Various natural saline and alkaline habitats have recently been widely investigated, but knowledge of anthropogenic habitats with more complex environmental conditions is still lacking. This research looks at the structure of microbial communities in 18 bottom sediment samples from a technogenic water body with saline and alkaline composition. The core samples were collected from 2 columns in the western and eastern parts of an artificial water body at the Verkhnekamskoe Salt Deposit (Russia). The microbial community structure was studied using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bottom sediment composition (salinity, pH, and toxic element content) varies greatly with depth and laterally throughout the study area. The study found a considerable difference in bacterial community diversity between the 2 columns, but no considerable difference was found between the communities at various depths of the studied layers. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, which are common in both natural and artificial saline and alkaline environments, make up the majority of the bacteria found in the samples. Studies have shown that salinity and total alkalinity are the key factors influencing the formation of microbial communities. Ralstonia and Pseudomonas were the two most common genera in the sediment samples. These two genera are known for having high metabolic flexibility, which means they can survive in extreme environments and use a variety of carbon compounds as energy sources. The study also found that Ralstonia is indicator bacteria in samples with the highest concentrations of toxic elements compared to the other samples. A relatively high microbial diversity was discovered in the studied anthropogenic water reservoir despite the extreme alkaline and saline conditions, but it is considerably lower than that found in natural, less alkaline habitats. This research offers insight into the mechanisms behind microbial community formation in complex anthropogenic environments and covers key factors in microbial community distribution.

During the development of coal deposits, acid mine waters flowing to the surface cause the formation of acid sulphate soils. We study the effectiveness of soil reclamation by agrochemical and geochemical methods at the site of acid mine water discharge in the Kizel Coal Basin, carried out in 2005 using alkaline waste from soda production and activated sludge. A technosol with a stable phytocenosis was detected on the reclaimed site, and soddy-podzolic soil buried under the technogenic soil layer with no vegetation on the non-reclaimed site. The buried soddy-podzolic soil retains a strong acid рН concentration Н2О = 3. A high content of organic matter (8-1.5 %) is caused by carbonaceous particles; the presence of sulphide minerals reaches a depth of 40 cm. Technosol has a slightly acid pH reaction H2O = 5.5, the content of organic matter due to the use of activated sludge is 19-65 %, the presence of sulphide minerals reaches a depth of 20-40 cm. The total iron content in the upper layers of the technosol did not change (190-200 g/kg), the excess over the background reaches 15 times. There is no contamination with heavy metals and trace elements, single elevated concentrations of Li, Se, B and V are found.

A study of the effect of subaquatic discharge of karst groundwater sources on the composition of the Vishera River, the largest tributary of the Kama River, was carried out. The study was carried out on the territorY of the State Nature Reserve "Vishersky" and included the determination of the flow rate, temperature as well as chemical composition of natural waters. Six zones of karst groundwater discharge and their influence on the water regime of the Vishera river were studied in detail. It was shown that subaquatic sources in the places of their discharge, forming up to 36% of the river flow, significantly affect the temperature regime. A significant part of dissolved substances, primarily calcium ions and hydrocarbonate ions, as well as some trace elements (Li, Sr, V, Cr) enter the Vishery river with karst waters. The results of the study show that monitoring the composition and properties of groundwater discharged covertly in the river channel is an important part of the monitoring of water bodies of both protected and developed areas.

Ochre particles in modern alluvium were studied in the area affected by the development of the Kizel coal basin deposits (Perm Krai, Russia) to establish their material composition. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of the morphology and material composition of ochre particles, as well as their role as concentrators and mobilizers of toxic metals in river systems. Using scanning electron microscopy, microprobe analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and x-ray diffraction analysis, we found a wide range of ochre particle types, micro- and nano-textures, and material compositions. Toxic elements found in the ochre particles include (in wt.%): Cu (up to 2.56), Zn (up to 2.04), Co (up to 0.29), Sb (up to 0.23), Hg (up to 0.13), and As (up to 0.10). The diffraction data revealed that an important portion of the substance in the ochre composition is cryptocrystalline. Terrigenous components (quartz, feldspars, plagioclases, clay minerals, hematite) and authigenic components (goethite, carbonates) dominate the composition of the crystalline part of the ochre. Ochres in this area are the main toxic element concentrators; they actively migrate in the aquatic environment over long distances and deserve special attention in environmental monitoring studies.

