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.
An empirical analysis of sediment export dynamics from a constructed landform in the wet tropics
- Yavari, Shahla, McIntyre, Neil, Baumgartl, Thomas
- Authors: Yavari, Shahla , McIntyre, Neil , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 13, no. 8 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Although plot-scale erosion experiments are numerous, there are few studies on constructed landforms. This limits the understanding of their long-term stability, which is especially important for planning mined land rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the erosion processes in a 30 × 30 m trial plot on a mine waste rock dump in tropical northern Australia. The relationships between rainfall, runoff and suspended and bedload sediment export were assessed at annual, seasonal, inter-event and intra-event timescales. During a five-year study period, 231 rainfall– runoff–sediment export events were examined. The measured bedload and suspended sediments (mainly represented in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)) showed the dominance of the wet season and heavy rainfall events. The bedload dominated the total mass, although the annual bedload diminished by approximately 75% over the five years, with greater flow energy required over time to mobilise the same bedload. The suspended load was more sustained, though it also exhibited an exhaustion process, with equal rainfall and runoff volumes and intensities, leading to lower NTU values over time. Intra-event NTU dynamics, including runoff-NTU time lags and hysteretic behaviours, were somewhat random from one event to the next, indicating the influence of the antecedent distribution of mobilisable sediments. The value of the results for supporting predictive modelling is discussed. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Yavari, Shahla , McIntyre, Neil , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water (Switzerland) Vol. 13, no. 8 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Although plot-scale erosion experiments are numerous, there are few studies on constructed landforms. This limits the understanding of their long-term stability, which is especially important for planning mined land rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the erosion processes in a 30 × 30 m trial plot on a mine waste rock dump in tropical northern Australia. The relationships between rainfall, runoff and suspended and bedload sediment export were assessed at annual, seasonal, inter-event and intra-event timescales. During a five-year study period, 231 rainfall– runoff–sediment export events were examined. The measured bedload and suspended sediments (mainly represented in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)) showed the dominance of the wet season and heavy rainfall events. The bedload dominated the total mass, although the annual bedload diminished by approximately 75% over the five years, with greater flow energy required over time to mobilise the same bedload. The suspended load was more sustained, though it also exhibited an exhaustion process, with equal rainfall and runoff volumes and intensities, leading to lower NTU values over time. Intra-event NTU dynamics, including runoff-NTU time lags and hysteretic behaviours, were somewhat random from one event to the next, indicating the influence of the antecedent distribution of mobilisable sediments. The value of the results for supporting predictive modelling is discussed. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
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**
Assessing the post-fire recovery of mined-under temperate highland peat swamps on sandstone
- Anzooman, Monia, McKenna, Phill, Ufer, Natasha, Baumgartl, Thomas, McIntyre, Neil, Shaygan, Mandana
- Authors: Anzooman, Monia , McKenna, Phill , Ufer, Natasha , Baumgartl, Thomas , McIntyre, Neil , Shaygan, Mandana
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Land Vol. 13, no. 12 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone (TPHSS) in the Sydney Basin of Australia provide critical ecological and hydrological services but are increasingly threatened by wildfires and human activities such as underground mining. The 2019–2020 wildfires severely impacted these swamps, raising concerns about their resilience and recovery. This study assessed the post-fire recovery of swamps and evaluated the ability of remote sensing techniques to determine recovery patterns. Specifically, it investigated differences in post-fire recovery patterns between swamps where groundwater levels and soil moisture contents were impacted by underground mining and those unimpacted by mining. Two mined and one non-mined swamp were studied. Soil moisture contents were monitored at five sites, and previously performed vegetation field surveys (2016–2022) were utilized. Remote sensing indices, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Soil Moisture Index (SMI), were calculated and compared with ground data to map post-fire responses. The results showed that hydrological conditions directly affect post-fire recovery, with slower recovery in mined swamps compared to non-mined ones. This study demonstrated that NDVI and SMI indices can effectively determine recovery patterns in terms of vegetation and hydrology. However, evaluating the recovery pattern of specific vegetation species requires more frequent field surveys. © 2024 by the authors.
