Original Papers
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026)
Isotope and geochemical tracing for acid mine drainage impacts in coal mines areas of Pakistan
Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 31 March 2026
81
Views
50
Downloads
Authors
Groundwater in coal mining regions is highly vulnerable to contamination from Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), posing significant environmental and public health risks. This study applied combined hydrogeochemical and stable/isotopic analyses to assess AMD impacts and recharge mechanisms in the active Pail-Padhrar coal mining area, Chakwal, Pakistan. Water samples were collected from mine sumps, surface bodies, and boreholes (purged prior to sampling), with field measurements of pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. Cations, anions, and trace metals were analyzed using AAS, ICPOES, and UV-visible spectrophotometry, while δ18O, δ2H, δ34S, and δ18O of sulfate were measured to trace recharge and geochemical processes. AMD-impacted waters were characterized by SO42-–Cl-–Na+–Ca2+ hydrochemical types, high TDS, low pH, and signatures of sulfide oxidation, evaporation, and silicate weathering. Non-AMD-impacted waters exhibited SO42-–Na+–Ca2+ to Na+–Ca2+–HCO3 types, dominated by rock weathering, mineral dissolution, and ion exchange. Isotopic data confirmed precipitation as the primary recharge source, with d-excess values distinguishing rainwater mixing, evaporation, and AMD influence. Sulfate isotopes revealed pyrite oxidation and gypsum dissolution as major sulfate sources, supported by iron oxyhydroxide presence. These findings highlight the spatial heterogeneity of groundwater processes and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding AMD impacts on aquifer chemistry, essential for sustainable groundwater management in coal mining regions.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
Citations
Aju, C.D., Reghunath, R., Achu, A.L., Rajaneesh, A. (2022). Understanding the hydrogeo-chemical processes and physical parameters controlling the groundwater chemistry of a tropical river basin, South India. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 29 (16), 23561–23577. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17455-w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-17455-w
Ali, J., Kazi, T. G., Tuzen, M., Ullah, N. (2017). Evaluation of mercury and physicochemical parameters in different depths of aquifer water of Thar coalfield, Pakistan. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24(21), 17731–17740. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9291-z. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9291-z
Ali, A., Aissam, G., Hani, A. A., Juris, B., Selma, B., Ivar, Z., Andrey, E. K. (2023). Chemometrics of the environment: hydrochemical characterization of groundwater in Lioua Plain (North Africa) using time series and multivariate statistical analysis, Sustainability, 15, 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010020
An, S., Jiang, C., Zhang, W., Chen, X. and Zheng, L. (2020). Influencing factors of the hydrochemical characteristics of surface water and shallow groundwater in the subsidence area of the Huainan Coalfield. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 13, 1-11. DOI: 10.1007/s12517-020-5140-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-5140-3
Anim-Gyampo, M., Anornu, G. K., Appiah-Adjei, E. K., & Agodzo, S. K. (2019). Quality and health risk assessment of shallow groundwater aquifers within the Atankwidi basin of Ghana. Groundwater for Sust. Develop. 9, 100217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2019.100217. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2019.100217
Aniqa, B., Sadia, A., Saima, I., Syeda, S. K., Mateen, S., Muhammad, A. G. (2018). Physico-chemical quality of drinking water and human health: a study of salt range Pakistan. International Journal of Hydrology, 2(6), 668-677. DOI: 10.15406/ijh.2018.02.00141 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15406/ijh.2018.02.00141
Belkhiri, L., Mouni, L., Boudoukha, A. (2012). Geochemical evolution of groundwater in an alluvial aquifer: case of El Eulma aquifer, East Algeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 66, 46–55. DOI: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2012.03.001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2012.03.001
Bian, Z., Inyang, H. I., Daniels, J. L., Otto, F., Struthers, S. (2010). Environmental issues from coal mining and their solutions. Mining Science and Technology, 20(2), 215–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1674-5264(09)60187-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1674-5264(09)60187-3
Bottcher, M.E. (2011). In: Reitner, J., Dordrecht, Thiel V. (Eds.). “Sulfur isotopes.” In Encyclopedia of Geobiology (Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series). Springer, Dordrecht, Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9212-1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9212-1
