The effect of artificial weathering on overburden properties

Surface mining of coal cause massive changes of landscape. Dumps, heaps and tailings created vast areas in post mining landscape. Soil formation is influenced by the weathering process. Sample-the most common substrates have been subject of accelerated weathering. Samples were watered by distilled water, left to soak in, then froze, thaw and dried. This cycle was repeated twenty times. Before the experiment and after experiment pH, conductivity, organic matter loss on ignition, grain size and water absorption were measured. Before and after the experiment were tested for toxicity to plants using yellow mustard seeds (Sinapis alba). Accelerated weathering showed the possible development of weathering spoil substrates over time namely shift of pH towards neutral value, and increase in water holding capacity, despite of this no changes in plant toxicity in toxic substrates were found