Łukasz Uzarowicz

CLAY-MINERAL FORMATION IN SOILS DEVELOPED IN THE WEATHERING ZONE OF PYRITE-BEARING SCHISTS: A CASE STUDY FROM THE ABANDONED PYRITE MINE IN WIESCISZOWICE, LOWER SILESIA, SW POLAND

Intense mineral transformations that produce acid soils from weathering zones of pyritebearing rocks, including alterations of layer silicates, are of critical importance to agricultural and environmental interests in various regions of the world. To date, the transformations of layer silicates in these soils have not been studied in detail. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the weathering pathways controlling processes of clay-mineral formation in acidic soils developed near the abandoned pyrite mine in Wieściszowice (Lower Silesia, SW Poland). A sequence of soils, from weakly developed technogenic soils (located on the mine dumps) to well developed natural soils, was selected. Bulk soil material and separated clay fractions were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry, Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry. The profiles analyzed were developed on pyrite-bearing schists containing trioctahedral Mg,Fe-chlorite and dioctahedral micas (muscovite and paragonite). Because of pyrite weathering, all the soils studied were strongly acidic (pH 2.8–4.4). Inherited chlorite and micas (K- and Na-mica) predominated in the clay fractions of soils developed on the mine dumps, whereas clays from natural soils were rich in pedogenic minerals (i.e. smectite, vermiculite, and mixed-layer minerals containing hydrated interlayers). The formation of both vermiculite and smectite at the expense of chlorite was observed in the soils studied. The transformation probably led to smectite formation via intermediate stages of mixed-layer minerals (i.e. chlorite-vermiculite, chlorite-smectite, and/or vermiculite-smectite). The process of chlorite dissolution took place simultaneously with the transformation. Micas were mainly transformed to smectite and mixedlayer mica-smectite. Neoformation of kaolinite occurring in A horizons of the soils investigated was also documented. Metal-hydroxy interlayers in Bw horizons of well developed soils were found. The process of interlayer development appeared to be pH dependent and took place at pH ⩾4.2. The processes of claymineral formation in soils developed in the weathering zone of a pyrite-bearing schist are similar to those occurring in podzols (Spodosols).

Mineralogy and chemical composition of technogenic soils (Technosols) developed from fly ash and bottom ash from selected thermal power stations in Poland

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the mineral and chemical composition of technogenic soils (Technosols) developed from fly ash and bottom ash from power plants in which bituminous coal and lignite was combusted. The mineral composition of the “fresh” wastes (i.e. fly ash and bottom ash) and soil samples derived from them was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical composition (content of major elements) was determined using ICP-AES method. Quartz, mullite, and amorphous substances (glass) predominated in the mineral composition of wastes after bituminous coal combustion. Magnetite was also found there. Soils developed from wastes after bituminous coal combustion contained all above mentioned minerals inherited from fly ash and bottom ash. Moreover, small amounts of secondary calcite were identified. In some soil horizons containing large amounts of inherited magnetite, secondary iron oxides and oxyhydroxides (goethite and lepidocrocite) also occurred. Quartz predominated in the mineral composition of the “fresh” wastes after lignite combustion. Relatively small amounts of iron oxides (magnetite and hematite) were also found there. In “fresh” fly ash, apart from minerals mentioned above, anhydrite and calcium oxide (lime) was identified. Soils developed from wastes after lignite combustion contained inherited quartz, magnetite, and hematite. Furthermore, calcite which sometimes was a predominating mineral in certain soil horizons occurred. Moreover, sulphates (gypsum, bassanite, and ettringite), and vaterite (a polymorph of Ca carbonate) were also found in soils. Silicon predominated among major elements in “fresh” ashes after bituminous coal combustion and soil derived from them followed by Al, Fe, K, Ca, Mg, Ti, Na, P, and Mn. On the other hand, the contents of major elements in the samples (ashes and soils) after lignite combustion can be arranged as follows: Si, Ca, Fe, Al, Mg, Ti, K, Mn, Na, and P. However, in some horizons (i.e. in calcareous materials deposited in the topsoil of some profiles) in soil developed on landfills near TPSs combusting lignite, Ca was a predominating element.

