Environmental impacts of blast-induced acceleration on slope instability at a limestone quarry

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of blast-induced acceleration on the stability of slopes at Arakli-Tasonu limestone quarry where a planar shear failure has recently been observed. The planar failure occurred within rock layers consisting of limestone and clayey limestone. The triggering mechanism of the planar shear failure was investigated using blast-induced acceleration values obtained from 73 shots, field measurements, laboratory assessment of rock material properties and utilizing limit equilibrium analysis. From the analysis of slope stability, the safety factor at a magnitude of 0.106g was found to be lower than a minimum value of 1.2 in the case of a water-filled tension crack of a slope, 15 m depth. These findings indicate that the planar shear failure was strongly influenced by the acceleration of uncontrolled blasting operations as well as heavy rainfall.     

The analysis of ground vibrations induced by bench blasting at Akyol quarry and practical blasting charts

Ground vibrations arising from excavation with blasting is one of the fundamental problems in the mining industry. Therefore, the prediction of ground vibration components plays an important role in the minimization of environmental complaints. In this study, 582 events were recorded during limestone production at a quarry (Akyol Quarry) during a period of time. The blasting parameters of these shots were also carefully recorded. During the statistical analysis of the collected data, three predictor equations proposed by the United States Bureau of Mines (USBM), Ambraseys–Hendron and Langefors–Kihlstrom were used to establish a relationship between peak particle velocity and scaled distance described by these prediction equations. As a result of this analysis, the most powerful relationship was determined and proposed to be used in this site. And also, this equation was used in the derivation of the practical blasting charts specific to this site as a practical way of predicting the peak particle velocity and maximum charge amount per delay for future blasting.     

Environmental impacts of bench blasting at Hisarcik Boron open pit mine in Turkey

This paper presents the results of ground vibration measurements carried out in Hisarcik Boron open pit mine located on the west side of central Anatolia near Kütahya province in Turkey. Within the scope of this study to predict peak particle velocity (PPV) level for this site, ground vibration components were measured for 304 shots during bench blasting. In blasting operations, ANFO (blasting agent), gelatin dynamite (priming), and delay electric detonators (firing) were used as explosives. Parameters of scaled distance (charge quantity per delay and the distance between the source and the station) were recorded carefully and the ground vibration components were measured for all blast events using two different types of vibration monitors (one White Mini-Seis and one Instantel Minimate Plus Model). The absolute distances between shot points and monitor stations were determined using GPS. The equation of square root scaled distance extensively used in the literature was taken into consideration for the prediction of PPV. Then, the data pairs of scaled distance and particle velocity obtained from the 565 event records were analyzed statistically. At the end of statistical evaluation of the data pairs, an empirical relation which gives 50% prediction line with a reasonable correlation coefficient was established between PPV and scaled distance.     

Environmental impact assessment using rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) for Russeifa landfill, Jordan

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for the solid waste landfill was prepared for the Russeifa area, northeast Jordan. As landfill was not subjected to sophisticated EIA, serious environmental problems are still occurring, such as groundwater contamination and air pollution. Three alternatives were proposed to rehabilitate the landfill: upgrading the existing landfill, construction of a biogas plant and its relocation. The EIA for the three options was carried out using the rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM), it applies a consistent and recordable assessment of the importance of the different components. The scoping components included in the RIAM were: physical/chemical, biological/ecological, social/cultural and economic/operational components. The RIAM analysis showed that the least negative impacts would be to relocate to a better-managed sanitary landfill. The most serious negative impacts were the contamination of groundwater, air pollution and public health. These impacts can be mitigated through a comprehensive environmental management plan for the Russeifa landfill to address the deterioration of environmental components in the vicinity of landfill.     

Environmental impact of ancient small-scale mercury ore processing at Pšenk on soil (Idrija area, Slovenia)

