Verification of the “first flush” phenomenon in mine water from coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

Gzyl, G. and Banks, D. (2007) Verification of the “first flush” phenomenon in mine water from coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 92(1-2), pp. 66-86. (doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2006.12.001)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Case studies of Grodziec and Siersza mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin confirm that mine water accumulating in and overflowing from abandoned coal mines is subject to a “first flush” phenomenon. The accumulated products of sulphide oxidation are dissolved in the rising mine water and flushed out at concentrations several times those observed during mine operation. Following the first overflow, sulphate concentration and hydrogen ion activity decay exponentially. In the case of workings in Siersza, decay constants of − 0.003 to − 0.005 day− 1 are observed, corresponding to flushing times of 480 to 820 days, some 10–20 times the period required for the workings to flood. Quantities of leachable sulphur in the abandoned workings of 0.02–0.03% are adequate to explain the observed concentrations of sulphate in the first flush, and this figure is tentatively supported by laboratory analyses.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Banks, Mr David
Authors: Gzyl, G., and Banks, D.
Subjects:Q Science > QD Chemistry
Q Science > QE Geology
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
ISSN:0169- 7722
ISSN (Online):1873-6009
Published Online:10 January 2007

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record