- Authors: Anzooman, Monia , McKenna, Phill , Ufer, Natasha , Baumgartl, Thomas , McIntyre, Neil , Shaygan, Mandana
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Land Vol. 13, no. 12 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone (TPHSS) in the Sydney Basin of Australia provide critical ecological and hydrological services but are increasingly threatened by wildfires and human activities such as underground mining. The 2019–2020 wildfires severely impacted these swamps, raising concerns about their resilience and recovery. This study assessed the post-fire recovery of swamps and evaluated the ability of remote sensing techniques to determine recovery patterns. Specifically, it investigated differences in post-fire recovery patterns between swamps where groundwater levels and soil moisture contents were impacted by underground mining and those unimpacted by mining. Two mined and one non-mined swamp were studied. Soil moisture contents were monitored at five sites, and previously performed vegetation field surveys (2016–2022) were utilized. Remote sensing indices, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Soil Moisture Index (SMI), were calculated and compared with ground data to map post-fire responses. The results showed that hydrological conditions directly affect post-fire recovery, with slower recovery in mined swamps compared to non-mined ones. This study demonstrated that NDVI and SMI indices can effectively determine recovery patterns in terms of vegetation and hydrology. However, evaluating the recovery pattern of specific vegetation species requires more frequent field surveys. © 2024 by the authors.
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
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.
Description and assessment of a new high resolution erosion model for constructed landforms
- Yavari, Shahla, McIntyre, Neil, Shao, Qi, Baumgartl, Thomas
- Authors: Yavari, Shahla , McIntyre, Neil , Shao, Qi , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Environmental Modelling and Software Vol. 172, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Literature review reveals that many erosion models have limitations for application to constructed landforms. The new EroCA model aims to address this gap. The model uses established erosion and sediment transport models applied to multiple particle size classes at fine spatial and temporal resolutions, covering both suspended load and bedload. Using data from an experimental plot in Northern Australia, global sensitivity analysis was used to investigate the sources of uncertainty, limitations of the model, and priorities for data collection. Further analysis explored sensitivity to model grid size. The results showed that the Manning roughness, erodibility parameters and particle size are the most important parameters. Results also showed low parameter identifiability and hence the difficulty of calibration, even when using high quality experimental data. EroCA has the capacity to be a powerful landform modelling tool at appropriate scales of application; however ideally its data needs would be considered during monitoring design. © 2023 The Authors
- Authors: Yavari, Shahla , McIntyre, Neil , Shao, Qi , Baumgartl, Thomas
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Environmental Modelling and Software Vol. 172, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Literature review reveals that many erosion models have limitations for application to constructed landforms. The new EroCA model aims to address this gap. The model uses established erosion and sediment transport models applied to multiple particle size classes at fine spatial and temporal resolutions, covering both suspended load and bedload. Using data from an experimental plot in Northern Australia, global sensitivity analysis was used to investigate the sources of uncertainty, limitations of the model, and priorities for data collection. Further analysis explored sensitivity to model grid size. The results showed that the Manning roughness, erodibility parameters and particle size are the most important parameters. Results also showed low parameter identifiability and hence the difficulty of calibration, even when using high quality experimental data. EroCA has the capacity to be a powerful landform modelling tool at appropriate scales of application; however ideally its data needs would be considered during monitoring design. © 2023 The Authors
Developing a holistic and collaborative approach for the archaeology of Australian South Sea Islanders in Queensland
- Miller, Imelda, Youse, Zia, Bickey, Tomasina, Haddow, Eve, Mate, Geraldine, Zubrzycka, Adele, Prangnell, Jonathan, Fairbairn, Andrew, Robinson, Helena, Baumgartl, Thomas, Flexner, James
- Authors: Miller, Imelda , Youse, Zia , Bickey, Tomasina , Haddow, Eve , Mate, Geraldine , Zubrzycka, Adele , Prangnell, Jonathan , Fairbairn, Andrew , Robinson, Helena , Baumgartl, Thomas , Flexner, James
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Archaeology in Oceania Vol. 59, no. 3 (2024), p. 435-449
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Australian South Sea Islanders are a distinctive cultural group comprising descendants of over 60000 labourers who came to Australia from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and elsewhere in the Western Pacific between 1863 and 1904. “Blackbirded” labourers were commonly referred to as victims of a slave trade, though many also came voluntarily to work in the sugar plantations of northern New South Wales and Queensland. The advent of racist exclusionary immigration policies introduced from 1901 further forced South Sea Islanders to the margins of colonial society. Yet many Australian South Sea Islanders would argue their untold history speaks to resilience and overcoming adversity. Australian South Sea Islanders have a distinctive cultural heritage, including material culture, oral traditions embedded in the landscape and connections to places – from sugar mills to domestic sites – revealed archaeologically. This heritage must be approached sensitively given its association with sometimes difficult histories but is crucial to understanding the contributions of Australian South Sea Islanders to Australian society, contemporary communities and identities, and historical and social significance across multiple scales. Collaborative research with Australian South Sea Islanders pushes the boundaries of “community archaeology” by taking a slow approach to research, reframing ethnographic objects and cultural landscapes, and producing an archaeology that can include many voices. © 2024 The Author(s). Archaeology in Oceania published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of University of Sydney.