The Kosva Bay is permanently affected by acid mine drainage (AMD) from Kizel Coal Basin in the Perm Krai of Russia. This discharge is released in the middle part of the Kosva River from the abandoned mines. This study investigates the current trace element (TE) concentrations for Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg and the mineral composition, major oxides, grain size of sediments, and acute toxicity using two test organisms within the site of AMD downstream from the Kosva River and up to the Kosva Bay of Kama Reservoir. The objectives of this study were to analyze the quality of sediment and level pollution of Kosva Bay using pollution and ecotoxicological indices. The environmental indices, namely the contamination factor (CF), the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and the potential ecological risk factor (Eri), indicate contamination by Cr and Pb in sediments at the site of AMD, with the highest values for Cr, Cu, and As in the Kosva Bay sediments downstream of abandoned coal mines. The results of Igeo and CF average values in bay of sediments showed different degrees of contamination, from moderate contamination to considerable contamination, respectively. According to the potential ecological risk index (RI) values, the Kosva Bay sediments exhibited low to moderate risk, and As and Cd have the highest contribution rate. According to LAWA and the Polish geochemical classification of sediments, sediments of the bay correspond to the highest levels (IV–III classes) for Cr, Ni, and Hg. Based on the SQGC, Hg, Cd, Cr, and Ni are the most probable for resulting in adverse effects on aquatic organisms in this study. The results of this study indicate that complex pollution and ecotoxicological indices must be supported by ecotoxicologal tests. High precipitation totals, low evaporation rates, and flow regulation stream by the Shirokovsky Reservoir located upstream from abandoned coal mines provide significant fluctuations in streamflow, which is probably the most important factor controlling the distribution and mobility of TE in the studied sediments.

Over a long period of time, a huge amount of technogenic bottom sediments has been accumulating in the Kosva Bay with significant concentrations of amorphous iron and aluminium hydroxides, which, in turn, are active sorbents of pollutants. This study examines the distribution of trace elements and rare earth elements and their toxicity in the Kosva Bay of the Kama Reservoir (Perm Region, Russia). In the middle reach, the Kosva River crosses the Kizel coal basin, where acid mine water is discharged from closed mines. The average content of trace elements in the samples of bottom sediments of the bay varies from 0.10 mg/kg (Se) to 176.36 mg/kg (Ba). The amount of rare earth elements varies from 66.8 to 83.6 mg/kg. The ecological significance of trace elements and rare earth elements was studied using an element-by-element assessment (EF and Igeo), Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), Mean Probable Effect Concentration Quotient (PECQ), and two bioassays (Daphnia magna Straus and Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb. The highest Hg enrichment was found at two sampling points. Taking into account the average value of Igeo, the pollution by Co, V, Nb, Hg, Sn, Zn, Sm, Ni, Cr, and Gd is the highest and corresponds to extremely contaminated category. The RI values indicate that pollution categories vary from moderate risk to considerable risk. According to mean PECQ values, bottom sediments of the bay have moderate potential toxicity towards biological communities. Results of chronic and acute toxicity on test objects D. magna and Scenedesmus quadricauda Breb show the water extract from bottom sediments having no effects on the test objects. The results of the study show that in order to assess the quality of bottom sediments, an integrated approach, combining chemical and ecotoxicological analyses, is needed.

