Improving soil stability with alum sludge : an ai-enabled approach for accurate prediction of california bearing ratio
- Baghbani, Abolfazl, Nguyen, Minh, Alnedawi, Ali, Milne, Nick, Baumgartl, Thomas, Abuel-Naga, Hossam
- Authors: Baghbani, Abolfazl , Nguyen, Minh , Alnedawi, Ali , Milne, Nick , Baumgartl, Thomas , Abuel-Naga, Hossam
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 13, no. 8 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Alum sludge is a byproduct of water treatment plants, and its use as a soil stabilizer has gained increasing attention due to its economic and environmental benefits. Its application has been shown to improve the strength and stability of soil, making it suitable for various engineering applications. However, to go beyond just measuring the effects of alum sludge as a soil stabilizer, this study investigates the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) methods for predicting the California bearing ratio (CBR) of soils stabilized with alum sludge. Three AI methods, including two black box methods (artificial neural network and support vector machines) and one grey box method (genetic programming), were used to predict CBR, based on a database with nine input parameters. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of AI methods in predicting CBR with good accuracy (R2 values ranging from 0.94 to 0.99 and MAE values ranging from 0.30 to 0.51). Moreover, a novel approach, using genetic programming, produced an equation that accurately estimated CBR, incorporating seven inputs. The analysis of parameter sensitivity and importance, revealed that the number of hammer blows for compaction was the most important parameter, while the parameters for maximum dry density of soil and mixture were the least important. This study highlights the potential of AI methods as a useful tool for predicting the performance of alum sludge as a soil stabilizer. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Baghbani, Abolfazl , Nguyen, Minh , Alnedawi, Ali , Milne, Nick , Baumgartl, Thomas , Abuel-Naga, Hossam
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 13, no. 8 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Alum sludge is a byproduct of water treatment plants, and its use as a soil stabilizer has gained increasing attention due to its economic and environmental benefits. Its application has been shown to improve the strength and stability of soil, making it suitable for various engineering applications. However, to go beyond just measuring the effects of alum sludge as a soil stabilizer, this study investigates the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) methods for predicting the California bearing ratio (CBR) of soils stabilized with alum sludge. Three AI methods, including two black box methods (artificial neural network and support vector machines) and one grey box method (genetic programming), were used to predict CBR, based on a database with nine input parameters. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of AI methods in predicting CBR with good accuracy (R2 values ranging from 0.94 to 0.99 and MAE values ranging from 0.30 to 0.51). Moreover, a novel approach, using genetic programming, produced an equation that accurately estimated CBR, incorporating seven inputs. The analysis of parameter sensitivity and importance, revealed that the number of hammer blows for compaction was the most important parameter, while the parameters for maximum dry density of soil and mixture were the least important. This study highlights the potential of AI methods as a useful tool for predicting the performance of alum sludge as a soil stabilizer. © 2023 by the authors.
Soil organic carbon in rehabilitated coal mine soils as an indicator for soil health
- Baumgartl, Thomas, Chan, J., Bucka, F., Pihlap, E.
- Authors: Baumgartl, Thomas , Chan, J. , Bucka, F. , Pihlap, E.
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 14th International Conference on Mine Closure, Mine Closure 2021 Vol. 2021-August
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Rehabilitation intends to provide a safe, stable and sustainable environment. Soil health is often used as a parameter, which describes the success of reclamation, the performance of the soil and its associated soil system functions. Reclaimed and therefore young soils are in general deprived of soil organic carbon. They are not in equilibrium with their environment and undergo changes over time, faster than natural and developed soils. Carbon content as a summarising criterion for soil health status can be used as an indicator as it reflects the performance of important soil processes, like water holding capacity, drainage and aeration potential and nutrient supply and storage. It is well established that carbon content affects soil functions like hydraulic conductivity by creating structural elements through aggregation processes. Increasing carbon content leads to increased water infiltration, reduced surface runoff and erosional risks, and increases the exchange rate of gases and improves aeration and has in general positive consequences for microbiological activity. Results from a study of soil covers of different ages emphasise this consequence. The evaluation of the rehabilitation success in coal mining using carbon content is complicated due to the difficulty distinguishing between carbon forms: Organic carbon naturally formed by decomposition vs. carbon originating from coal as coal dust or charred material. Furthermore, the assessment of the performance of rehabilitated soils is strongly affected by climatic conditions, which affect the production, decomposition and translocation of organic matter. Litter and dead organic matter from plants are decomposed on the soil surface and incorporated through organisms into the soil profile. Dissolvable organic constituents may be transported with infiltrating water down the profile. Consequently, carbon is primarily concentrated close to the surface. In semi-arid environments the accumulation depth may only be centimetres as was found from a study on the performance of the carbon pool of rehabilitated soils across sites up to 35 years of age. This has implications for the sampling strategy and the assessment of the performance of soils over time. As the carbon content in soils at coal mines can be affected by precipitation and incorporation of coal dust into the soil, the content of new organic carbon representing soil health status can be misleadingly interpreted. Therefore, separation of carbon fractions is necessary to identify the "green" carbon pool (carbon originating from plant litter and residue) as best as possible and extract the correct fraction to assess the performance of soil development. A method has been developed and is presented which allows the separation between the various carbon pools. From the presented study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1) Soil carbon is an easy to measure indicator for the assessment of the performance of soil health of rehabilitated soils; 2) soil functional properties are affected by carbon content and age and hence change with soil development; 3) only green carbon represents soil health and appropriate methodology has to be in place to exclude other carbon pools; 4) carbon storage in rehabilitated soils of semi-arid environments of Australia is below that of natural soils. © 2021, Qualified Mining Consultants LLC,.All right reserved.
