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Author  |
Alexander, A.C.; Ndambuki, J.M. | ||||
| Title | Impact of mine closure on groundwater resource: Experience from Westrand Basin-South Africa | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2023 | Publication | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C | Abbreviated Journal | |
| Volume | 131 | Issue | Pages | 103432 | |
| Keywords | Acid mine drainage, Groundwater quality, Mine closure, Spatio-temporal variation, Westrand Basin | ||||
| Abstract | The mining sector is at the edge of expanding to cater for natural resources that are much needed for technological development and manufacturing. Mushrooming of mines will consequently increase the number of mines closure. Moreover, mines closure have adverse impact on the environment at large and specifically on water resources. This study analyses historical groundwater quality parameters in mine intensive basin of Westrand Basin (WRB) to understand the status of groundwater quality in relation to mining activities and mine closure. Geographic information system (GIS) was used to map the spatio-temporal variation of groundwater quality in the basin and groundwater quality index (GQI) to evaluate its status. The coefficient of variation (CV) was applied to understand the stability of groundwater quality after the mine closure. Results indicated unstable and altered trend with increasing levels of acidity and salts concentration around the mines vicinity following the mine closure. The resultant maps indicated a significant deterioration of groundwater quality around the WRB with concentrations decreasing downstream. Obtained average GQI for the study period of 1996–2015 suggested a moderate groundwater quality at a range of GQI = 64–73. The CV indicated varying water quality at CV \textgreater 30% suggesting presence of source of contamination. Observed groundwater quality trends in Westrand basin suggested that mines closure present potential threat on groundwater quality and thus, a need for a robust mine closure plan and implementation. | ||||
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| ISSN | 1474-7065 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | THL @ christoph.kuells @ alexander_impact_2023 | Serial | 134 | ||
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