Specific activity of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was measured by gamma spectrometry in samples of soil and bottom sediments of rivers on the territory of potassium salt deposit development in order to collect information on radionuclide distribution. According to the results of examinations, the range of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity values in soils and bottom sediments of the territory of influence was <2.17-19.7 Bq/kg, <2.5-20.5 Bq/kg, 123-500 Bq/kg. Migration of the studied radionuclides is limited to 2 km zone. The results obtained provide useful information on the levels of naturally occurring radionuclides in the zone of influence of mining objects and are of interest for a comparative evaluation of the impact of salt mining on the radiation environment of the territory.

The activity of mining enterprises and mining and processing enterprises comes with the generation of wastewater of complex chemical composition in high volumes. Open-pit mining using ammonium nitrate leads to significant pollution of quarry and drainage waters with inorganic nitrogen compounds. Excessive content of inorganic nitrogen causes eutrophication of water bodies and afflicts significant damage to water resources. Biological methods used in treatment of nitrogen-containing wastewater depend significantly on external factors and show insufficiency in quarry wastewater treatment. The development of effective technologies based on physico-chemical treatment methods, in particular on the application of redox methods, is necessary for removing nitrogen compounds from mining wastewater. This paper presents the research results of the application of redox systems consisting of iron scraps and carbon-containing materials to reduce the content of nitrate ions in quarry water of mining enterprises. It was found that strong reducing agents Fe0, Fe2+, H2 as well as atomic hydrogen, capable of denitrifying water, are formed as a result of electrochemical processes in the redox system. The influence of the examined water pH and mass ratio of current-conducting elements in galvanic couple on efficiency of removing nitrate ions from quarry water was found. The possibility of post-treatment of quarry water, removing ammonium ions with the use of lowland peat, is shown.

The recycling of various technogenic wastes involves the most important objectives of reducing environmental pollution and conservation of natural resources. This paper presents the study of the composition of rock dumps of the Kizel coal basin (Perm Region) which was examined for the first time for rare and rare-earth elements. The studies included determining the content of rare (Li, Ge, Ga) and rare-earth elements in 30 studied samples. The results of studies through the use of ICP MS showed the presence of Li (up to 305 mg/kg), Ga (up to 57), Sc (up to 64) and Ge (up to 19) in the composition of rocks from the dumps. Concentrations of these elements significantly exceed their average global content in sedimentary rocks and coal, which allows us to consider the rock dumps as a source of raw materials for the extraction of these elements. The concentrations of yttrium and lanthanides in the studied dumps are significantly lower than the average content in sedimentary rocks. Assessment of the studied elements content in the dumps in relation to their ores showed that these massifs contain high concentrations of scandium; some burnt-out dumps contain potentially usable concentrations of germanium and gallium. The obtained results may be useful when considering the possible use of technogenic massifs matter and are of interest as part of comparative assessment of their content for other objects and territories.

In terms of anthropogenic impact of mining and processing enterprises, the adjacent territories are contaminated by upstream tailings dams. The contamination is developed by active seepage of liquid waste through the body of the dams. The authors have analyzed water balance at the Kachkanar Mining and Processing Plant tailings dump (Russia, Ural Region). The company develops vanadium-containing titanium-magnetite iron ores with low ore (15%). This, along with high productivity, has determined the formation of a large number of tailings and significant amount of wastewater. The purpose of the studies is to substantiate the need to manage the seepage discharge process by means of enclosing dams to ensure environmentally safe operation of the tailings dump. The research objectives included field measurements of seepage volumes, their evaluation by computational methods and analysis of anthropogenic geochemical load on natural waters. The obtained results show an increase in seepage discharge volume from 41.91 million m3 (in 2017) to 81.44 million m3 (in 2026) as the height of the dams increases. These losses will lead to water shortages in the enterprise’s water recycling system. Calculation of pollutants in wastewater with the exception of natural component showed the leading role of technogenic factor in the content of Ti (up to 84%), V (up to 96%), Co (up to 86%) and Mo (up to 93%). Increasing the volume of seepage discharge will lead to an increase in natural water pollution within the area. Ecologically efficient management of the enterprise’s water balance is ensured by the use of tailings thickening technology and implementation of closed water supply systems.