- Boshrouyeh Ghandashtani, Mohammad, Costine, Allan, Edraki, Mansour, Baumgartl, Thomas
- Authors: Boshrouyeh Ghandashtani, Mohammad , Costine, Allan , Edraki, Mansour , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Cleaner Production Vol. 342, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: In seeking to better understand the inline flocculation technique for enhanced water recovery from concentrated fine-particle suspensions, polymers of different molecular weight (MW) and chemistry were used to treat a synthetic tailings slurry in a low-shear mixer for continuous flocculation under controlled conditions. The effects of dissolved salts in the slurry and polymer solution make-up water on dewatering performance were evaluated for conventional acrylamide/acrylate copolymers (BASF Magnafloc® products) and an alternative functional chemistry polymer (BASF Rheomax® DR 1050). The properties of the separated liquid and solid phases were examined to understand the impacts of salinity and polymer type on the formation of rapidly dewatering flocculated material. Higher concentrations of NaCl (0.006–0.6 M) and CaCl2 (0.006–0.06 M) salts in the unflocculated slurries formed larger coagulated structures, with focussed beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) showing greater pre-aggregation for the divalent salt. NaCl slurries show edge-to-edge (EE) and edge-to-face (EF) inter-particle associations that are open and easily disrupted while more compact face-to-face (FF) contacts are observed in CaCl2 slurries. For concentrated NaCl slurries, the dosing of medium-to-high MW polymers is generally preferred to maximise net water recovery, with the implication being that bridging mechanisms are still at play in high solids applications. In calcium-enriched slurries, the lower MW conventional copolymer gave comparatively better water returns than the other polymers when applied under low shear conditions, highlighting quite distinct aggregation processes compared to low solids flocculation. These results provide insight on the fundamental complexity of the ionic strength dependence of high solids-high dosage tailings flocculation, towards informing reagent polymer dosing and offering greater flexibility for end-of-pipe dewatering schemes. © 2022
A small-scale test for rapid assessment of the soil development potential in post-mining soils
- Bucka, Franziska, Pihlap, Evelin, Kaiser, Jara, Baumgartl, Thomas, Kögel-Knabner, Ingrid
- Authors: Bucka, Franziska , Pihlap, Evelin , Kaiser, Jara , Baumgartl, Thomas , Kögel-Knabner, Ingrid
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Soil and Tillage Research Vol. 211, no. (2021), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: When ceasing brown coal mining activities, the restoration of the disturbed landscape is required, and a rapid development of functional soils is of utter importance for the rehabilitation of these areas. In order to accelerate soil development and rehabilitation, soils are designed or engineered by applying alternative approaches in order to construct a soil-like substrate, e.g., by mixing different substrates and organic carbon (OC) sources. We used a rapid and easy to perform laboratory approach to simulate the initial steps of soil development. We investigated the mixtures’ properties and the initial development of soil structure, in order to identify suitable soil mixtures for subsequent field trials. We tested six different mixtures composed of increasing complexity, based on the mixture used for a rehabilitation program at a coal mine in southern Australia. The components were overburden, fly ash, paper mulch, brown coal and plant litter. We performed a short-term laboratory incubation in regularly irrigated microcosms for forty days at constant water tension. Our results showed that the addition of fly ash to the overburden led to a higher moisture content. Fly ash together with paper mulch and brown coal improved nutrient supply and OC content, but led also to a very wide C/N ratio >95. The molecular composition of the paper mulch and brown coal OC shows the potential for long-term OC storage because of slow microbial degradation. Microbial activity, as measured by CO2 release, was high in all mixtures with litter addition, but only the additional presence of fly ash, brown coal and paper mulch led to a higher microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE). Soil structure formation, as measured by isolating water-stable aggregates, was induced in all mixtures and intensified in the presence of litter. In the mixtures with litter, there was a predominant formation of large macroaggregates (0.63−30 mm) which stored >80 % of the total OC. We suggest that the complex rehabilitation mixture indicates the potential for soil structure development within a short timeframe also in field scale, because the tested substrates are known to store moisture, deliver nutrients and OC for sustainable microbial growth. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.
Using dye and bromide tracers to identify preferential water flow in agricultural hillslope soil under controlled conditions
- Defterdarović, Jasmina, Krevh, Vedran, Filipović, Lana, Kovač, Zoran, Phogat, Vinod, He, Hailong, Baumgartl, Thomas, Filipović, Vilim
- Authors: Defterdarović, Jasmina , Krevh, Vedran , Filipović, Lana , Kovač, Zoran , Phogat, Vinod , He, Hailong , Baumgartl, Thomas , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 15, no. 12 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Processes in hillslope soils present a particular challenge for agricultural production and soil management due to their hydropedological specifics and high soil erosion risk. Soil heterogeneities can cause preferential and/or lateral flow on the entire hillslope resulting in the off-site movement of water, fertilizers and chemicals used in crop production. A study was conducted under controlled conditions in a laboratory with undisturbed soil cores (250 cm3), which were used to estimate the soil hydraulic properties (SHP) using HYPROP and WP4C devices, while undisturbed soil columns (diameter = 16 cm, length = 25 cm) were used for the evaluation of preferential flow pathways using potassium bromide and Brilliant Blue. Samples were excavated in triplicate from the hilltop, backslope and footslope regions within the inter-rows of a vineyard from a critical zone observatory, SUPREHILL, in Croatia in Dystric Luvic Stagnosol. The aim of this study was to determine if the erosion-affected hillslope position affected the physical, chemical and hydraulic properties of soil and to identify water flow and possible preferential flow using dye and bromide tracers. The results of the sensor measurements and estimated SHPs were in agreement, showing a faster leaching of the irrigated rainwater in the footslope column. The tracer experiments showed variability even in the columns taken from the same position on the hillslope, which can be linked to plant roots and soil fauna activity. Altogether, the results showed a deeper loose layer at the footslope as a consequence of the soil erosion, which then resulted in higher hydraulic conductivity and the leached mass of the bromide due to better soil structure and pore connectivity. Thus, due to significant differences in the leached mass of bromide, this research should be later expanded in field experiments to reveal the impact of surface runoff, subsurface preferential and lateral flow on a larger scale. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Defterdarović, Jasmina , Krevh, Vedran , Filipović, Lana , Kovač, Zoran , Phogat, Vinod , He, Hailong , Baumgartl, Thomas , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 15, no. 12 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Processes in hillslope soils present a particular challenge for agricultural production and soil management due to their hydropedological specifics and high soil erosion risk. Soil heterogeneities can cause preferential and/or lateral flow on the entire hillslope resulting in the off-site movement of water, fertilizers and chemicals used in crop production. A study was conducted under controlled conditions in a laboratory with undisturbed soil cores (250 cm3), which were used to estimate the soil hydraulic properties (SHP) using HYPROP and WP4C devices, while undisturbed soil columns (diameter = 16 cm, length = 25 cm) were used for the evaluation of preferential flow pathways using potassium bromide and Brilliant Blue. Samples were excavated in triplicate from the hilltop, backslope and footslope regions within the inter-rows of a vineyard from a critical zone observatory, SUPREHILL, in Croatia in Dystric Luvic Stagnosol. The aim of this study was to determine if the erosion-affected hillslope position affected the physical, chemical and hydraulic properties of soil and to identify water flow and possible preferential flow using dye and bromide tracers. The results of the sensor measurements and estimated SHPs were in agreement, showing a faster leaching of the irrigated rainwater in the footslope column. The tracer experiments showed variability even in the columns taken from the same position on the hillslope, which can be linked to plant roots and soil fauna activity. Altogether, the results showed a deeper loose layer at the footslope as a consequence of the soil erosion, which then resulted in higher hydraulic conductivity and the leached mass of the bromide due to better soil structure and pore connectivity. Thus, due to significant differences in the leached mass of bromide, this research should be later expanded in field experiments to reveal the impact of surface runoff, subsurface preferential and lateral flow on a larger scale. © 2023 by the authors.
