwater in the study area.     

Replacement study of dump-trucks in an opencast mine in India

Geotechnical and Geological Engineering -     

Geological features and origin of the chromite deposits of sukinda valley,Orissa, India

The chromiferous ultramafic rocks of Sukinda Valley (21°0'–21°5'N:85°43'–86°0'E) of Orissa are intrusive into the Iron-Ore Supergroup (2,950–3,200 Ma) at the eastern periphery of the Indian Precambrian shield. Both laterally and vertically, chromite occurs as persistent layers, lenses or pockets in the serpentinized and silicified dunite-peridotite extending over a strike length of 25 km. The ultramafic rocks and the chromitite layers are cofolded with the Iron-Ore Supergroup into a plunging syncline. Primary layering, ball and pillow structures, cross laminations, graded bedding etc. can also be detected. The different varieties of chromite ore present in the area are massive, banded and spotted, laminated and friable. The grain size of chromite varies between 0.25 and 4 mm, and the fineness of the grain increases from the bottom to the top layers. The cell dimension of chromite (8.23–8.32 Å) decreases with the increase of Al₂O₃.Cr₂O₃ in pure chromite varies between 48 to 61 wt. percent, Al₂O₃ is 7.10–15.09 wt. percent, whereas Fe₂O₃ is very low (0.03–3.20 wt. percent). The amount of RO to R₂O₃ varies within a narrow limit of 0.98–1.13, indicating that the chromite is chemically balanced. The FeO to MgO ratio is intermediate between the stratiform and alpine type. Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ increase with respect to Cr³⁺ and Mg²⁺ in the upper chromitite layers. TiO₂ lacks significant correlation with the major element composition of chromite.It is concluded that the Sukinda Valley chromitites of Orissa are predominantly stratiform in nature and were presumably formed in situ by crystal settling, the layering having been accentuated by the fluctuation of FO₂. The geological features suggest a single magmatic cycle.     

基于FBG技术的土体含水率测量方法试验

亲水橡胶是一种水敏性高分子聚合物,具有吸水膨胀、失水收缩的特性,同时其弹性、强度和持水能力保持不变。通过胶黏封装方法,将亲水橡胶与光纤耦合,利用FBG光纤传感技术,精确测量由于亲水橡胶吸水膨胀、失水收缩导致的光纤拉伸和压缩形变,当橡胶与土体含水率达到动态平衡时,可以通过测量光纤形变得到土体含水率。通过试验验证了亲水橡胶体变与其含水率之间的线性相关性,且在反复试验中亲水橡胶吸水、失水的能力基本保持不变,表明亲水橡胶可以作为含水率感测的换能材料;建立了FBG传感器中心波长与亲水橡胶含水率之间的对应关系;通过对黏土含水率的测试,发现该含水率传感器的FBG中心波长与黏土试样含水率呈分段线性关系,表明利用该传感器监测土体含水率的方法具有可行性,不仅可以实现含水率的原位监测,而且还能得到含水率的空间分布及其随时间的实时变化情况,为土体工程性质的评价、地质灾害的预测预报提供依据,具有广泛的应用前景。     

Heavy metal retention in secondary precipitates from a mine rock dump and underlying soil, Dalarna, Sweden

This study investigates the retention of heavy metals in secondary precipitates from a sulfidic mine rock dump and underlying podzolic soils by means of mineralogical and chemical extraction methods. The rock dump, which is at least 50 years old, consists of a 5–10-cm-thick leached zone and an underlying 110–115-cm-thick accumulation zone. Optical microscopy and electron microprobe analyses confirm that pyrrhotite weathering has proceeded much further in the leached horizon relative to the accumulation horizon. The weathering of sulfides in the leached zone has resulted in the migration of most heavy metals to the accumulation zone or underlying soils, where they are retained in more stable phases such as secondary ferric minerals, including goethite and jarosite. Some metals are temporarily retained in hydrated ferrous sulfates (e.g., melanterite, rozenite). Received: 28 October 1996 · Accepted: 24 February 1997     

Hydrogeochemical evolution and potability evaluation of saline contaminated coastal aquifer system of Rajnagar,Odisha, India: A geospatial perspective

The present article reports the results of a comprehensive hydrogeochemical study carried out across the coastal aquifer system of Rajnagar block, Kendrapara district, Odisha, India. The research involved collection of representative groundwater samples during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons with in situ as well as laboratory measurement of various hydrogeochemical variables. Analysis of the subsurface water samples portrays an alkali dominated water type during the pre-monsoon season whereas alkaline earth has a significantly increased influence during the post-monsoon period. However, the aquifer system displays an even distribution of strong and weak acids for both the monsoonal regimes. The hydrogeochemistry is controlled by aquifer lithology with a general occurrence of ion exchange and acid–base reaction processes across the study area. Spatial disposition of major cations indicates freshening of this coastal aquifer system in S–N and SW–NE directions. Potability analysis of the samples is suggestive of widespread unsuitability for domestic, agriculture and industrial uses. The extensive occurrence of salinity hazards, sodium hazards and magnesium hazards across the terrain makes the groundwater unsafe for domestic and agricultural utilization while industrial potability analysis suggests the aquifer system is moderately corrosive but non-incrusting. Post-monsoon however, the subsurface waters display a general decrease in hazardous nature with increased suitability for various uses.     

Effect of co-existing plant specie on soil microbial activity under heavy metal stress

The influence of plant primary compounds on the activity of soil microbial communities under heavy metal stress was studied in a pot-culture field experiment conducted in a green house. Amaranthus spinosus was cultivated in an agricultural soil previously amended in the laboratory with solutions of different trace elements in two separate treatment modes: singly and in combination. Culture-independent metabolism based indices such as the rate of carbon and nitrogen mineralization, microbial biomass carbon and soil basal respiration were monitored fortnightly over a period of six weeks. Result shows that plant detritus have significant modifying effect on soil microbe-metal interactions. Data on microbial and biochemical processes in the respective mesocosms did not vary from control; not even in mesocosms containing very high concentrations of copper, zinc and nickel. The soil microbial biomass carbon and the rate of carbon and nitrogen cycling were not impeded by the respective metal treatment while the respiration responses increased as a result of increase in metabolic activity of the soil microbes. The plant based substrates enabled the soil microflora to resist high metal contamination because of its tendency to absorb large amounts of inorganic cations.