The effect of hydrochemical conditions and pH of the environment on phyllosilicate transformations in the weathering zone of pyrite-bearing schists in Wieściszowice (SW Poland)

Abstract The influence of hydrological conditions and the pH of the environment on chlorite and mica transformations in the acidic weathering zone of pyrite-bearing schists was studied. Phyllosilicate transformations were investigated in the area of the abandoned pyrite open-pit mine in Wiéciszowice (Lower Silesia, SW Poland) using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemical methods. (Mg,Fe)-chlorite, micas (muscovite and paragonite), quartz, feldspars and pyrite were reported to be the most abundant minerals occurring in pyrite-bearing schists. Phyllosilicate transformations were significantly stronger in dry conditions than in wet ones. This conclusion was supported by the fact that the inherited phyllosilicates predominated in the clay mineral fraction of waterlogged saprolites, whereas the secondary swelling minerals were minor components. In dry and extremely acidic saprolites (pH < 3), trioctahedral chlorite was dissolved and transformed into clay minerals (e.g. smectite and kaolinite), whereas swelling clays (smectite mainly) were formed at the expense of dioctahedral micas. The pH of water is an important factor influencing phyllosilicate transformations in waterlogged conditions. The phyllosilicate alterations under the influence of extremely acidic waters (pH < 3) were more advanced than in moderately acidic ones (pH of 4.6), as the secondary clay minerals seemed to be represented exclusively by smectite in the former, whereas HIMs and mixed-layer minerals such as R0 I-S-Ch, R0 I-S, as well as R1 Ch-V and/or R1 Ch-S occurred in the latter.

The relationship between dissolved solids yield and the presence of snow cover in the periglacial basin of the Obruchev Glacier (Polar Urals) during the ablation season

The Relationship between Dissolved Solids Yield and the Presence of Snow cover in the Periglacial Basin of the Obruchev Glacier (Polar Urals) during the Ablation Season Hydrochemical investigations were carried out in the periglacial basin of Obruchev Glacier (Polar Urals, Russia) in order to provide a quantitative and qualitative comparison of dissolved solids yields during the ablation season with and without snow cover taking into account the mineral composition of rocks and deposits occurring in the studied area. The concentration of dissolved solids in the waters of the investigated basin is very low (about 7.0-8.9 μS cm-1). It is most of all due to harsh local climate conditions as well as the presence of minerals resistant to weathering in the parent material. Both factors contribute to the low rate of chemical weathering in the area. Results obtained indicate that a larger dissolved solids yield was transported during the period with snow cover (106 kg km-2 day-1, on average), than at the same time of the year but without snow cover (13 kg km-2 day-1, on average) indicating that melting snow is an important factor influencing the yield of dissolved solids in surface waters.

Water chemistry and hydrometeorology in a glacierized catchment in the Polar Urals, Russia

This study aims to determine the relationships between local meteorological conditions, proglacial river discharge and biogeochemical processes operating in a periglacial basin located in the Polar Ural mountain range, Russia. Fieldwork was conducted in the catchment of Obruchev Glacier (13 km2) during the summer peak flow period in 2008. River discharge was dominated by snowmelt and changed from 3300 l s−1 to less than 1000 l s−1. The mean daily air temperatures of stations situated in the mountain tundra and near Obruchev Glacier from July 11th to August 1st 2008 were 14.4°C and 10.3°C, respectively. The glacial river had low total dissolved solids varying from 4.5 to 9 mg l−1 and coefficients of correlation between Na+ and Cl−, K+ and Cl-, as well as NH4+ and Cl− were 0.94, 0.90 and 0.84, respectively. Rainfall events affected the snowmelt initiation and provided an essential part of the discharge during the intense snowmelt period, which occurred from July 11th to July 18th 2008. Data showed that Na+ and K+ in the surface water derived from snowmelt rather than chemical weathering of silicates. Also, it was obtained that NO3− derived from the melting snowpack, whereas ammonification occurring under the snowpacks was the primary source for NH4+.

Problemy gleboznawczej klasyfikacji bonitacyjnej gruntów rolnych w zasięgu oddziaływania leja depresyjnego KWB „Bełchatów”