Lead mobilization and speciation in mining waste : experiments and modeling
- Drapeau, Clementine, Argane, Rabei, Delolme, Cecile, Blanc, Denise, Baumgartl, Thomas
- Authors: Drapeau, Clementine , Argane, Rabei , Delolme, Cecile , Blanc, Denise , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Minerals Vol. 11, no. 6 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Mining produces significant amounts of solid mineral waste. Mine waste storage facilities are often challenging to manage and may cause environmental problems. Mining waste is often linked to contaminated mine drainage, including acidic waters with more or less elevated concentrations of trace metals such as lead. This work presents a study on the mobilization of lead from waste from two typical mining sites: Zeida and Mibladen, two now-closed former Pb–Zn mines in the Moulouya region of Morocco. Our research investigates the mobilization potential of Pb from the waste of these mines. The study involved acid–base neutralization capacity tests (ANC–BNC) combined with geochemical modeling. Experimental data allowed for the quantification of the buffering capacity of the samples and the mobilization rates of lead as a function of pH. The geochemical model was fitted to experimental results with thermodynamic considerations. The geochemical model allowed for the identification of the mineral phases involved in providing the buffering capacity of carbonated mining waste (Mibladen) and the meager buffering capacity of the silicate mining waste (Zeida). These cases are representative of contaminated neutral drainage (CND) and acid mine drainage (AMD), respectively. The results highlight the consistency between the ANC–BNC experimental data and the associated modeling in terms of geochemical behavior, validating the approach and identifying the main mechanisms involved. The modeling approach identifies the dissolution of the main solid phases, which impact the pH and the speciation of lead as a function of the pH. This innovative approach, combining ANC–BNC experiments and geochemical modeling, allowed for the accurate identification of mineral phases and surface complexation phenomena, which control the release of lead and its speciation in drainage solutions, as well as within solid phases, as a function of pH. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Thomas Baumgartl” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Drapeau, Clementine , Argane, Rabei , Delolme, Cecile , Blanc, Denise , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Minerals Vol. 11, no. 6 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Mining produces significant amounts of solid mineral waste. Mine waste storage facilities are often challenging to manage and may cause environmental problems. Mining waste is often linked to contaminated mine drainage, including acidic waters with more or less elevated concentrations of trace metals such as lead. This work presents a study on the mobilization of lead from waste from two typical mining sites: Zeida and Mibladen, two now-closed former Pb–Zn mines in the Moulouya region of Morocco. Our research investigates the mobilization potential of Pb from the waste of these mines. The study involved acid–base neutralization capacity tests (ANC–BNC) combined with geochemical modeling. Experimental data allowed for the quantification of the buffering capacity of the samples and the mobilization rates of lead as a function of pH. The geochemical model was fitted to experimental results with thermodynamic considerations. The geochemical model allowed for the identification of the mineral phases involved in providing the buffering capacity of carbonated mining waste (Mibladen) and the meager buffering capacity of the silicate mining waste (Zeida). These cases are representative of contaminated neutral drainage (CND) and acid mine drainage (AMD), respectively. The results highlight the consistency between the ANC–BNC experimental data and the associated modeling in terms of geochemical behavior, validating the approach and identifying the main mechanisms involved. The modeling approach identifies the dissolution of the main solid phases, which impact the pH and the speciation of lead as a function of the pH. This innovative approach, combining ANC–BNC experiments and geochemical modeling, allowed for the accurate identification of mineral phases and surface complexation phenomena, which control the release of lead and its speciation in drainage solutions, as well as within solid phases, as a function of pH. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Thomas Baumgartl” is provided in this record**
ANC–BNC titrations and geochemical modeling for characterizing calcareous and siliceous mining waste
- Drapeau, Clémentine, Delolme, Cécile, Vézin, Clément, Blanc, Denise, Baumgartl, Thomas
- Authors: Drapeau, Clémentine , Delolme, Cécile , Vézin, Clément , Blanc, Denise , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Minerals Vol. 11, no. 3 (2021), p. 1-16
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Pyrite and calcite are mineral phases that play a major role in acid and neutral mine drainage processes. However, the prediction of acid mine drainage (AMD) or contaminated neutral drainage (CND) requires knowledge of the mineral composition of mining waste and the related potential for element release. This paper studies the combination of acid–base neutralizing capacity (ANC–BNC) with geochemical modeling for the characterization of mining waste and prediction of AMD and CND. The proposed approach is validated with three synthetic mineral assemblages: (1) siliceous sand with pyrite only, representing mining waste responsible for AMD, (2) siliceous sand with calcite and pyrite, representing calcareous waste responsible for CND, and (3) siliceous sand with calcite only, simulating calcareous matrices without any pyrite. The geochemical modeling approach using PHREEQC software was used to model pH evolution and main element release as a function of the added amount of acid or base over the entire pH range: 1 < pH < 13. For calcareous matrices (sand with calcite), the results are typical of a carbonated environment, the geochemistry of which is well known. For matrices containing pyrite, the results identify different pH values favoring the dissolution of pyrite: pH = 2 in a pyrite-only environment and pH = 6 where pyrite coexists with calcite. The neutral conditions can be explained by the buffering capacity of calcite, which allows iron oxyhy-droxide precipitation. Major element release is then related to the dissolution and precipitation of the mineral assemblages. The geochemical modeling allows the prediction of element speciation in the solid and liquid phases. Our findings clearly prove the potential of combined ANC–BNC experiments along with geochemical modeling for the characterization of mining waste and the assessment of risk of AMD and CND. © 2020 by the authors. *Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Thomas Baumgartl” is provided in this record**
ANC–BNC titrations and geochemical modeling for characterizing calcareous and siliceous mining waste
- Authors: Drapeau, Clémentine , Delolme, Cécile , Vézin, Clément , Blanc, Denise , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Minerals Vol. 11, no. 3 (2021), p. 1-16
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Pyrite and calcite are mineral phases that play a major role in acid and neutral mine drainage processes. However, the prediction of acid mine drainage (AMD) or contaminated neutral drainage (CND) requires knowledge of the mineral composition of mining waste and the related potential for element release. This paper studies the combination of acid–base neutralizing capacity (ANC–BNC) with geochemical modeling for the characterization of mining waste and prediction of AMD and CND. The proposed approach is validated with three synthetic mineral assemblages: (1) siliceous sand with pyrite only, representing mining waste responsible for AMD, (2) siliceous sand with calcite and pyrite, representing calcareous waste responsible for CND, and (3) siliceous sand with calcite only, simulating calcareous matrices without any pyrite. The geochemical modeling approach using PHREEQC software was used to model pH evolution and main element release as a function of the added amount of acid or base over the entire pH range: 1 < pH < 13. For calcareous matrices (sand with calcite), the results are typical of a carbonated environment, the geochemistry of which is well known. For matrices containing pyrite, the results identify different pH values favoring the dissolution of pyrite: pH = 2 in a pyrite-only environment and pH = 6 where pyrite coexists with calcite. The neutral conditions can be explained by the buffering capacity of calcite, which allows iron oxyhy-droxide precipitation. Major element release is then related to the dissolution and precipitation of the mineral assemblages. The geochemical modeling allows the prediction of element speciation in the solid and liquid phases. Our findings clearly prove the potential of combined ANC–BNC experiments along with geochemical modeling for the characterization of mining waste and the assessment of risk of AMD and CND. © 2020 by the authors. *Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Thomas Baumgartl” is provided in this record**
Leached copper correlation with dissolved organic carbon in sloped vineyard soil
- Filipovi, Lana, Defterdarović, Jasmina, Chen, Rui, Krevh, Vedran, Gerke, Horst, Baumgartl, Thomas, Kovač, Zoran, Ondrašek, Gabrijel, Ružičić, Stanko, He, Hailong, Dusek, Jaromir, Filipović, Vilim
- Authors: Filipovi, Lana , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Chen, Rui , Krevh, Vedran , Gerke, Horst , Baumgartl, Thomas , Kovač, Zoran , Ondrašek, Gabrijel , Ružičić, Stanko , He, Hailong , Dusek, Jaromir , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 15, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The solubility and mobility of copper (Cu) in soil is strongly influenced by the presence of dissolved organic carbon (DOC); however, the interactions between Cu and DOC are complex and not yet fully understood. In this study, Cu and DOC concentrations were measured monthly for two years in leachates from self-constructed lysimeters installed at inter- and intra-row vineyard hilltop, backslope, and footslope areas at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory, Croatia. The aim was to quantify Cu and DOC leaching from the hilltop towards the backslope and the footslope. The assumed strong relationship between Cu and DOC in the leachates was statistically analyzed and explained using chemical equilibrium software. Leachates were analyzed for pH, EC, DOC, Cu, and major ion concentrations. The highest Cu concentrations found in leachates from the intra-row footslope suggested Cu downhill transport. Although not strong, a significant positive correlation between Cu and DOC in footslope leachates confirmed the relevance of Cu complexation by DOC. Speciation confirmed that more than 99.9% of total Cu in leachates was found as a Cu-DOC complex. Data implied the role of soil water flow pathways in explaining Cu downhill transport. Critical timing for applying Cu fungicides at sloped vineyards was highlighted. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Filipovi, Lana , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Chen, Rui , Krevh, Vedran , Gerke, Horst , Baumgartl, Thomas , Kovač, Zoran , Ondrašek, Gabrijel , Ružičić, Stanko , He, Hailong , Dusek, Jaromir , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 15, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The solubility and mobility of copper (Cu) in soil is strongly influenced by the presence of dissolved organic carbon (DOC); however, the interactions between Cu and DOC are complex and not yet fully understood. In this study, Cu and DOC concentrations were measured monthly for two years in leachates from self-constructed lysimeters installed at inter- and intra-row vineyard hilltop, backslope, and footslope areas at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory, Croatia. The aim was to quantify Cu and DOC leaching from the hilltop towards the backslope and the footslope. The assumed strong relationship between Cu and DOC in the leachates was statistically analyzed and explained using chemical equilibrium software. Leachates were analyzed for pH, EC, DOC, Cu, and major ion concentrations. The highest Cu concentrations found in leachates from the intra-row footslope suggested Cu downhill transport. Although not strong, a significant positive correlation between Cu and DOC in footslope leachates confirmed the relevance of Cu complexation by DOC. Speciation confirmed that more than 99.9% of total Cu in leachates was found as a Cu-DOC complex. Data implied the role of soil water flow pathways in explaining Cu downhill transport. Critical timing for applying Cu fungicides at sloped vineyards was highlighted. © 2023 by the authors.
