Book Description
An authoritative introduction to the ecosystem-based approach for restoring land after coal and mineral mining operations. Mining activities, in particular where metal ores have been mined, often leave behind vast areas of dumps and disused mine lands that have become environmental hazards. Soil degradation and poisoning are major environmental concerns in these areas, requiring comprehensive and long-term interventions in order to restore those lands to an ecologically productive state. Eco-Restoration of Mine Land provides a comprehensive overview of ecosystem-based solutions for remediating polluted soil and re-establishing vegetation in disused mine lands, synthesizing cutting-edge research, experiential knowledge, and longstanding best practices to offer a holistic introduction to the science of mine land restoration. Eco-Restoration of Mine Land readers will also find: A basic introduction to soil contamination, risk assessment, and phytoremediation of mine land Discussion of carbon sequestration potential of restored mine soils and other environmental benefits of remediated mine land The use of biological soil quality indicators to assess progress in ecosystem restoration Eco-Restoration of Mine Land is a valuable guide for researchers and advanced students in the environmental and ecological sciences, as well as professionals working in environmental remediation, providing a much-needed survey of this increasingly critical subject.