Quality Assessment of Mine Water in the Raniganj Coalfield Area, India

In a qualitative assessment of mine water from the Raniganj coalfield, 77 mine water samples were analyzed to assess water quality and suitability for domestic, industrial, and irrigation uses. The pH of the mine water ranged from 6.5 to 8.8. Total dissolved solids (TDS) ranged from 171 to 1,626 mg L(-1); spatial differences between the TDS values reflect variations in lithology, activities, and prevailing hydrological regime. The anion chemistry was dominated by HCO(3)(-) and SO(4)(2-). On average, Cl(-) contributes 10 and 19% of the total anionic balance, respectively, in the Barakar and Raniganj Formation mine water. F(-) and NO(3)(-) contribute <2% to the total anions. The cation chemistry is dominated by Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) in the mine water of the Barakar Formation and Na(+) in the Raniganj Formation mines. Much of the mine water, especially of the Barakar Formation area, has high TDS, total hardness, and SO(4) concentrations. Concentrations of some trace metals (i.e. Fe, Cr, Ni) were found to be above the levels recommended for drinking water. However, the mine water can be used for irrigation, except at some sites, especially in the Raniganj Formation area, where high salinity, sodium adsorption ratio, %Na, residual sodium carbonate, and excess Mg restrict its suitability for agricultural uses.