Quantification of intra- vs. inter-row leaching of major plant nutrients in sloping vineyard soils
- Filipović, Lana, Krevh, Vedran, Chen, Rui, Defterdarović, Jasmina, Kovač, Zoran, Mustać, Ivan, Bogunović, Igor, He, Hailong, Baumgartl, Thomas, Gerke, Horst, Toor, Gurpal, Filipović, Vilim
- Authors: Filipović, Lana , Krevh, Vedran , Chen, Rui , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Kovač, Zoran , Mustać, Ivan , Bogunović, Igor , He, Hailong , Baumgartl, Thomas , Gerke, Horst , Toor, Gurpal , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 15, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Nutrient leaching from agricultural soils presents an economic loss for farmers and can degrade the quality of the surrounding environment. Thus, leachates from 18 in situ wick lysimeters, installed at 40 cm soil depth at the vineyard hilltop, backslope, and footslope intra- and inter-row area (SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory, Croatia) were collected monthly over two years and analyzed for major plant nutrient ions. Our objectives were to quantify nutrient losses via leaching from the hilltop towards the backslope and to the footslope, and to compare leaching from vine plant rows (intra-row) with grassed areas between vine rows (inter-row). We found that the concentrations of nitrate, orthophosphate, and potassium were significantly higher in leachates collected at the footslope as compared to the hilltop and backslope only at intra- and not at inter-row positions, while ammonium was independent of the slope and row positions. The vineyard intra-row is identified as the probable spatial origin of nutrient leaching along the slope, thus confirming spatially different contributions of overall hillslope to major plant nutrients leaching. The experimental field scheme used in this study, which separately analyses vineyard intra- and inter-row, was confirmed to be an adequate approach for optimizing vineyard management practices. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Filipović, Lana , Krevh, Vedran , Chen, Rui , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Kovač, Zoran , Mustać, Ivan , Bogunović, Igor , He, Hailong , Baumgartl, Thomas , Gerke, Horst , Toor, Gurpal , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 15, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Nutrient leaching from agricultural soils presents an economic loss for farmers and can degrade the quality of the surrounding environment. Thus, leachates from 18 in situ wick lysimeters, installed at 40 cm soil depth at the vineyard hilltop, backslope, and footslope intra- and inter-row area (SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory, Croatia) were collected monthly over two years and analyzed for major plant nutrient ions. Our objectives were to quantify nutrient losses via leaching from the hilltop towards the backslope and to the footslope, and to compare leaching from vine plant rows (intra-row) with grassed areas between vine rows (inter-row). We found that the concentrations of nitrate, orthophosphate, and potassium were significantly higher in leachates collected at the footslope as compared to the hilltop and backslope only at intra- and not at inter-row positions, while ammonium was independent of the slope and row positions. The vineyard intra-row is identified as the probable spatial origin of nutrient leaching along the slope, thus confirming spatially different contributions of overall hillslope to major plant nutrients leaching. The experimental field scheme used in this study, which separately analyses vineyard intra- and inter-row, was confirmed to be an adequate approach for optimizing vineyard management practices. © 2023 by the authors.
Investigation of the attenuation and release of Cu2+ Ions by polymer-treated tailings
- Ghandashtani, Mohammad, Edraki, Mansour, Baumgartl, Thomas, Costine, Allan, Amari, Samar
- Authors: Ghandashtani, Mohammad , Edraki, Mansour , Baumgartl, Thomas , Costine, Allan , Amari, Samar
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Minerals Vol. 12, no. 7 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study investigated the attenuation and release behaviour of copper ions using a standard kaolin-silt slurry as the synthetic tailings in a high solids/high salinity application before and after inline flocculation. A homogenous, synthetic tailings slurry was prepared in a 0.6 M NaCl solution and treated in a low-shear mixer by adding Magnafloc® 336 flocculant. Following the evaluation of morphological properties of both the untreated (UT) and polymer-treated tailings (PT), identical equilibrium tests were performed via the bottle-point method constant concentration technique. The maximum copper ions uptake capacity of polymer-treated tailings was 25% more than the untreated slurry at the equilibrium state in a chemisorption process in which the ions had the capability of binding onto one location on the sorbent, which could be influencing other binding sites on the same sorbent. Polymer treatment resulted in a highly porous structure that exhibited an increased capacity to adsorb and retain copper ions compared to the UT materials. This behaviour indicates the strong binding between the copper ions and active site of the treated tailings particles with greater capability of this material for preserving heavy metal ions within their structure across a wide pH range (2–10) compared to the UT materials. The results advance the fundamental understanding of how inline flocculation can considerably improve the sorption capacity of high solids/high salinity tailings favouring potential long-term rehabilitation purposes at mine closure and the role of sorption and desorption of heavy metal ions’ behaviour play to achieve this goal. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Ghandashtani, Mohammad , Edraki, Mansour , Baumgartl, Thomas , Costine, Allan , Amari, Samar
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Minerals Vol. 12, no. 7 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study investigated the attenuation and release behaviour of copper ions using a standard kaolin-silt slurry as the synthetic tailings in a high solids/high salinity application before and after inline flocculation. A homogenous, synthetic tailings slurry was prepared in a 0.6 M NaCl solution and treated in a low-shear mixer by adding Magnafloc® 336 flocculant. Following the evaluation of morphological properties of both the untreated (UT) and polymer-treated tailings (PT), identical equilibrium tests were performed via the bottle-point method constant concentration technique. The maximum copper ions uptake capacity of polymer-treated tailings was 25% more than the untreated slurry at the equilibrium state in a chemisorption process in which the ions had the capability of binding onto one location on the sorbent, which could be influencing other binding sites on the same sorbent. Polymer treatment resulted in a highly porous structure that exhibited an increased capacity to adsorb and retain copper ions compared to the UT materials. This behaviour indicates the strong binding between the copper ions and active site of the treated tailings particles with greater capability of this material for preserving heavy metal ions within their structure across a wide pH range (2–10) compared to the UT materials. The results advance the fundamental understanding of how inline flocculation can considerably improve the sorption capacity of high solids/high salinity tailings favouring potential long-term rehabilitation purposes at mine closure and the role of sorption and desorption of heavy metal ions’ behaviour play to achieve this goal. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Mineralogy of tailings: challenges to usual routines of characterization
- Kelm, U., Baumgartl, Thomas, Edraki, M., Gutiérrez, L., Jerez, O., Morales, J., Novoselov, A.
