Numerical analysis of effects of an open-pit coal mine to groundwater

In this study we investigated the hydrogeological problems of an open-pit brown coal mine in the Borsod coal basin with Processing Modflow software. The coal mine is located in the valley of the Sajó-river with high transmissivity overburden layer where the traditional dewatering solutions were not encouraging due to inrush risks and low cost-efficiency. A new way of barrier forming was found out and numerically simulated to prove the efficiency of the solution. Since there are several contaminated sites in the surroundings it was a key factor to assure that the new mine dewatering technique has only a negligible effect on the groundwater regime that undisturbs the known contaminant plumes nearby

The KINDRA project. A tool for sharing Europe’s groundwater research and knowledge

Hydrogeology-related research activities cover a wide spectrum of research areas at EU and national levels. The KINDRA project (Knowledge Inventory for hydrogeology research, Grant Agreement No. 642047) seeks to create a critical mass for scientific knowledge exchange of hydrogeological research, to ensure wide applicability on research results - including support for innovation and development - and to reduce unnecessary duplication of efforts. A new terminology and classification methodology for groundwater R&D results and activities (Hydrogeological Research Classification System: HRC-SYS) has been developed based on a hierarchical structure using keywords derived from EU directives and scientific journals. This classification allows the population of a European Inventory of Groundwater Research (EIGR) of research results, activities, projects, and programmes to be used to identify critical research challenges and gaps, for better implementation of the Water Framework Directive

Making groundwater visible: a contribution for classifying hydrogeological research and knowledge by KINDRA H2020 project

Water Directives, Science, Policy, groundwater, societal challenge

A review on role of geosynthetic clay liners in contaminated site remediation

Many environmental disasters occurred in the past due to site contamination caused by leakage of leachate to surround soil, surface water and ground water aquifer. The main concern is focused on the contamination potential due to migration of the leachate produced from the waste disposal or storage sites into the soil and underlying layers. Leachate quality, quantity and properties are directly relevant to waste management methods, environment conditions and waste characteristics, as well as the process of landfill processing, and the leachate may be the major source of various pollutants and emissions Problems associated with the cleanup sites have shown that remediation technologies need to be developed that are feasible, fast, and deployable in a wide range of physical settings. Using an effective landfill liner is a common way of preventing the movement of pollutants (with gas or leachate) from landfill sites or contaminated sites (e.g. brownfields, fuel stations, accidental spills, etc.). In this study different types of Geosynthetic clay liners were reviewed and they were compared in aspects of hydraulic conductivity, strength, material and chemical to improve GCL design to optimum

Surface Deformation Monitoring and Risk Mapping in the Surroundings of the Solotvyno Salt Mine (Ukraine) between 1992 and 2021

The historical Ukrainian rock-salt mining town of Solotvyno and its environmentally related problems are well-known. A complex monitoring system is needed to evaluate the current situation in order to revitalize the investigated area. In addition to other risks, surface deformation due to undermining is one of the major risks endangering building infrastructure in the inhabited area of the town. These processes are well-known in the area, and damages caused by the surface movement are often recognized. Measurement of the process’s intensity and identification of the impacted area are crucial for any revitalization work. Information on these processes is the most important element of the hazard management and spatial-developmental planning of the town. This study aimed to characterize the long-term surface deformation processes and to identify the spatial and temporal trends and changes of these processes to assist spatial planning. The first step was to understand the surface deformation history from 1992. An InSAR-based assessment of the surface displacement of the undermined Solotvyno area was performed using data from three satellites, namely the ERS, Envisat, and the Sentinel-1, covering the time period between 1992 and 2021. The derived quantitative analysis indicated an intensive surface displacement and subsidence over the mining area. However, these displacements have not been even in the last 30 years of the investigation. The identification of the stabilized areas and recently started movements indicated the dislocation of the processes, which requires adequate actions for geohazard management and strategic planning. The demonstrated technology (InSAR) has the potential to set up an appropriate alarm system and provides an automated mechanism for continuous risk detection. A complex systems development is able to significantly reduce the geohazards over the unstable built-up zones