The Idrija mine was the second largest Hg mine in the world surpassed only by the Almaden mine in Spain. It has been estimated that almost 145,000 tons of Hg was produced during operation (1490-1995) of the mine. In the first decade of Hg mining in Idrija the ore was roasted in piles; after that it was roasted for 150 years, until 1652, in earthen vessels at various sites in the woods around Idrija. Pšenk is one out of 21 localities of ancient roasting sites established on the hills surrounding Idrija and one of the largest localities of roasting vessel fragments. The unique way of roasting very rich Hg ore at this site has resulted in soil contamination and considerable amounts of waste material that potentially leach Hg into the surrounding environment. The main aim of this study was to determine the distribution and the forms of Hg in contaminated soils in order to evaluate potential environmental risk. Detailed soil sampling was performed on 37,800 m² area to establish the extent of Hg pollution and to investigate Hg transformations and transport characteristics through the 400 a-long period. A total of 156 soil (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) and SOM (soil organic matter) samples were collected from 73 sampling points. Three soil profiles were sampled to determine vertical distribution of Hg. The main Hg phases were determined by the Hg-thermo-desorption technique. The measured Hg contents in soil samples in the study area vary from 5.5 to almost 9000 mg/kg with a median of 200 mg/kg. In SOM, Hg contents range from 1.4 to 4200 mg/kg with a median of 20 mg/kg. Extremely high Hg contents were found in soil profiles where the metal reaches 37,020 mg/kg. In general, Hg concentrations in all three profiles show a gradual decrease with depth with the minimum values between 140 mg/kg and 1080 mg/kg. The Hg-thermo-desorption curves indicate the presence of Hg in the form of cinnabar and that of Hg bound to organic or mineral soil matter. The distribution of Hg species in soil and SOM samples show almost equal distribution of cinnabar and non-cinnabar Hg compounds. The non-cinnabar fraction shows a little increase with depth, but cinnabar represents a high portion of total Hg (about 40%). Large amounts of potentially mobile and transformable non-cinnabar Hg compounds exist at the roasting site, which are potentially bioavailable.     

龙门县某石灰岩采石场帷幕止水工程及注浆效果评价

龙门县石灰岩储量丰富,是广东省最大水泥生产基地之一。采石产业带动当地经济快速发展的同时产生了一系列环境地质问题。某石灰岩采石场前期对矿区环境地质条件研究程度不足,在开采过程中意外揭穿断裂F1控制的岩溶导水裂隙带,北侧地下水向采坑排泄,涌水量约3 000 m3 ? d-1。随着地下水位的下降,矿区北部陆续产生17处岩溶塌陷,引起多座房屋开裂,对当地居民的生产生活安全造成威胁。文章基于地面岩溶水文地质调查,运用地球物理勘探和钻探等方法,探明该区域地下岩溶发育分布特征,制定帷幕止水方案,并采用综合检测方法（高密度电阻率法、钻孔抽芯、压水试验和地下水位动态监测）对帷幕的注浆效果进行评价。帷幕两侧地下水位动态监测可以综合反映止水效果及其随时间的变化,建议保留监测设备,继续做好监测工作。检测结果表明,浆液基本完成对帷幕轴线方向上溶洞、岩溶管道、裂隙的填充,帷幕两侧形成稳定的水位差,涌水点的流量明显减小,帷幕的止水效果显著。      

Environmental impact on construction limestone at humid regions with an emphasis on salt weathering,Al-hambra islamic archaeological site,Granada City,Spain: case study

Al-hambra is an immense and valuable archaeological site in Spain built on Sabika hill with red brick and natural sandy limestone. It exhibits weathering features indicating salt weathering process. The main aim of this study is to examine weathering processes and intensity acting on Al-hambra. Rock petrography and mineralogical composition have been examined using thin sections, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence; limits of rock’s physical parameters using ultrasonic waves and mercury porosimeter; rock salt content through hydrochemical analysis. Salts attacking this structure are mainly from wet deposition of air pollutants on the long term chemical alteration of rock’s carbonate content to its equivalent salts. The salts’ concentration limit within the examined rock samples is considerably low but it is effective on the long run through hydration of sulphate salts and/or crystallization of chloride salts. Rock texture type and its silica as well as clay content reduces its resistance to internal stresses by salts as well as wetting and drying cycles at such humid area. The recession in limits of physical parameters examined for deep seated and weathered limestone samples quantitatively reflects weathering intensity on Al-hambra.     

西藏多不杂-波龙矿床环境属性和对环境的影响

多不杂-波龙矿床位于西藏自治区改则县物玛乡境内,距改则县城西北方向约110 km,为典型的斑岩型矿床。本文通过阅读整理相关资料,并结合环境地质调查等工作,查明了该斑岩型矿床的特征。这为多龙矿床提供了基本环境属性信息,为决策该矿床能否开发提供科学依据。     

Two-dimensional reactive transport modeling of the alteration of a fractured limestone by hyperalkaline solutions at Maqarin (Jordan)