- Authors: Kelm, U. , Baumgartl, Thomas , Edraki, M. , Gutiérrez, L. , Jerez, O. , Morales, J. , Novoselov, A.
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 29th International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC 2018); Moscow, Russia, 17-21; September 2018 p. 108-114
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
Investigation of hillslope vineyard soil water dynamics using field measurements and numerical modeling
- Krevh, Vedran, Groh, Jannis, Weihermüller, Lutz, Filipović, Lana, Defterdarović, Jasmina, Kovač, Zoran, Magdić, Ivan, Lazarević, Boris, Baumgartl, Thomas, Filipović, Vilim
- Authors: Krevh, Vedran , Groh, Jannis , Weihermüller, Lutz , Filipović, Lana , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Kovač, Zoran , Magdić, Ivan , Lazarević, Boris , Baumgartl, Thomas , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 15, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Soil heterogeneities can impact hillslope hydropedological processes (e.g., portioning between infiltration and runoff), creating a need for in-depth knowledge of processes governing water dynamics and redistribution. The presented study was conducted at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) (hillslope vineyard) in 2021. A combination of field investigation (soil sampling and monitoring campaign) and numerical modeling with hydrological simulator HYDRUS-1D was used to explore the water dynamics in conjunction with data from a sensor network (soil water content (SWC) and soil-water potential (SWP) sensors), along the hillslope (hilltop, backslope, and footslope). Soil hydraulic properties (SHP) were estimated based on (i) pedotransfer functions (PTFs), (ii) undisturbed soil cores, and (iii) sensor network data, and tested in HYDRUS. Additionally, a model ensemble mean from HYDRUS simulations was calculated with PTFs. The highest agreement of simulated with observed SWC for 40 cm soil depth was found with the combination of laboratory and field data, with the lowest average MAE, RMSE and MAPE (0.02, 0.02, and 5.34%, respectively), and highest average R2 (0.93), while at 80 cm soil depth, PTF model ensemble performed better (MAE = 0.03, RMSE = 0.03, MAPE = 7.55%, R2 = 0.81) than other datasets. Field observations indicated that heterogeneity and spatial variability regarding soil parameters were present at the site. Over the hillslope, SWC acted in a heterogeneous manner, which was most pronounced during soil rewetting. Model results suggested that the incorporation of field data expands model performance and that the PTF model ensemble is a feasible option in the absence of laboratory data. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Krevh, Vedran , Groh, Jannis , Weihermüller, Lutz , Filipović, Lana , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Kovač, Zoran , Magdić, Ivan , Lazarević, Boris , Baumgartl, Thomas , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 15, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Soil heterogeneities can impact hillslope hydropedological processes (e.g., portioning between infiltration and runoff), creating a need for in-depth knowledge of processes governing water dynamics and redistribution. The presented study was conducted at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) (hillslope vineyard) in 2021. A combination of field investigation (soil sampling and monitoring campaign) and numerical modeling with hydrological simulator HYDRUS-1D was used to explore the water dynamics in conjunction with data from a sensor network (soil water content (SWC) and soil-water potential (SWP) sensors), along the hillslope (hilltop, backslope, and footslope). Soil hydraulic properties (SHP) were estimated based on (i) pedotransfer functions (PTFs), (ii) undisturbed soil cores, and (iii) sensor network data, and tested in HYDRUS. Additionally, a model ensemble mean from HYDRUS simulations was calculated with PTFs. The highest agreement of simulated with observed SWC for 40 cm soil depth was found with the combination of laboratory and field data, with the lowest average MAE, RMSE and MAPE (0.02, 0.02, and 5.34%, respectively), and highest average R2 (0.93), while at 80 cm soil depth, PTF model ensemble performed better (MAE = 0.03, RMSE = 0.03, MAPE = 7.55%, R2 = 0.81) than other datasets. Field observations indicated that heterogeneity and spatial variability regarding soil parameters were present at the site. Over the hillslope, SWC acted in a heterogeneous manner, which was most pronounced during soil rewetting. Model results suggested that the incorporation of field data expands model performance and that the PTF model ensemble is a feasible option in the absence of laboratory data. © 2023 by the authors.
Long-term analysis of soil water regime and nitrate dynamics at agricultural experimental site : field-scale monitoring and numerical modeling using HYDRUS-1D
- Krevh, Vedran, Filipović, Lana, Petošić, Dragutin, Mustać, Ivica, Bogunović, Igor, Butorac, Jaminka, Kisić, Ivica, Defterdarović, Jasmina, Nakić, Zoran, Kovač, Zoran, Pereira, Paulo, He, Hailong, Chen, Rui, Toor, Gurpal, Versini, Antoine, Baumgartl, Thomas, Filipović, Vilim
- Authors: Krevh, Vedran , Filipović, Lana , Petošić, Dragutin , Mustać, Ivica , Bogunović, Igor , Butorac, Jaminka , Kisić, Ivica , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Nakić, Zoran , Kovač, Zoran , Pereira, Paulo , He, Hailong , Chen, Rui , Toor, Gurpal , Versini, Antoine , Baumgartl, Thomas , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agricultural Water Management Vol. 275, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Intensive agricultural practices increase agrochemical pollution, particularly nitrogen (N) based fertilizers, which present an environmental risk. This study aims to evaluate long-term (2009–2020) data on soil water regime and nitrate dynamics at an agricultural experimental site on fine-textured soils and to better understand the implications of N management in relation to groundwater pollution. The field site is located in the Biđ field (eastern Croatia), in the proximity of the Sava river. Zero-tension lysimeters were installed at six selected locations. Lysimeters were used to monitor the water regime, i.e., outflows in which nitrate concentration was measured, while additional soil-water samples were collected via 4 and 15-meter-deep monitoring wells. Soil hydraulic parameters were estimated by combining the laboratory measurements, and estimation in RETC software. Water regime and nitrate leaching in lysimeters were simulated using HYDRUS-1D for each year to allow crop rotation and to evaluate their effects individually. The HYDRUS-1D model successfully reproduced lysimeter outflows and nitrate dynamics, which was confirmed with high R2 values (water: 93% above 0.7, and nitrate: 73% above 0.7) indicating the good performance of the model simulating nitrification chain reactions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the relationships among all soil properties and environmental characteristics. The results showed the complex interaction of soil hydraulic properties, precipitation patterns, plant uptake, and N application. All locations have a decreasing trend of nitrate leaching over the investigation period. Most of the lysimeter outflows and elevated nitrate concentrations were connected to the wet period of the year when the soil was saturated, and evapotranspiration was low. The results of this study show that it is important to optimize N fertilizer applications for each particular environmental condition to reduce nitrate loss. The study indicates the importance of long-term field studies, key for agro-hydrological modeling and the improvement of agricultural practices. © 2022 The Authors
