From mine wasteland to biofuel cropland — the Ontario experience

摘要

Covers composed of approximately 0.5—1 m thickness of pulp and paper biosolids have been used to establish demonstration plots at three diverse mine tailings sites in northern Ontario, Canada. Cultivation of several crops utilising conventional agricultural methods has successfully been employed for cultivation of several crops. Micrometeorological and soil climate data of the biosolids profiles and the underlying tailings have been monitored, with groundwater samples being collected throughout the growing season to assess any chemical changes possibly related to cover installation. Findings indicate the biosolids covers act as effective hydraulic barriers limiting water transport to the tailing, potentially reducing metal leaching. The success of the covers for site reclamation and as a growth medium for crops have proven to be dependent on a number of factors including, thickness, crop choice, and characteristics of the cover material.