Heavy metal- and organic-matter pollution due to self-heating coal-waste dumps in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Poland)

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 412; p. 125244
• Main Authors: Nádudvari, Ádám, Kozielska, Barbara, Abramowicz, Anna, Fabiańska, Monika, Ciesielczuk, Justyna, Cabała, Jerzy, Krzykawski, Tomasz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15.06.2021
• Subjects: Acidic–alkaline pH levels; Coking conditions; Heavy-metal pollution; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); Self-heating coal-waste dumps; Acidic–alkaline pH levels; Self-heating coal-waste dumps; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); Heavy-metal pollution; Coking conditions
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125244

This study provides potential insight between self-heating coal-waste dumps and related environmental pollution in southern Poland. Samples collected from dumps in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin were used to quantify released contents of organic- and inorganic pollutants, i.e., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trace elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Hg, As). Elevated Hg concentrations (~100–1078 mg/kg) and Pb (~600–2000 mg/kg) attest to the evaporation of these metals from deeper parts of the dumps. The acidic pH levels (3.0–4.5) may help to mobilize these elements. Pearson’s correlation coefficients for samples analyzed by AAS and ICP-MS indicate a similar origin for Cd, Zn, and As. Mostly 2- and 3-ring PAHs, especially anthracene in burnt soil, dominate in the samples. Chlorinated PAHs, thiophenol, pyridines, quinolines (and derivatives) in thermally-altered samples, and waste containing pyrolytic bitumen indicate coking conditions. The high levels of Hg, Pb, and Cd, and chlorinated PAHs and nitrogen heterocycles formed or enriched during self-heating in these dumps should be deemed a significant environmental hazard. Calculating the lifetime cancer risks due to PAHs and heavy metals accumulations in the dumps are substantial, and access to these dumps should be prohibited. [Display omitted] •Self-heating coal-waste dumps in Upper Silesia (Poland) were investigated.•Distributions of organic- and inorganic pollutants were ascertained and evaluated.•High concentrations of Hg and Pb caused and enriched by self-heating were identified.•Mainly 2- and 3-ring PAHs dominate in the dumps.•Chlorinated compounds, pyridines and quinolines indicate coking conditions in dumps.