- Authors: Krevh, Vedran , Filipović, Lana , Petošić, Dragutin , Mustać, Ivica , Bogunović, Igor , Butorac, Jaminka , Kisić, Ivica , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Nakić, Zoran , Kovač, Zoran , Pereira, Paulo , He, Hailong , Chen, Rui , Toor, Gurpal , Versini, Antoine , Baumgartl, Thomas , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agricultural Water Management Vol. 275, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Intensive agricultural practices increase agrochemical pollution, particularly nitrogen (N) based fertilizers, which present an environmental risk. This study aims to evaluate long-term (2009–2020) data on soil water regime and nitrate dynamics at an agricultural experimental site on fine-textured soils and to better understand the implications of N management in relation to groundwater pollution. The field site is located in the Biđ field (eastern Croatia), in the proximity of the Sava river. Zero-tension lysimeters were installed at six selected locations. Lysimeters were used to monitor the water regime, i.e., outflows in which nitrate concentration was measured, while additional soil-water samples were collected via 4 and 15-meter-deep monitoring wells. Soil hydraulic parameters were estimated by combining the laboratory measurements, and estimation in RETC software. Water regime and nitrate leaching in lysimeters were simulated using HYDRUS-1D for each year to allow crop rotation and to evaluate their effects individually. The HYDRUS-1D model successfully reproduced lysimeter outflows and nitrate dynamics, which was confirmed with high R2 values (water: 93% above 0.7, and nitrate: 73% above 0.7) indicating the good performance of the model simulating nitrification chain reactions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the relationships among all soil properties and environmental characteristics. The results showed the complex interaction of soil hydraulic properties, precipitation patterns, plant uptake, and N application. All locations have a decreasing trend of nitrate leaching over the investigation period. Most of the lysimeter outflows and elevated nitrate concentrations were connected to the wet period of the year when the soil was saturated, and evapotranspiration was low. The results of this study show that it is important to optimize N fertilizer applications for each particular environmental condition to reduce nitrate loss. The study indicates the importance of long-term field studies, key for agro-hydrological modeling and the improvement of agricultural practices. © 2022 The Authors
Soil–water dynamics investigation at agricultural hillslope with high-precision weighing lysimeters and soil–water collection systems
- Krevh, Vedran, Groh, Jannis, Filipović, Lana, Gerke, Horst, Defterdarović, Jasmina, Thompson, Sally, Sraka, Mario, Bogunović, Igor, Kovač, Zoran, Robinson, Nathan, Baumgartl, Thomas, Filipović, Vilim
- Authors: Krevh, Vedran , Groh, Jannis , Filipović, Lana , Gerke, Horst , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Thompson, Sally , Sraka, Mario , Bogunović, Igor , Kovač, Zoran , Robinson, Nathan , Baumgartl, Thomas , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 15, no. 13 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A quantitative understanding of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and soil–water dynamics in a hillslope agroecosystem is vital for sustainable water resource management and soil conservation; however, the complexity of processes and conditions involving lateral subsurface flow (LSF) can be a limiting factor in the full comprehension of hillslope soil–water dynamics. The research was carried out at SUPREHILL CZO located on a hillslope agroecosystem (vineyard) over a period of two years (2021–2022) by combining soil characterization and field hydrological measurements, including weighing lysimeters, sensor measurements, and LSF collection system measurements. Lysimeters were placed on the hilltop and the footslope, both having a dynamic controlled bottom boundary, which corresponded to field pressure head measurements, to mimic field soil–water dynamics. Water balance components between the two positions on the slope were compared with the goal of identifying differences that might reveal hydrologically driven differences due to LSF paths across the hillslope. The usually considered limitations of these lysimeters, or the borders preventing LSF through the domain, acted as an aid within this installation setup, as the lack of LSF was compensated for through the pumping system at the footslope. The findings from lysimeters were compared with LSF collection system measurements. Weighing lysimeter data indicated that LSF controlled ETa rates. The results suggest that the onset of LSF contributes to the spatial crop productivity distribution in hillslopes. The present approach may be useful for investigating the impact of LSF on water balance components for similar hillslope sites and crops or other soil surface covers. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Krevh, Vedran , Groh, Jannis , Filipović, Lana , Gerke, Horst , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Thompson, Sally , Sraka, Mario , Bogunović, Igor , Kovač, Zoran , Robinson, Nathan , Baumgartl, Thomas , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 15, no. 13 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: A quantitative understanding of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and soil–water dynamics in a hillslope agroecosystem is vital for sustainable water resource management and soil conservation; however, the complexity of processes and conditions involving lateral subsurface flow (LSF) can be a limiting factor in the full comprehension of hillslope soil–water dynamics. The research was carried out at SUPREHILL CZO located on a hillslope agroecosystem (vineyard) over a period of two years (2021–2022) by combining soil characterization and field hydrological measurements, including weighing lysimeters, sensor measurements, and LSF collection system measurements. Lysimeters were placed on the hilltop and the footslope, both having a dynamic controlled bottom boundary, which corresponded to field pressure head measurements, to mimic field soil–water dynamics. Water balance components between the two positions on the slope were compared with the goal of identifying differences that might reveal hydrologically driven differences due to LSF paths across the hillslope. The usually considered limitations of these lysimeters, or the borders preventing LSF through the domain, acted as an aid within this installation setup, as the lack of LSF was compensated for through the pumping system at the footslope. The findings from lysimeters were compared with LSF collection system measurements. Weighing lysimeter data indicated that LSF controlled ETa rates. The results suggest that the onset of LSF contributes to the spatial crop productivity distribution in hillslopes. The present approach may be useful for investigating the impact of LSF on water balance components for similar hillslope sites and crops or other soil surface covers. © 2023 by the authors.