Из глинистых отложений рассолоотводящих выработок и рассолосборников рудника Верхнекамского месторождения солей (Пермский край) было выделено 29 штаммов галофильных/галотолерантных бактерий. В результате филогенетического анализа, проведенного на основе сравнения последовательностей гена 16S рРНК, было установлено, что выделенные культуры являются представителями классов Gammaproteobacteria (семейств Halomonadaceae и Salinisphaeraceae) и Bacilli (семейства Bacillaceae). Три галофильных штамма SHV2, RV14 и SWV1 имели сходство с ближайшим типовым штаммом вида Salinisphaera hydrothermalis на уровне 95.94‒96.62% (ген 16S рРНК), что указывает на принадлежность этих штаммов к новому таксону. Большинство выделенных бактерий семейств Halomonadaceae и Bacillaceae являются экстремофилами: растут при рН 9‒10 и высокой солености среды (до 250‒270 г/л NaCl). У двух галофильных штаммов рода Halomonas обнаружена способность к деструкции салициловой и бензойной кислот (продуктов разложения полиароматических соединений), что делает их перспективными для использования в биотехнологиях восстановления загрязненных территорий с высоким уровнем минерализации.

29 strains of halophilic/halotolerant bacteria were isolated from clay deposits of brine-diverting workings and brine pits of the mine of the Verkhnekamsky salt deposit (Perm krai). As a result of phylogenetic analysis based on a comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences, it was found that the isolated cultures are representatives of the classes Gammaproteobacteria (Halomonadaceae and Salinisphaeraceae fami-lies) and Bacilli (family Bacillaceae). Three halophilic strains SHV2, RV14, and SWV1 were similar to the closest type strain of the Salinisphaera hydrothermalis species at the level of 95.94-96.62% (16S rRNA gene), which indicates that these strains belong to a new taxon. Most of the isolated bacteria of the families Halomonadaceae and Bacillaceae are extremophiles: they grow at pH 9-10 and high sa-linity (up to 250-270 g/L NaCl). Two halophilic strains of the genus Halomonas have been found to de-grade salicylic and benzoic acids (decomposition products of polyaromatic compounds), which makes them promising for use in biotechnologies for the restoration of contaminated areas with a high level of mineralization.

The development of coal deposits is accompanied by negative environmental changes. In the territory of the Kizel coal basin (Perm Region, Russia), the problem of contamination of water sources by acid mine waters and runoff from rock dumps is particularly acute. Mine waters are acidic (pH 2–3), with high mineralization (up to 25 g/L) and significant content of sulfate ions, iron, aluminum, manganese, toxic trace elements (As, Co, Ni, Pb and Zn). They are formed as a result of the interaction of underground waters from flooded mines of the Kizel basin with coal and rocks of dumps with high sulfur content (15%). Uncontrolled inflow of mine water into rivers (about 22 million m3 annually) leads to significant amounts of iron and aluminum hydroxide precipitation. These precipitations are in active interaction with river water, polluting the rivers tens of kilometers downstream and are entering the Kama reservoir. Studies of alluvial precipitation can be considered as a method of control and predictors of technogenic water pollution. The mineral composition of river sediments was studied with the application of different methods, including studies of sand-gravel and silty-clayey sediments. The sandy-gravel grains in the bottom load are mainly composed by natural minerals and are represented by a significant number of particles of coal dumps, slags and magnetic spherules. The silty-clayey material, mixed with natural minerals, contains a significant number of amorphous phases with a predominance of iron-rich substances, which may actively concentrate toxic elements. The presence of jarosite, goethite, basaluminite, lepidorocite and copiapite in silty-clayey sediments are indicators of the influence of mine waters.