Bottrell, S.H., Newton, R.J. (2006). Reconstruction of changes in global sulfur cycling from marine sulfate isotopes. Earth-Science Reviews, 75, 59–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2005.10.004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2005.10.004
Bruska, S. Mamand, D., Mawlood, K. (2024). Identifying sources of groundwater and recharge zone using stable environmental isotopes in the Erbil basin-northern Iraq, Kuwait Journal of Science. 51(1), 100128, ISSN 2307-4108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjs.2023.09.002
Cartwright, I., Weaver, T., Tweed, S., Ahearne, D., Cooper, M., Czapnik, K., Tranter, J. (2002). Stable isotope geochemistry of cold CO2-bearing mineral spring waters, Daylesford, Victoria, Australia: sources of gas and water and links with waning volcanism. Chemical Geologyl. 185, 71-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(01)00397-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(01)00397-7
Chunlu, J., Lili, C., Chang, Li., Liugen, Z. (2022). A hydrochemical and multi-isotopic study of groundwater sulfate origin and contribution in the coal mining area, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Vol. 248, 114286, ISSN 0147-6513, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114286. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114286
Connor, P. N., Katherine, W.D., Robert, L.R., Richard, T.W. (2023). Mechanisms of water-rock interaction and implications for remediating flooded mine workings elucidated from environmental tracers, stable isotopes, and rare earth elements. Applied Geochemistry, 157, 105769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2023.105769. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2023.105769
Dansgaard W. (1964). Stable isotopes in precipitation,” Tellus, 16(4): 436–468. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.2153-3490.1964.tb00181.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2153-3490.1964.tb00181.x
Gibbs, R. J. (1970). Mechanism controlling world water chemistry. The Sciences, New Series, 170, 3962, 1088-1090. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1730827. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.170.3962.1088
Drost, W & Klotz, D. (1983). Aquifer Characteristics, In: Guidebook on Nuclear Techniques in Hydrology, IAEA, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1177/030913338601000104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/030913338601000104
Equeenuddin, S.M., Tripathy, S., Sahoo, P.K., Panigrahi, M.K. (2010). Hydro-geochemical characteristics of acid mine drainage and water pollution at Makum Coalfield, India. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 105(3), 75–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2010.04.006. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2010.04.006
Frenzel, W., Michalski, R. (2016). Sample preparation techniques for ion chromatography. Application of IC MS and ICICP-MS in Environmental Research, 210–266. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119085362.ch8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119085362.ch8
Fryar, A.E., Barna, J.M., Benaabidate, L., Howell, B.A., Mehta, S., Mukherjee, A. (2021). Using oxygen-18 and deuterium to delineate groundwater recharge at different spatial and temporal scales. Hydrological Aspects of Climate Change, 303–312. DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-0394-5_16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0394-5_16
Fynn, O.F., Yidana, S.M., Chegbeleh, I.P., Yiran, G.B. (2016). Evaluating groundwater recharge processes using stable isotope signatures–The Nabogo catchment of the White Volta, Ghana. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 9, 1-15. DOI 10.1007/s12517-015-2299-0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-015-2299-0
Gat, J.R. (1996). Oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in the hydrologic cycle. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 24 (1), 225–262. 10.1146/annurev.earth.24.1.225. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.earth.24.1.225
Guan, Z., Jia, Z., Zhao, Z., You, Q. (2019). Identification of inrush water recharge sources using hydrochemistry and stable isotopes: A case study of Mindong No. 1 coalmine in northeast Inner Mongolia, China. Journal of Earth System Science, 128, 7. DOI: 10.1007/s12040-019-1232-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-019-1232-4
Gammons, C.H., Nimick, D.A., Parker, S.R. (2015). Diel cycling of trace elements in streams draining mineralized areas – a review. Applied Geochemistry, 57, 35–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2014.05.008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2014.05.008
Halevy, E. (1967). Borehole dilution techniques: A critical review, in: Isotopes in Hydrology, IAEA Vienna. 531-64, NSA-22-019070. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/4556505.
IAEA, Introduction to Water Sampling and Analysis for Isotope Hydrology, Non-serial Publications (2007), IAEA, Vienna.
Ibrahim, S.M. (2009). Stratigraphy of Pakistan, Geological Survey of Pakistan, 25-39.
Klotz, D. (1978). a - Werte Ausgebauter Bohrungen, Gesellschaft fur Strahlen-und Umweltforschung mbH Institut fur Radiohydrometrie, GSF-Bericht R-176.