Inspection of open-pit mine drainage characteristics with a horizontal borehole camera
- Perdigao, Cristhiana, Dyson, Ashley, Yaghoubi, Mohammadjavad, Baumgartl, Thomas
- Authors: Perdigao, Cristhiana , Dyson, Ashley , Yaghoubi, Mohammadjavad , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 14th Baltic Sea Region Geotechnical Conference, BSGC 2020 Vol. 727
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Horizontal bores and drains are crucial infrastructures for maintaining the stability of large open-pit mines. Induced deformations as the result of mining activities and the infiltration of water from large surface catchments during heavy rain events can cause the build-up of pore water pressures in brown coal batters. This can potentially lead to catastrophic slope failures. Horizontal boreholes and drains are commonly installed at shallow inclines and typically range in length from 150 to 400 metres. Due to complexities in surveying lengthy horizontal bores, the long-term internal properties of these structures are poorly understood. In this research, a specialised horizontal borehole camera was developed to observe a range of factors influencing borehole performance including the identification of fractured or jointed material, borehole geometry and features, and locationally dependent water outflow and drainage paths. Investigations were undertaken at an operational brown coal mine in the Latrobe Valley, located in Victoria, Australia. Features observed on the profile of horizontal bores are discussed, with an emphasis on providing in-situ material characterisation and for the purposes of maintaining stable mine batters. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
- Authors: Perdigao, Cristhiana , Dyson, Ashley , Yaghoubi, Mohammadjavad , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 14th Baltic Sea Region Geotechnical Conference, BSGC 2020 Vol. 727
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Horizontal bores and drains are crucial infrastructures for maintaining the stability of large open-pit mines. Induced deformations as the result of mining activities and the infiltration of water from large surface catchments during heavy rain events can cause the build-up of pore water pressures in brown coal batters. This can potentially lead to catastrophic slope failures. Horizontal boreholes and drains are commonly installed at shallow inclines and typically range in length from 150 to 400 metres. Due to complexities in surveying lengthy horizontal bores, the long-term internal properties of these structures are poorly understood. In this research, a specialised horizontal borehole camera was developed to observe a range of factors influencing borehole performance including the identification of fractured or jointed material, borehole geometry and features, and locationally dependent water outflow and drainage paths. Investigations were undertaken at an operational brown coal mine in the Latrobe Valley, located in Victoria, Australia. Features observed on the profile of horizontal bores are discussed, with an emphasis on providing in-situ material characterisation and for the purposes of maintaining stable mine batters. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
Community capacity to envisage a post-mine future: rehabilitation options for Latrobe Valley brown coal mines
- Reeves, Jessica, Baumgartl, Thomas, Morgan, D., Reimers, Vaughan, Green, Michael
- Authors: Reeves, Jessica , Baumgartl, Thomas , Morgan, D. , Reimers, Vaughan , Green, Michael
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 15th International Conference on Mine Closure, Mine Closure 2022, Brisbane, Australia, 4-6 October 2022, Proceedings of the International Conference on Mine Closure Vol. 1, p. 173-185
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Since closure of the Hazelwood Power Station in 2017, and the associated Morwell open cut mine, the community of the Latrobe Valley have largely come to terms with the coming end of an industry that for almost a century defined their region. However, the capacity for the community to envisage what comes next has been limited. This is in part due to uncertainty of the viability of options for rehabilitation, future ownership and responsibility for the sites, and a challenging policy framework. It is also related to systemic social issues, such as mistrust of both government and energy companies, as well as over-consultation fatigue. We draw here on findings from a recent study, commissioned by AGL Loy Yang, on the community perspectives on the final void forms and future land and water uses of the three Latrobe Valley open cut brown coal mines - and surrounding lands. The data were obtained through a series of focus groups with key stakeholders, including community organisations, environmental groups, government authorities, business groups, primary producers and Traditional Owners; and a web-based survey, completed by over 560 participants. From this we found a common theme concerning a desire to have the land returned to the community and to leave a positive legacy for the sites. Options that were visually attractive and enabled either recreation and/or tourism were preferred to future industrial uses; environmental benefit was also a strong priority. Authentic community consultation necessitates that the community be empowered to make an informed contribution to the discussion, and that they are made aware of how their input will be utilised. The community of the Latrobe Valley are invested in having a positive outcome for their region, which future generations can benefit from. To achieve this, the community must be actively engaged in the process. © 2022 Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth.
- Authors: Reeves, Jessica , Baumgartl, Thomas , Morgan, D. , Reimers, Vaughan , Green, Michael
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 15th International Conference on Mine Closure, Mine Closure 2022, Brisbane, Australia, 4-6 October 2022, Proceedings of the International Conference on Mine Closure Vol. 1, p. 173-185
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Since closure of the Hazelwood Power Station in 2017, and the associated Morwell open cut mine, the community of the Latrobe Valley have largely come to terms with the coming end of an industry that for almost a century defined their region. However, the capacity for the community to envisage what comes next has been limited. This is in part due to uncertainty of the viability of options for rehabilitation, future ownership and responsibility for the sites, and a challenging policy framework. It is also related to systemic social issues, such as mistrust of both government and energy companies, as well as over-consultation fatigue. We draw here on findings from a recent study, commissioned by AGL Loy Yang, on the community perspectives on the final void forms and future land and water uses of the three Latrobe Valley open cut brown coal mines - and surrounding lands. The data were obtained through a series of focus groups with key stakeholders, including community organisations, environmental groups, government authorities, business groups, primary producers and Traditional Owners; and a web-based survey, completed by over 560 participants. From this we found a common theme concerning a desire to have the land returned to the community and to leave a positive legacy for the sites. Options that were visually attractive and enabled either recreation and/or tourism were preferred to future industrial uses; environmental benefit was also a strong priority. Authentic community consultation necessitates that the community be empowered to make an informed contribution to the discussion, and that they are made aware of how their input will be utilised. The community of the Latrobe Valley are invested in having a positive outcome for their region, which future generations can benefit from. To achieve this, the community must be actively engaged in the process. © 2022 Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth.
Modelling hydrological performance of a bauxite residue profile for deposition management of a storage facility
- Shaygan, Mandana, Usher, Brent, Baumgartl, Thomas
- Authors: Shaygan, Mandana , Usher, Brent , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 12, no. 7 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Accurate scheduling of bauxite residue (red mud) deposition time is required in order to prevent the risk of storage facility failure. This study was conducted to precisely determine the hydraulic parameters of bauxite residue and investigate the capability of HYDRUS to accurately estimate the residue moisture profile and the timing for its deposition. The hydraulic properties of the bauxite residue profile were determined by solving an inverse problem. A one-dimensional hydrological model (HYDRUS-1D) was validated using a 300 mm long column filled with bauxite residue and exposed to a dynamic lower boundary condition. After numerical validation, the model was used to simulate the moisture profile of bauxite residue under the climatic conditions of an alumina refinery site in Queensland, Australia, as well as other scenarios (i.e., high (300 mm) and small (1.7 mm) rainfall events of the site). This study showed that the HYDRUS model can be used as a predictive tool to precisely estimate the moisture profile of the bauxite residue and that the timing for the re-deposition of the bauxite residue can be estimated by understanding the moisture profile and desired shear strength of the residue. This study revealed that the examined bauxite residue approaches field capacity (water potential-10 kPa) after three days from a low rainfall event (<1.7 mm) and after eight days from an intense rainfall event (300 mm) at the time of disposal. This suggests that the bauxite residue can be deposited every four days after low rainfall events (as low as 1.7 mm) and every nine days after high rainfall events (as high as 300 mm) at the time of deposition, if bauxite residue experiences an initial drying period following deposition. © 2020 by the authors.
- Authors: Shaygan, Mandana , Usher, Brent , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 12, no. 7 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Accurate scheduling of bauxite residue (red mud) deposition time is required in order to prevent the risk of storage facility failure. This study was conducted to precisely determine the hydraulic parameters of bauxite residue and investigate the capability of HYDRUS to accurately estimate the residue moisture profile and the timing for its deposition. The hydraulic properties of the bauxite residue profile were determined by solving an inverse problem. A one-dimensional hydrological model (HYDRUS-1D) was validated using a 300 mm long column filled with bauxite residue and exposed to a dynamic lower boundary condition. After numerical validation, the model was used to simulate the moisture profile of bauxite residue under the climatic conditions of an alumina refinery site in Queensland, Australia, as well as other scenarios (i.e., high (300 mm) and small (1.7 mm) rainfall events of the site). This study showed that the HYDRUS model can be used as a predictive tool to precisely estimate the moisture profile of the bauxite residue and that the timing for the re-deposition of the bauxite residue can be estimated by understanding the moisture profile and desired shear strength of the residue. This study revealed that the examined bauxite residue approaches field capacity (water potential-10 kPa) after three days from a low rainfall event (<1.7 mm) and after eight days from an intense rainfall event (300 mm) at the time of disposal. This suggests that the bauxite residue can be deposited every four days after low rainfall events (as low as 1.7 mm) and every nine days after high rainfall events (as high as 300 mm) at the time of deposition, if bauxite residue experiences an initial drying period following deposition. © 2020 by the authors.
