Altbergbau in Sachsen - Ermittlung von Belastungsquellen in Oberflächen- und Grundwässern zur Maßnahmenplanung bei der Umsetzung der EU Wasserrahmenrichtlinie

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD), which came into effect on 22 December 2000, obliges Member States to bring surface waters and groundwaters into good ecological potential (GEP) by 2027. At least 13 per cent of the surface water bodies and about 10 per cent of the groundwater bodies in Saxony are contaminated with substances typical of old mining operations, such as arsenic, copper, zinc, cadmium, nickel, cobalt and uranium.

G.E.O.S. is conducting studies on these pollutants in the catchment area of the river Zwickauer Mulde on behalf of the Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology.

Surface water bodies

Based on a detailed description of the study area and the condition of the water bodies, a comprehensive monitoring programme was undertaken in the catchment area of the river Zwickauer Mulde at more than 300 monitoring sites.

The results allow an allocation of pollution sources within the water system and, via their contribution to the pollution load, an allocation of the source strengths for the surface water bodies polluted by old mining activities.

Groundwater bodies

Hydrogeology, water uses and pollutant inventories were compiled for five groundwater bodies affected by old mining operations (Zwickau, Aue-Schlema, Schwarzwasser, Lungwitzbach and Chemnitz-1).

In addition, an in-depth plausibility check of the WFD assessment of the groundwater bodies was carried out. As far as possible, pollutant sources, source paths and areas of influence of the monitoring sites in the respective groundwater bodies were determined from the data.

The results of the investigations form the basis for the measures to reduce the pollution in the water bodies.

G.E.O.S. services

Description of mining-related pollution factors of ground and surface water bodies

• Sampling of sediments and water
• Identification of the sources of pollution within the water system or the groundwater body
• Determination of the source strengths through the respective pollution sources

Contact person for the project

Mirko Martin
Tel. +49 3731 369-296
Email: m.martin@geosfreiberg.de

Dr. Torsten Abraham
Tel. +49 3731 369-339
Email: t.abraham@geosfreiberg.de