Artificial geochemical barriers for environmental improvement in a coal basin region

In the Urals (Russia), in the territory of the closed Kisel Coal basin acid mine water is a source of contamination. The authors suggest using artificial geochemical barriers as an efficient method for environmental improvement in this coal basin region. Alkaline waste products were used for barrier creation. Waste products are non-toxic and consist of 70–80 % calcite (CaCO₃). According to tests they are capable of neutralizing mine water and to precipitate iron, aluminum, heavy metals. The scientific basis for the creation of geochemical barriers for environmental improvement is presented.