Selenium transformation in coal mine spoils: Its environmental impact assessment
The objective of this program was to conduct an environmental impact assessment study for selenium from coal mine spoils. The use of in-situ lysimetry to predict selenium speciation, transformation, and mobility under natural conditions was evaluated. The scope of the study was to construct and test field-scale lysimeter and laboratory mini-column to assess mobility and speciation of selenium in coal mine overburden and soil systems; to conduct soil and groundwater sampling throughout the state of Oklahoma for an overall environmental impact assessment of selenium; and to conduct an in-depth literature review on the solubility, speciation, mobility, and toxicity of selenium from various sources. Groundwater and surface soil samples were also collected from each county in Oklahoma. Data collected from the lysimeter study indicated that selenium in the overburden of the abandoned mine site was mainly found in the selenite form. The amount of selenite found was too low and immobile to be of concern to the environment. The spoil had equilibrated long enough (over 50 years) that most of the soluble forms of selenium have already been lost. Examination of the overburden indicated the presence of pyrite crystals that precipitated over time. The laboratory mini-column study indicated that selenite is quite immobile and remained on the overburden material even after leaching with dilute acid. Data from groundwater samples indicated that based on the current permissible level for selenium in groundwater (0.01 mg Se/L), Oklahoma groundwater is widely contaminated with the element. However, according to the new regulation (0.05 mg Se/L), which is to be promulgated in 1992, only 9 of the 77 counties in the state exceed the limit.
- Research Organization:
- Oklahoma Univ., Norman, OK (United States). School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG22-89PC89782
- OSTI ID:
- 6648928
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/PC/89782-T9; ON: DE92018455
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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COAL MINES
SPOIL BANKS
GROUND WATER
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
SELENIUM
CHEMICAL STATE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
LEACHING
DRINKING WATER
LYSIMETERS
OKLAHOMA
PROGRESS REPORT
SELENATES
SELENITES
SELENIUM COMPOUNDS
SOLUBILITY
STANDARDS
TOXICITY
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DISSOLUTION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELEMENTS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MASS TRANSFER
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SEMIMETALS
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UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
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