- Authors: Miller, Imelda , Youse, Zia , Bickey, Tomasina , Haddow, Eve , Mate, Geraldine , Zubrzycka, Adele , Prangnell, Jonathan , Fairbairn, Andrew , Robinson, Helena , Baumgartl, Thomas , Flexner, James
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Archaeology in Oceania Vol. 59, no. 3 (2024), p. 435-449
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Australian South Sea Islanders are a distinctive cultural group comprising descendants of over 60000 labourers who came to Australia from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and elsewhere in the Western Pacific between 1863 and 1904. “Blackbirded” labourers were commonly referred to as victims of a slave trade, though many also came voluntarily to work in the sugar plantations of northern New South Wales and Queensland. The advent of racist exclusionary immigration policies introduced from 1901 further forced South Sea Islanders to the margins of colonial society. Yet many Australian South Sea Islanders would argue their untold history speaks to resilience and overcoming adversity. Australian South Sea Islanders have a distinctive cultural heritage, including material culture, oral traditions embedded in the landscape and connections to places – from sugar mills to domestic sites – revealed archaeologically. This heritage must be approached sensitively given its association with sometimes difficult histories but is crucial to understanding the contributions of Australian South Sea Islanders to Australian society, contemporary communities and identities, and historical and social significance across multiple scales. Collaborative research with Australian South Sea Islanders pushes the boundaries of “community archaeology” by taking a slow approach to research, reframing ethnographic objects and cultural landscapes, and producing an archaeology that can include many voices. © 2024 The Author(s). Archaeology in Oceania published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of University of Sydney.
Impact of hillslope agriculture on soil compaction and seasonal water dynamics in a temperate vineyard
- Defterdarovi, Filipović, Lana, Ondrašek, Gabrijel, Bogunović, Igor, Dugan, Ivan, Phogat, Vinod, He, Hailong, Rashti, Mehran, Tavakkoli, Ehsan, Baumgartl, Thomas, Baghbani, Abolfazl, McLaren, Timothy, Filipović, Vilim
- Authors: Defterdarovi , Filipović, Lana , Ondrašek, Gabrijel , Bogunović, Igor , Dugan, Ivan , Phogat, Vinod , He, Hailong , Rashti, Mehran , Tavakkoli, Ehsan , Baumgartl, Thomas , Baghbani, Abolfazl , McLaren, Timothy , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Land Vol. 13, no. 5 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Major losses of agricultural production and soils are caused by erosion, which is especially pronounced on hillslopes due to specific hydrological processes and heterogeneity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of agricultural management on the compaction, infiltration, and seasonal water content dynamics of the hillslope. Measurements were made at the hilltop and footslope, i.e., soil water content and potential were measured using sensors, wick lysimeters were used to quantify water flux, while a mini-disk infiltrometer was used to measure the infiltration rate and calculate the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K_unsat). Soil texture showed differences between hillslope positions, i.e., at the hilltop after 50 cm depth, the soil is classified as silty clay loam, and from 75 cm onward, the soil is silty clay, while at the footslope, the soil is silt loam even at the deeper depths. The results show a higher K_unsat at the footslope as well as higher average water volumes collected in wick lysimeters compared to the hilltop. Average water volumes showed a statistically significant difference at p < 0.01 between the hilltop and the footslope. The soil water content and water potential sensors showed higher values at the footslope at all depths, i.e., 8.0% at 15 cm, 8.4% at 30 cm, and 27.3% at 45 cm. The results show that, even though the vineyard is located in a relatively small area, soil heterogeneity is present, affecting the water flow along the hillslope. This suggests the importance of observing water movement in the soil, especially today when facing extreme weather (e.g., short-term high-intensity rainfall events) in order to protect soil and water resources. © 2024 by the authors.
