International Journal of Waste Resources

Creating a soil-like substrate from Carboniferous mining waste as a circular economy strategy

World Congress on Sustainable Waste Management

June 21, 2023 | Webinar

Grazyna Zukowska

University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Int J Waste Resour

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The increase in industrialization in emerging economies and the persistently high level of material consumption in highly developed countries have resulted in an unprecedented increase in demand for raw materials in recent decades. It drew attention to issues related to saving resources, including the waste and materials management policy, which resulted in the promotion of the circular economy. The study assessed the properties and yield potential of Carboniferous mining waste and the possibility of using them to produce mixtures that could act as an independent substrate for plant growth. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: In a 2-year pot experiment, the properties and yield-forming potential of substrates were assessed, which were Carboniferous mining waste and their mixtures with a 2.5.and 5 % share of municipal sewage sludge and post-consumer mineral wool from cultivation under covers (1%) in terms of their suitability for the production of biological cover in landfills and the reclamation of soils in post-industrial areas. In the following years, white mustard and maize were cultivated in pots. Laboratory tests included reaction, sorption properties, and content of organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P, K, and Mg forms, the content of heavy metals. Plant yielding was assessed, the content of heavy metals in plant biomass was determined. Findings: The obtained results showed that Carboniferous mining waste provides minimal conditions for plant growth. The quality of the substrates was closely related to the share of sewage sludge in the mixtures and was modified by the addition of mineral wool. Substrates with a 5% share of sewage sludge were characterized by better properties and higher yield potential. Conclusion & Significance: Mixtures based on mining waste can be used for: making biological cover on landfills of various wastes, recultivation and reconstruction of soils in post-industrial and urbanized areas.

Biography :

Grażyna Żukowska, employee of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. Specialty - soil reclamation and waste management. In my scientific work, I researched agricultural soils and soils transformed as a result of anthropogenic activity, including degraded and devastated soils. I study the properties of various types of waste that can be used to improve the quality of both agricultural and degraded soils. I am looking for new solutions aimed at increasing the efficiency of agricultural soils and effective reclamation of degraded soils.