Wolkersdorfer, Ch.; Khayrulina, E.; Polyakova, S.; Bogush, A. (Editors) Abstract We present experimental results on the recovery of valuable elements from wet magnetic separation tailings of EVRAZ KGOK. The plant annually generates 45 million tons of tailings. The problem of the generation of substantial amount of mining waste can be solved through tailings recycling. Of prime importance for the plant is utilization of multi-tonnage technologies of tailings recycling. Ore concentrate was obtained from the tailings by gravity separation (up to 4.5-7.5%). Titanium magnetite from concentrate is easily separated by magnetic separation and can be added to the main product of the plant. The recovery of scandium from pyroxenes is of high potential. Light silicate products of gravity separation are suitable as raw materials for the production of stone fiber. Experiments revealed a less pronounced effect of unwanted melt crystallization during cooling, which creates heterogeneities in stone fiber.

The concept of waste management by the recycling method is popular and economical. The depletion of mineral resources and the emergence of new processing technologies make stockpiled waste products suitable for further use. The article discusses the experience of using soda production waste in the city of Berezniki, Perm Territory (Ural region of Russia). In this enterprise is used the ammonia method of soda production. A large part of the production waste is calcium chloride. The waste are placed in storage in the form of pulp with 98 % of liquid phase content. The company has current and old waste disposal sites. The volume of sludge exceeds 10 million m(3). The author conducted detailed investigation of the old waste storage. According to the X-ray structural analysis data the calcite in the amorphous state dominates in the composition of the old waste storage. Its volume is about 80-97 %. The most important concentration is in the upper layer of 1-1.5 m. Besides calcite there are aragonite (1-2%), dolomite (up to 1%). This waste of finely dispersed calcite successfully applied for soil deoxidation.. Experimental tests carried out at the site of acidic water discharge in Kizel coal basin (Ural region in Russia). In conjunction with the soda production waste used the waste of water treatment facilities of chemical plants. This active silt contains necessary organic matters. On. the experimental site established ground layer with the optimal development of cereal and legume crops. The phytomass corresponds to the zonal upland pastures. The research has proven the environmental safety of plants. The proposed method is effective and economical. As a result of application of waste,the cost of measures to restore vegetation cover is reduced by 4-6 times.

The integrated investigations of karstic collapse sinkhole were conducted at the area of Sarkayevo village. The obtained hydrogeologic data show the local concentration of underground water flow at the investigated site, and high sulfate ion content in the wa­ter samples that suggests that a sinkhole is karstic in nature. Geophysical investigations allowed determining basic parameters of the site geological structure, to reveal the depth distribution of the disturbed ground in vicinity of the sinkhole, and delineate zones of different soil compaction. The recommendations for detail site study, aimed to the mitigation of further karst development hazards, are presented.

Experience of decrease suspended substances concentration in dumps of placer deposits drags is studied. Methods and technological schemes of water treating from suspended substances with use soils of drag's dumps as a filtering material are developed.

Объектом исследования в статье являются последствия подземной добычи угля шахтой им. 40-летия Октября в Кизеловском угольном бассейне в период эксплуатации шахты и после ее закрытия. Основное внимание уделено динамике шахтных вод и состоянию гидросферы за последние 25 лет. Отмечается большой объем излива шахтных вод на поверхность, определяющий, во многом, сохранение неудовлетворительной геоэкологической ситуации в районе шахты после прекращения ее работы.Consequences of deep mining in the minery named after 40-year of the October Socialist Revolution in Kizelovsky coal-basin during exploitation and after closure of pit are considered in this paper. Main attention devoted to dynamics of mine waters and hydrosphere condition over the last 25 years. Large volume of mine waters spill is important to note. This fact determines a preservation of unsatisfactory geoecological situation in region of the minery after stopping of exploitation. Keywords: Kizelovsky coal-basin, the minery named after 40-year of the October Socialist Revolution, subsurface and mine waters, geoecological situation.