This study evaluates the effectiveness of industrial waste-based ameliorants for the phytoremediation of disturbed lands. To conduct an experiment surface soil samples characterized by an acidic pH, polymetallic contamination, and heavy physical and mechanical composition were collected from industrial wastelands in the Arctic region. Lime and industrial waste, such as smelter slag, pulp and paper mill (PPM) ash, and ash from the combustion of alternative fuels based on municipal solid waste (MSW), were used to neutralize these samples. To assess the efficiency of soil neutralization and detoxification following the application of various ameliorants, the pH of aqueous and salt extracts of the original soil and the soil mixtures, as well as the content of mobile and water-soluble forms of heavy metals, were determined. A pot experiment with Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) was conducted to comprehensively assess soil mixtures availability for phytoremediation, followed by an assessment of the biometric parameters of its aboveground biomass and a determination of the rate of heavy metal accumulation in plant shoots and roots. Brassica juncea demonstrated high tolerance to polymetallic contamination, with good germination and survival. Phytostabilization was also found to be the primary mechanism for reducing of soil pollution levels. The studied industrial wastes demonstrateda high potential for neutralizing acidic soils contaminated with heavy metals, compared to traditional ameliorants. A decrease in soil acidity and an improvement in their physical and mechanical properties and elemental composition were observed. To obtain productive soil mixtures, the application rates of the studied industrial wastes into acidic soils contaminated with heavy metals, as well as the duration of the treatment period, were experimentally determined: 16-33 g/kg of slag (8-week neutralization), 7-14 g/kg of MSW ash, and 20-39 g/kg of PPM ash (3-4 weeks neutralization). Future research will explore the synergistic effects of adding humic and fulvic acids into contaminated soils.

The paper presents the results of experimental research into the recovery of Fe-Al coagulant from iron ore tailings (IOTs). The variables investigated in the laboratory tests included sulphuric acid concentration, temperature, leaching time, solid/liquid phase ratio (S:L) and the presence of stirring. The experiment determined the composition of the coagulant and the solid residue after leaching. The maximum iron content in the solution after leaching was obtained using 40 % H2SO4 at a temperature of 100 °C (or with stirring at 75 °C) and a contact time of 60 minutes. In this case, the iron yield was at the level of 25 % of the total content in the iron ore tailings. Chemical analysis of the solution obtained after leaching showed Fe and Al sulphate contents of 11 and 2 % respectively. In the next step, the efficiency of the coagulant was evaluated on model solutions of colour. The experimental results showed that the coagulant obtained from the iron ore tailings can be used for wastewater treatment in a wide pH range from 4 to 12 pH units. The solid residue after leaching is a fine-grained powder rich in silica, which can potentially be used as an artificial raw material in the construction industry. The research carried out in this thesis has shown that the extraction of coagulants from iron ore tailings can be considered as a way to extend the production chain of iron ore mining and to minimise the amount of tailings to be stored in tailing ponds. The technical solution presented in this work allows to comprehensively solve the problem of environmental protection by creating new target products for wastewater treatment from IOTs.

The article presents the results of coupled palynological and geochemical studies of five various genesis lakes, located along the route of the expedition “In the footsteps of Alexander von Humboldt in Siberia, Altai and Eastern Kazakhstan”, dedicated to the double anniversary: the 190th anniversary of the expedition across Russia of the famous scientist and his 250th birthday. A geochemical analysis of water and bottom sediments of Ik Lake (Siberia), Lakes Kolyvanskoe and Beloe (Altai), Lake Bezymyannoe (Kazakhstan) and Nagornyi Pond (Altai) was carried out. Based on their results an assessment of studied lakes ecological state was given through single and integral criteria. A high level of pollution was noted for Nagornyi Pond and Lake Bezymyannoe, which is caused by a significant technogenic load from nearby mines. This is consistent with the data of palynological research. The aquatic ecosystems of Lakes Kolyvanskoe and Beloe are characterized by a satisfactory ecological situation, but they experience an increased recreational load. The results of spore-pollen analysis and analysis of non-pollen palynomorphs showed the low ability of these lakes to self-healing. The most favorable ecological state and high self-cleaning capacity were noted for Lake Ik, which is consistent with the data of palynological studies. It is being confirmed with the results of palynological studies. It was therefore concluded about the ability to make a quick assessment of the aquatic ecosystems’ ecological state by studying lakes using coupled palynological and geochemical analysis.

The paper considers a current issue of ash and slag processing for the Polyus Aldan JSC, that has accumulated over 1 million tons of this waste. Following the results of the review of Russian and foreign literature, four promising areas of their use were selected: road construction, building materials, reclamation of disturbed lands, and inert aggregates. To assess the possibility of implementing the selected disposal directions, the samples of ash and slag waste of the enterprise were sampled and analyzed. Fuel characteristics, chemical and mineral composition, as well as physico-chemical and mechanical properties of waste were determined. Taking into account the results of complex laboratory studies and the requirements of regulatory documents, each of the selected areas of using ash and slag waste was evaluated. It was found that their disposal by traditional methods has limitations, mainly related to the high content of unburned fuel residues. The high content of combustible substances and the high specific heat of combustion with a relatively low ash content suggested the possibility of thermal disposal of the studied waste. Based on the literature data, the characteristics of the preparation of organic coal-water suspensions based on the studied ash and slag waste were selected. As a result of a series of experiments on their flaring, the expediency of using the obtained fuel at the enterprise under consideration has been proved. The authors note the possibility of using ash obtained after thermal waste disposal in the road construction industry. The prospects for further research of technologies for the preparation and combustion modes of suspension fuel based on ash and slag waste are determined.

The main research objective was monitoring and assessment of terricolous and plant cover condition in forest ecosystems influenced by industrial pollution by the Severonickel Industrial Plant, which impact zone covers 1.4 thousand sq. km. During an expedition to the Murmansk Region samples of upper soil layers and plants were taken in areas directly affected by atmospheric impact from OAO Severonickel both at various distances from the plant and in background territories. This will help to determine the overall degree of soil contamination at various distances from the plant as well as distribution of heavy metals accumulated in various soil layers and a complex estimation of adverse impact on soil cover and various plant species.