Transport mechanism and control technology of heavy metal ions in gangue backfill materials in short-wall block backfill mining

Short-wall block backfill mining can effectively control the movement of overlying strata, prevent water loss and utilize waste gangue materials. However, heavy metal ions (HMI) of gangue backfill materials in the mined-out area can be released and transported to the underlying aquifer, causing pollution of water resources in the mine. Accordingly, with short-wall block backfill mining technology, this study analyzed the sensitivity of gangue backfill materials to the environment. The pollution mechanism of gangue backfill materials to water resources was revealed, and the transport rules of HMI were explored. The regulation and control methods of water pollution in the mine were then concluded. The design method of backfill ratio for comprehensive protection of overlying and underlying aquifers was proposed. The results show that the release concentration of HMI, the gangue particle size, the floor lithology, the burial depth of the coal seam, and the depth of the floor fractures were the main factors that affected the transport behaviors of HMI. After long-term immersion, HMI of gangue backfill materials underwent hydrolysis and were released constantly. HMI were subjected to the coupled action of seepage, concentration, and stress and then driven by water head pressure and gravitational potential energy to transported downward along the pore and fracture channels in the floor with mine water as the carrier. Meanwhile, the transport distance of HMI increased with increasing release concentration of HMI, the permeability of the floor stratum, and the depth of floor fractures. Still, it decreased with increasing gangue particle size and the burial depth of the coal seam. On that basis, external-internal cooperative control methods were proposed to prevent the pollution of gangue backfill materials to mine water. Furthermore, the design method of the backfill ratio for comprehensive protection of overlying and underlying aquifers was proposed.

Automated summary

Short-wall block backfill mining can effectively control the movement of overlying strata and prevent water loss by utilizing waste gangue materials. However, the release and transport of heavy metal ions (HMI) from gangue backfill materials can cause pollution of water resources in the mine. This study analyzed the sensitivity of gangue backfill materials to the environment, revealed the pollution mechanism of gangue backfill materials to water resources, explored the transport rules of HMI, and proposed methods to regulate and control water pollution in the mine, as well as a design method for the backfill ratio to protect both the overlying and underlying aquifers.