Changes of buffer action in the carboniferous claystones located at limestone waste on hard coal heaps

ABSTRACT

The work represents the results of research concerning the evaluation of buffer action of carboniferous claystones from coal mines from The Upper Silesia Coal Basin in Poland. These claystones are located in hard coal heaps where acidification is is due to weathering of pyrite included in them. The evaluation of buffer action is based on, model calculations, which take into account proton “release” while sulphides present in the rocks are being oxydated and mineral constituents neutralization ability. Activity of each mineral components are calculated using B.Ulrich (1986) model. The carboniferous claystones potential of buffering ability is presented. Possibility of buffer action change of these rocks by addition of low granular limestone is important for speed and intensity of this acidification process. The production of lime in Poland is very important and low granular limestone waste is easely obtainable. The use of this material for improvement of buffer action of carboniferous claystones is ecological meaning full especially for the biological aspect and for non-soil reclamation of mining waste heaps.