- Authors: Defterdarovi , Filipović, Lana , Ondrašek, Gabrijel , Bogunović, Igor , Dugan, Ivan , Phogat, Vinod , He, Hailong , Rashti, Mehran , Tavakkoli, Ehsan , Baumgartl, Thomas , Baghbani, Abolfazl , McLaren, Timothy , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Land Vol. 13, no. 5 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Major losses of agricultural production and soils are caused by erosion, which is especially pronounced on hillslopes due to specific hydrological processes and heterogeneity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of agricultural management on the compaction, infiltration, and seasonal water content dynamics of the hillslope. Measurements were made at the hilltop and footslope, i.e., soil water content and potential were measured using sensors, wick lysimeters were used to quantify water flux, while a mini-disk infiltrometer was used to measure the infiltration rate and calculate the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K_unsat). Soil texture showed differences between hillslope positions, i.e., at the hilltop after 50 cm depth, the soil is classified as silty clay loam, and from 75 cm onward, the soil is silty clay, while at the footslope, the soil is silt loam even at the deeper depths. The results show a higher K_unsat at the footslope as well as higher average water volumes collected in wick lysimeters compared to the hilltop. Average water volumes showed a statistically significant difference at p < 0.01 between the hilltop and the footslope. The soil water content and water potential sensors showed higher values at the footslope at all depths, i.e., 8.0% at 15 cm, 8.4% at 30 cm, and 27.3% at 45 cm. The results show that, even though the vineyard is located in a relatively small area, soil heterogeneity is present, affecting the water flow along the hillslope. This suggests the importance of observing water movement in the soil, especially today when facing extreme weather (e.g., short-term high-intensity rainfall events) in order to protect soil and water resources. © 2024 by the authors.
Impact of inline polyacrylamide polymer flocculation on the mechanical and hydrological properties of saline tailings
- Boshrouyeh, Bob, Edraki, Mansour, Baumgartl, Thomas, Costine, Allan, Quintero Olaya, Sebastian, Lepková, Katerina, Dwivedi, Deepak
- Authors: Boshrouyeh, Bob , Edraki, Mansour , Baumgartl, Thomas , Costine, Allan , Quintero Olaya, Sebastian , Lepková, Katerina , Dwivedi, Deepak
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Minerals Vol. 14, no. 11 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study examines the geotechnical and hydro-mechanical behaviour of a model slurry used in high-solids, high-salinity applications, both before and after inline flocculation with an anionic polyacrylamide. Initial evaluations showed untreated tailings (UT) with a water content of 107%, void ratio of 2.6, and dry density of 0.711 t/m3, compared to polymer-amended tailings (PAT) with 53% water content, a void ratio of 1.6, and a dry density of 1.069 t/m3. Post-flocculation consolidometer tests revealed a distinct consolidation mode, with PAT showing 60% less settlement within the first 48 h and achieving 50% more free water drainage. Polymer treatment improved consolidation parameters, yielding a lower compressibility index (Cc of 0.74 vs. 1.05 for raw slurry), a higher coefficient of consolidation (Cv of 0.005 cm2/s for PAT vs. 0.0009 cm2/s for raw slurry), and an increased water retention capacity. Additionally, PAT demonstrated a final void ratio of 0.62 compared to 0.51 for the UT sample and an internal porosity characterised by discrete voids, supporting enhanced stability for long-term rehabilitation. These findings underscore the potential of inline flocculation to improve tailings management in saline conditions. © 2024 by the authors.