Streszczenie Celem przeprowadzonych badań było wskazanie najważniejszych problemów związanych z gleboznawczą klasyfikacją gruntów rolnych w rejonie Kopalni Węgla Brunatnego „Bełchatów”. Analiza polegała na porównaniu danych dla wsi Łękińsko zawartych na mapach i w operatach klasyfikacyjnych z 1959 roku (okres przed otwarciem KWB „Bełchatów”) z mapami i operatami zaktualizowanymi w 1998 roku, tj. około 20 lat po rozpoczęciu działalności przez kopalnię. Z przeprowadzonych badań wynika, że jedynie 14% obszaru obrębu Łękińsko niezajętego przez kopalnię zostało objęte ponowną klasyfikacją gruntów. Odkrywki glebowe zostały zlokalizowane wyłącznie na terenach, których użytkowanie zmieniło się w stosunku do stanu z 1959 roku z tym, że nie wszystkie nowo wyróżnione kontury glebowe były reprezentowane przez nowe odkrywki glebowe. Liczba odkrywek w stosunku do liczby nowo wydzielonych konturów klasyfikacyjnych wydaje się być niewystarczająca. Zmiany klas bonitacyjnych po aktualizacji w 1998 roku dotyczyły tylko tych działek, na których w stosunku do roku 1959 zmieniło się użytkowanie, najczęściej z gruntów ornych na użytki zielone. W ocenie autorów, zamiana klasy gruntu ornego (np. IIIa) na analogiczną klasę użytku zielonego (np. III) stosowana w trakcie aktualizacji mapy klasyfikacyjnej nie zawsze jest prawidłowa, ze względu na zróżnicowaną rangę czynników decydujących o wyborze klasy bonitacyjnej dla gruntów ornych i użytków zielonych. Na podstawie uzyskanych wyników autorzy sugerują, aby aktualizacji map klasyfikacyjnych dla obszarów objętych silnym odwodnieniem spowodowanym np. przez działalność kopalń odkrywkowych lub głęboką meliorację, nie ograniczać tylko do działek o zmienionym użytkowaniu, a wykonywać na całym obszarze przeznaczonym do aktualizacji. Aktualizacja każdego nowego konturu klasyfikacyjnego powinna być dokonywana w oparciu o odpowiednią liczbę odkrywek glebowych położonych, w miarę możliwości, w niedalekim sąsiedztwie w stosunku do odkrywek z pierwszej mapy klasyfikacyjnej, co umożliwiłoby porównywanie ich właściwości oraz analizę zmian jakie zaszły w glebach w wyniku głębokiego odwodnienia.

Indicators of pedogenesis of Technosols developed in an ash settling pond at the Bełchatów thermal power station (central Poland)

Abstract Technogenic soils (Technosols) developed in an ash settling pond at the Bełchatów thermal power station, central Poland, were studied in order to identify soil property transformations over 30 years of pedogenesis. Standard pedological methods were applied in order to determine the properties of the studied samples. All investigated soils were classified according to WRB as Spolic Technosols with various supplementary qualifiers (Alcalic/Hypereutric, Arenic/Loamic, Protocalcic, Hyperartefactic, Immisic, Laxic, Ochric, and Protosalic). The studied materials can be arranged into a chronosequence starting from fresh (unweathered) ashes, by young Technosol BE1 (age: several months), up to older Technosols BE2 (about 20 years) and BE3 (about 30 years). The studies showed that weathering and soil-forming processes changed properties of ash in soil environment. Fresh ash was characterized by high pH (11.0 – fly ash, 8.7 – bottom ash), low content of carbonates (1.5% in both samples), variable concentrations of TOC (1.2% – fly ash, 6.9% – bottom ash), and very low total nitrogen content (0.04%). Electrical conductivity (ECe) was 2.6 and 2.1 dS·m−1 in fly ash and bottom ash respectively. Young Technosol BE1 had the pH 9.2–10.0, contents of carbonates were in the range 2.4–3.3%, TOC 1.3–1.7%, and total nitrogen less than 0.03%. ECe in young Technosol was in the range 2.7–4.0 dS·m−1. There was no plant cover present on that soil and no well-developed genetic horizons were distinguished in the profile. Finally, old Technosols BE2 and BE3 had lower pH (from 7.9 up to 9.1), and, in general, higher contents of carbonates (from 1.5 to 7.9%) than fresh ash and young Technosol BE1. Old Technosols contained high concentrations of TOC (up to about 38% in Oi horizon) and total nitrogen (up to 0.9%) in the topsoil, where O and A horizons developed due to accumulation of soil organic matter. ECe in old Technosols was in the range 0.8–1.5 dS·m−1. All studied ashes and soils were characterized by very low or even absence of total potential acidity. Base cations predominated in the sorption complex of the investigated ash and soils and can be arranged in the following order according to the abundance: Ca>Mg>K>Na. Base saturation (BS) of fresh ashes and Technosols was nearly 100%. The study shows that the first indicators of pedogenesis of the studied technogenic soils within the first 30 years of formation are: (1) changes of consistence of ash material from firm to friable/very friable due to root action, (2) accumulation of soil organic matter in the topsoil and formation of O and A horizons, (3) decrease of pH, (4) formation of pedogenic carbonates in soils and (5) decrease in soil salinity.

Ocena Właściwości Technogenicznych Utworów Glebowych Technosols Zawierających Siarczki Żelaza / Assessment of Properties of Technogenic Soils Technosols Containing Iron Sulfides

Abstract Technogenic soils (Technosols) developed from mine tailings containing iron sulfides occurring in the area of the abandoned .Siersza. hard coal mine in Trzebinia and the abandoned .Staszic. pyrite mine in Rudki were investigated in order to assess their properties. The study revealed that the most adverse properties of the technogenic soils investigated are: strong acidity (pH below 3), the presence of large amounts of rock fragments containing unweathered sulfides, as well as the occurrence of heavy metals (e.g. Pb, As, and Tl) and radioactive elements (U and Th). All these properties should be taken into account during management of the studied mine tailings.