EVALUATION OF THE IMPACTS OF MINING ACTIVITY ON SOIL ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH
Divya J., Vasudha Ranjan* and Kiran T.
ABSTRACT
Mining activity is one of the anthropogenic sources of environmental pollution. During the present investigation, a composite soil samples were collected around the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) mining area from 08 locations to evaluate the soil quality. From the present investigation, it has been found that, the pH and Electrical conductivity of the soil samples found to be within the normal range. In all the soil samples, higher percentage of organic carbon was observed compared to the normal range. Calcium concentration was found to be within the normal range. In all the soil samples magnesium, potassium concentration was found to be higher than the normal range. From the analysis, it was found that, in some of the soil sampling locations around the National Mineral Development Corporation mining area, the soil pH was found to be acidic which indicates impact of mining activity on soil pH. Considerable management options are needed to control the deterioration of soil quality. From the survey of mining workers, it was reported that, the majority of the mining workers are suffering from respiratory problems and mining related accidents. From the overall investigation, it was observed that, proper environmental and health system management is required in order to prevent further environmental degradation and occupational health hazards.
Keywords: Mining, Health effects, Soil Quality and NMDC.
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