International Journal of Science, Environment
and Technology, Vol. 1, No 3, 2012, 125 - 134

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SOIL AND SAND MINING: A REVIEW

M. Naveen Saviour

Research Scholar, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India- 641 003
E-mail: agri_naveen@rediffmail.com, mnaveenssac@gmail.com

Abstract: Sand is an important mineral for our society in protecting the environment, where this practice of sand and soil mining is becoming an environmental issue as the demand for sand increases in industry and construction. Mining and its associated activities can be responsible for considerable environmental damage. In this article we are discussing about the direct and indirect impacts due to soil and sand mining to the environment in Indian regions. Pollution of the water is evident by the colouration of water which in most of the rivers and streams in the mining area varies from brownish to reddish orange. Low pH (between 2- 3), high electrical conductivity, high concentration of ions of sulphate and iron and toxic heavy metals, low dissolved oxygen (DO) and high BOD are some of the physicochemical and biological parameters which characterize the degradation of water quality. Contamination of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) originating from mines and spoils, leaching of heavy metals, organic enrichment and silting by sand particles are major causes of degradation of water quality.

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