- Authors: Boshrouyeh, Bob , Edraki, Mansour , Baumgartl, Thomas , Costine, Allan , Quintero Olaya, Sebastian , Lepková, Katerina , Dwivedi, Deepak
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Minerals Vol. 14, no. 11 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study examines the geotechnical and hydro-mechanical behaviour of a model slurry used in high-solids, high-salinity applications, both before and after inline flocculation with an anionic polyacrylamide. Initial evaluations showed untreated tailings (UT) with a water content of 107%, void ratio of 2.6, and dry density of 0.711 t/m3, compared to polymer-amended tailings (PAT) with 53% water content, a void ratio of 1.6, and a dry density of 1.069 t/m3. Post-flocculation consolidometer tests revealed a distinct consolidation mode, with PAT showing 60% less settlement within the first 48 h and achieving 50% more free water drainage. Polymer treatment improved consolidation parameters, yielding a lower compressibility index (Cc of 0.74 vs. 1.05 for raw slurry), a higher coefficient of consolidation (Cv of 0.005 cm2/s for PAT vs. 0.0009 cm2/s for raw slurry), and an increased water retention capacity. Additionally, PAT demonstrated a final void ratio of 0.62 compared to 0.51 for the UT sample and an internal porosity characterised by discrete voids, supporting enhanced stability for long-term rehabilitation. These findings underscore the potential of inline flocculation to improve tailings management in saline conditions. © 2024 by the authors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leached copper correlation with dissolved organic carbon in sloped vineyard soil
- Filipović, Lana, Defterdarović, Jasmina, Chen, Rui, Krevh, Vedran, Gerke, Horst, Baumgartl, Thomas, Kovač, Zoran, Ondrašek, Gabrijel, Ružičić, Stanko, He, Hailong, Dusek, Jaromir, Filipović, Vilim
- Authors: Filipović, 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: Filipović, 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.
Lead mobilization and speciation in mining waste : experiments and modeling
- Drapeau, Clémentine, Argane, Rabei, Delolme, Cecile, Blanc, Denise, Baumgartl, Thomas
- Authors: Drapeau, Clémentine , 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, Clémentine , 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**
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
- Wang, Zhenyu, Lechner, Alex, Yang, Yongjun, Baumgartl, Thomas, Wu, Jiansheng
- Authors: Wang, Zhenyu , Lechner, Alex , Yang, Yongjun , Baumgartl, Thomas , Wu, Jiansheng
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Science of the Total Environment Vol. 717, no. (2020), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Open-cut coal mining can seriously disturb and reshape natural landscapes which results in a range of impacts on local ecosystems and the services they provide. To address the negative impacts of disturbance, progressive rehabilitation is commonly advocated. However, there is little research focusing on how these impacts affect ecosystem services within mine sites and changes over time. The aim of this study was to assess the cumulative impacts of mining disturbance and rehabilitation on ecosystem services through mapping and quantifying changes at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Four ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, air quality regulation, soil conservation and water yield were assessed in 1989, 1997, 2005 and 2013. Disturbance and rehabilitation was mapped using LandTrendr algorithm with Landsat. We mapped spatial patterns and pixel values for each ecosystem service with corresponding model and the landscape changes were analyzed with landscape metrics. In addition, we assessed synergies and trade-offs using Spearman's correlation coefficient for different landscape classes and scales. The results showed that carbon sequestration, air quality regulation and water yield services were both positively and negatively affected by vegetation cover changes due to mined land disturbance and rehabilitation, while soil conservation service were mainly influenced by topographic changes. There were strong interactions between carbon sequestration, air quality regulation and water yield, which were steady among different spatial scales and landscape types. Soil conservation correlations were weak and changed substantially due to differences of spatial scales and landscape types. Although there are limitations associated with data accessibility, this study provides a new research method for mapping impacts of mining on ecosystem services, which offer spatially explicit information for decision-makers and environmental regulators to carry out feasible policies, balancing mining development with ecosystem services provision. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.
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:
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.