Environmental impact of the abandoned coal mines on the surface water and the groundwater quality in the south of Bochum, Germany

Surface water and groundwater samples were collected from 20 locations, situated in the vicinity of the abandoned coal mine fields south of Bochum. The main objective of this research is to assess the environmental impacts of these mines on the surface water and groundwater quality as well as to determine the factors controlling these impacts. The water samples were collected from stream sources, groundwater, surface water and engineered channels during April 2011. Physicochemical parameters were measured during fieldwork. Water samples were analysed for major ions and aluminium, iron, manganese, ferrous iron, zinc and hydrogen sulphide. The hydrochemistry of the surface water and the groundwater of this area is characterized by near-neutral to alkaline conditions, represented by predominance of calcium bicarbonate and sometimes calcium sulphate water types. Hence, the surface water and the groundwater quality in this region is significantly affected by abandoned coal mines. These effects resulted from oxidation of iron disulphide minerals that release iron, sulphate and hydrogen. The presence of carbonate-rich materials, which contained within the landfilling materials, has led the releasing of calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate. These materials could be the main source responsible for raising the alkalinity of the affected water. The environmental hazard of the abandoned coal mines in this area is related to the high concentration of Fe especially in the groundwater that possess the highest Fe concentration compared to other water sources: the Fe is 18 times larger than the allowed value in drinking water. Significant spatial variations of the water pollution were noted in this study. For this reason, the environmental hazards of the abandoned coal mines in Germany should be considered at closure of coal mines in the near future. Otherwise, these mines will be sources of environmental threats unless all necessary measures are taken to reduce their impact.