Work

Characteristics of the chemical composition of water in reservoirs under the influence of coal mine waste in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (southern Poland)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article presents research results on the water chemistry of 16 reservoirs adjacent to post-mining waste landfills in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, sampled in 2022 and 2023. The waters of these reservoirs are anthropogenically modified; in terms of hydrochemical type, they are multi-ionic waters. The Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) was also used to assess the degree of water pollution. Calculations indicated that the waters are either moderately (0.47 < CPI < 1.92) or heavily polluted (CPI > 2). Research has also shown that areas reclaimed with mining waste are informal post-mining waste dumps and should be treated as potential sources of groundwater pollution. In nearby reservoirs, there is a potential threat to shallow (0-10 m) groundwater of the first aquifer, which is especially important when the first aquifer is being used.

Source: Geographia Polonica

DOI: 10.7163/gpol.0299

Authors: Marek Sołtysiak, Jacek Różkowski

Institution: University of Silesia in Katowice

Language: English

Topic: Water Quality and Pollution Assessment

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Uniwersytet Śląski w Katowicach