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Yan V. Pukhalskii
Yan V. Pukhalskii
Researcher of Research and Development Center for Innovative Plant Growing “Winter Garden”
Leningrad State University named after A.S.Pushkin
Researcher of Research and Development Center for Innovative Plant Growing “Winter Garden”
Leningrad State University named after A.S.Pushkin
Saint Petersburg
Russia

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Articles

Article
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2026-04-09
  • Date accepted
    2026-06-25
  • Online publication date
    2026-09-02

Using industrial waste to reclaim acidic, heavy metal-contaminated soils in Arctic areas

Article preview

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.

How to cite: Chukaeva M.A., Pukhalskii Y.V. Using industrial waste to reclaim acidic, heavy metal-contaminated soils in Arctic areas // Journal of Mining Institute. 2026. Vol. 281. Iss. 1. p. 1-13.