The effect of soil physical amendments on reclamation of a saline-sodic soil : Simulation of salt leaching using HYDRUS-1D
- Shaygan, Mandana, Baumgartl, Thomas, Arnold, Sven, Reading, Lucy
- Authors: Shaygan, Mandana , Baumgartl, Thomas , Arnold, Sven , Reading, Lucy
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Soil Research Vol. 56, no. 8 (2018), p. 829-845
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Poor soil physical conditions such as low hydraulic conductivity can limit salt depletion from surface soil. Altering the pore system by addition of organic and inorganic amendments may improve salt leaching as a reclamation strategy. Column studies were conducted to investigate salt leaching in amended and non-amended soil profiles. A one-dimensional water and solute transport model (HYDRUS-1D) was also assessed for its applicability to simulate salt leaching for amendment strategy. Columns of length 300 mm were filled with saline-sodic soil at the lower end (100-300 mm) and then covered with soil amended with 40% (wt/wt) fine sand and 20% (wt/wt) wood chips, separately. A control column was filled with saline-sodic soil only. One rainfall scenario typical for a location in south-west Queensland (Australia) was applied to the columns. Water potentials were monitored using tensiometers installed at three depths: 35, 120 and 250 mm. The concentrations of individual cations (Na
- Authors: Shaygan, Mandana , Baumgartl, Thomas , Arnold, Sven , Reading, Lucy
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Soil Research Vol. 56, no. 8 (2018), p. 829-845
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Poor soil physical conditions such as low hydraulic conductivity can limit salt depletion from surface soil. Altering the pore system by addition of organic and inorganic amendments may improve salt leaching as a reclamation strategy. Column studies were conducted to investigate salt leaching in amended and non-amended soil profiles. A one-dimensional water and solute transport model (HYDRUS-1D) was also assessed for its applicability to simulate salt leaching for amendment strategy. Columns of length 300 mm were filled with saline-sodic soil at the lower end (100-300 mm) and then covered with soil amended with 40% (wt/wt) fine sand and 20% (wt/wt) wood chips, separately. A control column was filled with saline-sodic soil only. One rainfall scenario typical for a location in south-west Queensland (Australia) was applied to the columns. Water potentials were monitored using tensiometers installed at three depths: 35, 120 and 250 mm. The concentrations of individual cations (Na
Characterising soil physical properties of selected temperate highland peat swamps on sandstone in the Sydney basin bioregion
- Shaygan, Mandana, Baumgartl, Thomas, McIntyre, Neil
- Authors: Shaygan, Mandana , Baumgartl, Thomas , McIntyre, Neil
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Vol. 40, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Study region: Sydney Basin, New South Wales, Australia. Study focus: Some of Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone of Sydney Basin overlie existing underground mining areas, which may impact the hydrological fluxes into and out of the swamps. Understanding and predicting these potential impacts and their consequences for swamps’ vegetation requires knowledge of the relevant physical properties of the soil, however such knowledge is almost completely absent from the literature. This study addresses this gap, and provides new insight into the degree and nature of variability between swamp sites, and between groups of swamps, the soil properties controlling these variabilities and the classification of these swamps in the context of peatland. Soil samples were collected up to a depth of 750 mm from ten sites in Upper Nepean and Newnes Plateau swamps. Samples were analysed for organic matter, bulk density, texture, saturated hydraulic conductivity and water retention characteristics. New hydrological insights: Not only the organic matter, but also bulk density and sand content control soil physical properties of the swamps. Soil properties vary between swamps; however, the variabilities were not large relative to those found in peatlands globally. These THPSS of the Sydney Basin cannot be classified as peatland and so their soil parameters cannot be estimated through the generalisation of peatland soil physical properties. It is concluded that the insights into soil properties provide new scope for developing hydrological models to assist in hydrological and ecological impacts analysis of the swamps. © 2022 The Authors
- Authors: Shaygan, Mandana , Baumgartl, Thomas , McIntyre, Neil
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Vol. 40, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Study region: Sydney Basin, New South Wales, Australia. Study focus: Some of Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone of Sydney Basin overlie existing underground mining areas, which may impact the hydrological fluxes into and out of the swamps. Understanding and predicting these potential impacts and their consequences for swamps’ vegetation requires knowledge of the relevant physical properties of the soil, however such knowledge is almost completely absent from the literature. This study addresses this gap, and provides new insight into the degree and nature of variability between swamp sites, and between groups of swamps, the soil properties controlling these variabilities and the classification of these swamps in the context of peatland. Soil samples were collected up to a depth of 750 mm from ten sites in Upper Nepean and Newnes Plateau swamps. Samples were analysed for organic matter, bulk density, texture, saturated hydraulic conductivity and water retention characteristics. New hydrological insights: Not only the organic matter, but also bulk density and sand content control soil physical properties of the swamps. Soil properties vary between swamps; however, the variabilities were not large relative to those found in peatlands globally. These THPSS of the Sydney Basin cannot be classified as peatland and so their soil parameters cannot be estimated through the generalisation of peatland soil physical properties. It is concluded that the insights into soil properties provide new scope for developing hydrological models to assist in hydrological and ecological impacts analysis of the swamps. © 2022 The Authors
Reclamation of salt-affected land: A review
- Shaygan, Mandana, Baumgartl, Thomas
- Authors: Shaygan, Mandana , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Soil systems Vol. 6, no. 3 (2022), p. 61
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Reclamation of salt-affected soil has been identified by the FAO as being critical to meet the needs to increase agricultural productivity. This paper reviews commonly used reclamation methods for salt-affected soils, and provides critical identifiers for an effective reclamation practice of salt-affected soil. There are widely used methods to reduce salinity and sodicity of salt-affected soils, including salt leaching, addition of amendments, revegetation using halophytes and salt scrapping. Not all reclamation techniques are suitable for salt-affected land. The reclamation strategy must be tailored to the site, and based on understanding the soil, plant and climate interactions. On some occasions, a combination of techniques may be required for reclamation. This can include salt scrapping to remove salts from the surface soil, the addition of physical amendments to improve soil pore systems and enhance salt leaching, followed by amelioration of soil by chemical amendments to preserve soil physical conditions, and then halophyte establishment to expand the desalinization zone. This study reveals that soil hydro-geochemical models are effective predictive tools to ascertain the best reclamation practice tailored to salt-affected land. However, models need to be calibrated and validated to the conditions of the land before being applied as a tool to combat soil salinity.
- Authors: Shaygan, Mandana , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Soil systems Vol. 6, no. 3 (2022), p. 61
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Reclamation of salt-affected soil has been identified by the FAO as being critical to meet the needs to increase agricultural productivity. This paper reviews commonly used reclamation methods for salt-affected soils, and provides critical identifiers for an effective reclamation practice of salt-affected soil. There are widely used methods to reduce salinity and sodicity of salt-affected soils, including salt leaching, addition of amendments, revegetation using halophytes and salt scrapping. Not all reclamation techniques are suitable for salt-affected land. The reclamation strategy must be tailored to the site, and based on understanding the soil, plant and climate interactions. On some occasions, a combination of techniques may be required for reclamation. This can include salt scrapping to remove salts from the surface soil, the addition of physical amendments to improve soil pore systems and enhance salt leaching, followed by amelioration of soil by chemical amendments to preserve soil physical conditions, and then halophyte establishment to expand the desalinization zone. This study reveals that soil hydro-geochemical models are effective predictive tools to ascertain the best reclamation practice tailored to salt-affected land. However, models need to be calibrated and validated to the conditions of the land before being applied as a tool to combat soil salinity.