Discharged water from mines shows alteration in its physical properties and may be acidic depending upon the concentration of heavy metals and sulphate ions, which pose hazardous effects on groundwater and ecosystem. This paper deals with the characterisa

Water Characterisation of Coal Mining Areas of Pakistan

Abstract

Discharged water from mines shows alteration in its physical properties and may be acidic depending upon the concentration of heavy metals and sulphate ions, which pose hazardous effects on groundwater and ecosystem. This paper deals with the characterisation of water being affected by coal mining in the Basharat area of Punjab. Total eleven samples were collected from different water sources including groundwater, mine outflows, mine inflows and surface water in the vicinity of Hassan Kishor Coal Mine. All samples except that of groundwater showed higher turbidity, lower pH values and higher total solid contents. Higher concentration of iron and copper in all samples indicate higher acid mine drainage (AMD). Relatively larger concentration of calcium in groundwater as compared to its presence in other samples demonstrates quashing effect of overlying limestone to the AMD.