From Contamination to Remediation: Environmental Risk Assessment in the Pinoasa Lignite Quarry

Abstract

Mining activities can significantly alter environmental quality by mobilizing and dispersing contaminants in soil and groundwater systems. Pinoasa Quarry, one of the major lignite open-pit mining sites in southwestern Romania, represents an area where long-term extraction activities may influence soil and water quality, potentially posing risks to ecosystems and human health.This study investigates the level of environmental contamination in the Pinoasa Quarry area through the collection and analysis of soil and water samples from locations influenced by mining activities. The research focuses on identifying potential contamination sources associated with waste rock deposits, excavated material storage areas, and mine water discharges. Laboratory analyses target key physicochemical parameters and concentrations of potentially toxic metals in order to evaluate the degree of environmental contamination.The obtained results are interpreted in relation to environmental quality standards and regulatory threshold values, providing an initial assessment of potential risks to human health and the surrounding environment. By integrating field sampling with environmental assessment, the study contributes to a better understanding of the environmental impact of lignite mining operations in the Pinoasa area.The findings support the development of informed monitoring strategies and sustainable environmental management practices for mining-affected sites, contributing to ongoing efforts aimed at mitigating environmental risks and promoting responsible resource exploitation in post-industrial landscapes.