Control mechanism of the migration of heavy metal ions from gangue backfill bodies in mined-out areas

• Published in: Frontiers in earth science (Lausanne) Vol. 10
• Main Authors: Zhang, Yun, Liu, Yongzi, Liu, Jia, Zhan, Rui, He, Wei, Tong, Liang, Wan, Peifeng, Bai, Licheng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 18.01.2023
• Subjects: environmental protection; gangue backfill bodies; migration of heavy metal ions; pollution of water resources; solid backfill mining
• ISSN: 2296-6463; 2296-6463
• DOI: 10.3389/feart.2022.1090799

In the process of solid backfill mining, the leaching of heavy metal ions from the gangue backfill body in the mined-out area can pose potential risk of polluting water resources in the mine. Accordingly, based on the environment of the gangue backfill body, the migration model of heavy metal ions from the gangue backfill body was established to reveal the pollution mechanism of water resources by the gangue backfill body in the mined-out area. The main factors that affect the migration of heavy metal ions were analyzed, and prevention and control techniques for the leaching and migration of heavy metal ions from gangue backfill bodies were proposed. Research showed that the heavy metal ions in gangue backfill bodies were subjected to the coupled action of seepage, concentration, and stress and then driven by water head pressure and gravitational potential energy to migrate downward along the pore channels in the floor, during which mine water served as the carrier. The migration distance of heavy metal ions increased with time. According to the migration rate, the migration process can be subdivided into three phases: the rapid migration phase (0–50 years), the slow migration phase (50–125 years), and the stable phase (125–200 years). It was concluded that the leaching concentration of heavy metal ions, the particle size of gangue, the permeability of floor strata, and the burial depth of coal seams were the main influencing factors of the migration of heavy metal ions. From the two perspectives of heavy metal ion leaching and migration, prevention and control techniques for the leaching and migration of heavy metal ions from gangue backfill bodies were proposed to protect water resources in mining area. The present study is of great significance to realizing utilization of solid waste in mines and protecting the ecological environment.