Two-dimensional reactive transport modeling of the Maqarin Eastern Springs site, a natural analogue for the alteration of a fractured limestone by high-pH Portland cement waters, has been performed using the CrunchFlow code. These 2D calculations included transport by advection–dispersion–diffusion along a single fracture and diffusion in the wall rock. Solute transport was coupled to mineral dissolution and precipitation. A limited sensitivity analysis evaluated the effect of different values of primary mineral surface areas, flow velocity and sulfate concentration of the inflowing high-pH solution.Major secondary minerals include ettringite–thaumasite, C–S–H/C–A–S–H and calcite. C–S–H/C–A–S–H precipitation is controlled by the dissolution of primary silicates. Ettringite precipitation is controlled by diffusion of sulfate and aluminum from the wall rock to the fracture, with aluminum provided by the dissolution of albite. Calcite precipitation is controlled by diffusion of carbonate from the wall rock. Extents of porosity sealing along the fracture and in the fracture-wall rock interface depend on assumptions regarding flow velocity and composition of the high-pH solution. The multiple episodes of fracture sealing and reactivation evidenced in the fracture infills were not included in the simulations. Results can qualitatively reproduce the reported decrease in porosity in the fractures and in the wall rock next to the fractures. Instances of porosity increase next to fractures caused by carbonate dissolution were not reproduced by the calculations.     

Weathering of limestone beds at the great sphinx

The weathering characteristics of the sphinx limestones are evaluated in the context of their pore system. The latter consists of ink-bottle pores. This pore system varies from one stratum to another. In the lower micritic rocks the large cavities of the ink-bottle pores are interconnected through the fine capillary network of the narrow throats. In the upper skeletal-rich rocks the interconnections are provided by large as well as small throats.The pore systems in these limestones reflect the depositional regime as well as the diagenetic alterations. The development of microspar from the micritic mud resulted in the formation of microporosity, and the extended circulation of freshwater enlarged some micropores preferentially, forming large cavities.The relationship of micro- and macropores has strongly influenced the weathering of the sphinx rocks.     

Environmental impact of heavy-metal dispersion in the Huerva River (Iberian Range,NE Spain)

In this study, the methodology of geochemical prospecting has been applied to the study of cadmium, lead, copper and zinc dispersion in the fine sediments of the upper course of the Huerva River (Iberian Range, NE Spain). The survey was organised in two stages: (1) general sampling along the river and its tributary channels, aimed at selecting the sections with the highest contents of the target elements, and (2) detailed study of those sections, aimed at an interpretation of possible positive geochemical anomalies and identification of their sources. The results of this study prove the existence of multiple and complex sources, with a significant influence of sources related to anthropogenic activity. However, the system shows a good ability to depurate itself under current conditions.     

Environmental impact of an urban landfill on a coastal aquifer (El Jadida, Morocco)

The El Jadida landfill is one among many uncontrolled dumping sites in Morocco with no bottom liner. About 150 tons/day of solid wastes from mixed urban and industrial origins are placed directly on the ground. At the site of this landfill, the groundwaters circulate deeply (10–15 m) in the Cenomanian rock (calcareous–marl), which is characterised by an important permeability from cracks. The soil is sand–clay characterized by a weak coefficient of retention.The phreatic water ascends to the bottom of three quarries, which are located within the landfill. These circumstances, along with the lack of a leachate collection system, worsen the risks for a potential deterioration of the aquifer.To evaluate groundwater pollution due to this urban landfill, piezometric level and geochemical analyses have been monitored since 1999 on 60 wells. The landfill leachate has been collected from the three quarries that are located within the landfill. The average results of geochemical analyses show an important polluant charge vehiculed by landfill leachate (chloride = 5680 mg l⁻¹, chemical oxygen demand = 1000 mg l⁻¹, iron = 23 000 μg l⁻¹). They show also an important qualitative degradation of the groundwater, especially in the parts situated in the down gradient area and in direct proximity to the landfill. In these polluted zones, we have observed the following values: higher than 4.5 mS cm⁻¹ in electric conductivity, 1620 and 1000 mg l⁻¹ respectively in chlorides and sulfate (), 15–25 μg l⁻¹ in cadmium, and 60–100 μg l⁻¹ in chromium. These concentrations widely exceed the standard values for potable water.Several determining factors in the evolution of groundwater contamination have been highlighted, such as (1) depth of the water table, (2) permeability of soil and unsaturated zone, (3) effective infiltration, (4) humidity and (5) absence of a system for leachate drainage. So, to reduce the pollution risks of the groundwater, it is necessary to set a system of collection, drainage and treatment of landfill leachates and to emplace an impermeable surface at the site of landfill, in order to limit the infiltration of leachate.     

