Comparative Analysis of Water Quality from Reclaimed, Abandoned, and Active Coal Mines

Owolabi Oyebode

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.74929

Comparative Analysis of Water Quality from Reclaimed, Abandoned, and Active Coal Mines

Author(s)	Owolabi Oyebode
Country	United States
Abstract	Coal mining is an important aspect of the global energy-generating process, especially in developing economies. Still, its environmental legacy, in terms of water quality deterioration, is a major burden in the long term. This narrative review will provide a detailed comparative study on the water quality as applied to active, abandoned, and reclaimed coal mines. The study examines the most significant physicochemical indicators, including pH, concentration of sulfates, and dissolved loads of metals, as well as the hydrogeochemical mechanisms of contaminant generation and their transport. It has been found that the worst and most intractable sources of water pollution are abandoned mines, which contain high levels of acidity and metals, as the geochemical reactions are not regulated. Whereas Active mines possess comparatively stable water quality that can be attributed to the developed treatment systems, yet they are to be run constantly, and they require considerable financial investment. Reclaimed mines show partial recovery of water quality, but stability in the long term is still not clear because not all reactive materials are completely isolated, and hydrological conditions are not constant. This study also identifies predictive modeling and integrated management methods as techniques for addressing the risks of long-term environmental risks. Climate variability is a new factor that has been outlined to influence contaminant dynamics, which may accelerate the production of acid and the mobilization of metals. In general, a multidisciplinary approach that includes hydrogeochemistry, engineering solutions, ecological rehabilitation, and the adequate application of policy should underlie sustainable mine water management to decrease the long-term impact of coal mining on water sources.
Keywords	Coal mining; Acid mine drainage; Water quality; Mine reclamation; Hydrogeochemistry; Heavy metals; Mine water management
Field	Biology > Bio + Chemistry
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-15
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.74929

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Comparative Analysis of Water Quality from Reclaimed, Abandoned, and Active Coal Mines

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