Assessment of air pollution originating from copper smelter in Bor (Serbia)

Air quality monitoring was performed at the measuring sites in the urban-industrial and suburban zone during the period 2005–2007 in Bor (Serbia). Arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper and sulphur dioxide are predominantly of industrial origin as a result of copper production in the study area. The smelter, which is a part of the Mining-Metallurgical Complex Bor, is the major pollution source. As and SO₂ are the pollutants which pose the biggest threat for the inhabitants of the Bor area, since the measured concentrations exceed the proposed limit values. The obtained concentrations showed that the endangered areas are in close vicinity of the smelter, as well as in the directions of the prevailing winds. By grouping these pollutants into separate clusters, the results of cluster analysis confirmed high loads of As and SO₂ in the air. The results of principal component analysis showed that copper production has major influence on air pollution.     

Groundwater quality on the territory of Kikinda municipality (Vojvodina,Serbia)

This paper provides insight into the quality of groundwater used for public water supply on the territory of Kikinda municipality (Vojvodina, Serbia) and main processes which control it. The following parameters were measured: color, turbidity, pH, KMnO₄ consumption, TDS, EC, NH₄ ⁺, Cl^?, NO₂ ^?, NO₃ ^?, Fe, Mn, total hardness, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄ ²⁺, HCO₃ ^?, K⁺, Na⁺, As. The correlations and ratios among parameters that define the chemical composition were determined aiming to identify main processes that control the formation of the chemical composition of the analyzed waters. Groundwater from 11 analyzed sources is Na–HCO₃ type. Intense color and elevated organic matter content of these waters originate from humic substances. The importance of organic matter decay is assumed by positive correlation between organic matter content and TDS, HCO₃ content. There is no evidence that groundwater chemistry is determined by the depth of captured aquifer interval. The main processes that control the chemistry of all analyzed water are cation exchange and feldspar weathering.     

Geochemical investigation and characterisation of Neogene sediments from Valjevo-Mionica Basin (Serbia)

Sediments from the Valjevo-Mionica Basin of Neogene age were investigated in this study using different geochemical methods. The results of the inorganic part analyses suggest that during genesis of the sediments, the contents of Na₂O, B and As changed the most, which indicates that genesis of the investigated sediments was followed by climate changes and volcanic activity. The quantity of other macro- and microelements did not vary significantly. Investigations of the organic substance showed that it is native organic matter, which has been preserved to a significant extent, formed predominantly of algal precursor organisms, which provided good quality, deposited under reducing conditions and that it is at a low maturity level. As it has been established that genesis of the investigated sediments was mostly affected by an arid climate with more intensive salinity, the aim of this study, was also to identify the processes which were the most affected by the change in salinity, as well as biomarkers which are the most sensitive to this change. The results led to the conclusion that the salinity increase in the depositional environment had a primary effect on the preservation of the organic substance and the formation of the mineral searlesite. In addition, it was noticed that besides the Sq/nC₂₆ ratio, the parameters nC₁₇/nC₂₇, CPI and Ph/nC₁₈, are also significantly sensitive to salinity change in a depositional environment in case of immature organic substance deposited under reducing conditions.     

Environmental Economics and the Mining Industry: Monetary benefits of an abandoned quarry rehabilitation in Greece

During the last decades legislative actions on environmental issues have dramatically increased all over the world. The impacts of environmental legislation on the mining sector are quite significant. Although an extensive list of legislation exists, this paper focuses on an issue that currently has a significant influence on the mining industry: natural resource damage assessment and, in particular, the valuation of non-market goods. Therefore, the basic elements of the most important valuation methods are outlined and a demonstrative example is presented, in the context of appraising a reclamation scheme of an abandoned quarry site. The analysis is fairly general, and it does not intend to comprise either a complete introduction to environmental economics or a comprehensive presentation of valuation techniques. Still, it provides an idea of how these methods can be applied to mining issues. Further, the findings may prove useful to practitioners and mining managers, providing information about the monetary benefits of mined land reclamation that could contribute to sound decision- and policy-making.     

Petrology of alkali basalts of Zlot, Timok Magmatic Complex (Eastern Serbia)

Alkali basalts were discovered in the Timok Magmatic Complex only in a borehole near Zlot. They are composed of plagioclase and clinopyroxene phenocrysts lying in intersertal to pilotaxitic groundmass. The characteristic feature of these rocks is the high content of needle shaped magnetite.

Various disequilibrium features in alkali basalt of Zlot reflect complex convection effects and recharge, most probably in a shallow magma chamber. Major and trace elements data indicate that alkali basalts of Zlot originated from magmas deriving from metasomatized mantle wedge above a subducting and dehydrating plate. However the investigated rocks did not originate from primary magmas, but from a magma which has undergone considerable fractional crystallization.