Khan, A. J., Akhter, G., Gabriel, H. F., Shahid, M. (2020). Anthropogenic effects of coal mining on ecological resources of the central indus basin, Pakistan. Int. J. of Env. Res. and Pub. Health, 17(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041255. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041255
Kumar, P., Singh, A.K. (2022). Hydrogeochemistry and quality assessment of surface and sub-surface water resources in Raniganj coalfield area, Damodar Valley, India. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry,102 (19), 8346–8369. https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2020.1849653. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2020.1849653
Li, P., Wu, J., Tian, R., He, S., He, X., Xue, C., Zhang, K. (2018). Geochemistry, Hydraulic Connectivity and Quality Appraisal of Multilayered Groundwater in the Hongdunzi Coal Mine, Northwest China. Mine Water and the Environment, 37(2), 222–237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-017-0507-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-017-0507-8
Liu, Y., Wei, L., Wu, Q., Luo, D., Xiao, T., Wu, Q., Huang, X., Liu, J., Wang, J., & Zhang, P. (2022). Impact of acid mine drainage on groundwater hydrogeochemistry at a pyrite mine (South China): a study using stable isotopes and multivariate statistical analyses. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 45(3), 771–785. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01242-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01242-8
Liu, J., Li, S., Zhong, J., Zhu, X., Guo, Q., Lang, Y. and Han, X. (2017). Sulfate sources constrained by sulfur and oxygen isotopic compositions in the upper reaches of the Xijiang River, China. Acta Geochimica, 36, 611-618. DOI: 10.1007/s11631-017-0175-1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-017-0175-1
Malkani, M. S., & Malik, Z. M. (2018). Revised Stratigraphy and Mineral Resources of Sulaiman Basin, Pakistan Geological Survey of Pakistan, Information Release (GSP IR), 1003, 1-63. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315834399.
Nordstrom, D.K. (2011). Hydro-geochemical processes governing the origin, transport and fate of major and trace elements from mine wastes and mineralized rock to surface waters. Applied Geochemistry, 26 (11), 1777–1791. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2011.06.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2011.06.002
Odri, A., Becker, M., Broadhurst, J., Harrison, S. T. L., Edraki, M. (2020). Stable Isotope Imprints during Pyrite Leaching: Implications for Acid Rock Drainage Characterization. Minerals, 10(11), 982. https://doi.org/10.3390/min10110982 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/min10110982
Perez, L. R., Delgado, J., Nieto, J.M., Arquez-Garcia, B. (2010). Rare earth element geochemistry of sulphide weathering in the Sao Domingos mine area (Iberian Pyrite Belt): A proxy for fluid–rock interaction and ancient mining pollution. Chemical Geology, 276 (1–2), 29–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2010.05.018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2010.05.018
Piper, A. M. (1953). A graphic procedure in the geo-chemical interpretation of water analyses.” USGS Groundwater Note no. 12, 25(6). https://doi.org/10.1029/TR025i006p00914. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/TR025i006p00914
Prathap, A., Chakraborty, S. (2019). Hydro chemical characterization and suitability analysis of groundwater for domestic and irrigation uses in open cast coal mining areas of Charhi and Kuju, Jharkhand, India. Groundwater for Sustainable Developement, 9, 100244. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2019.100244
Qu, S., Duan, L., Mao, H., Wang, C., Liang, X., Luo, A., et al. (2023). Hydrochemical and isotopic fingerprints of groundwater origin and evolution in the Urangulan River basin, China’s Loess Plateau. Science of The Total Environment, 866, 161377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161377. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161377
Roy, A., Keesari, T., Mohokar, H., Pant, D., Sinha, U.K., Mendhekar, G.N. (2020). Geochemical evolution of groundwater in hard-rock aquifers of South India using statistical and modelling techniques. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 65 (6), 951–968. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2019.1708914. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2019.1708914
Rozanski, K., Araguás, L. A., Gonfiantini R. (2019). Isotopic Patterns in Modern Global Precipitation, Geophysical Monograph Series. https://doi.org/10.1029/GM078p0001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/GM078p0001
Rozanski, K., Araguás, L. A., Gonfiantini R. (1992). Relation Between Long-Term Trends of Oxygen-18 Isotope Composition of Precipitation and Climate. Science, 258, 5084, 981-985. DOI: 10.1126/science.258.5084.981. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.258.5084.981
Rye, R.O., Back, W., Hanshaw, B.B., Rightmire, C.T., Pearson, F.J. (1981). The origin and isotopic composition of dissolved sulfide in groundwater from carbonate aquifers in Florida and Texas. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 45 (10), 1941–1950. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(81)90024-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(81)90024-7
Ruta, K., Sascha, S., Gareth, J., Stuart, M.V. G. (2017). The influence of oxygen isotope exchange between CO2 and H2O in natural CO2-rich spring waters: Implications for geothermometry, Applied Geochemistry, 84, 173-186, ISSN 0883-2927. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2017.06.012
Sahoo, S., Khaoash, S. (2020). Impact assessment of coal mining on groundwater chemistry and its quality from Brajrajnagar coal mining area using indexing models. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 215, 106559. DOI: 10.1016/j.gexplo.2020.106559 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2020.106559
Seal II, R.R. (2006). Sulfur isotope geochemistry of sulfide minerals. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry. 61 (1), 633–677. DOI: 10.2138/rmg.2006.61.12 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2006.61.12
Schoeller, H. (1967). Qualitative Evaluation of Ground Water Resources. In: Schoeller, H., Ed., Methods and Techniques of Groundwater Investigation and Development, Water Resource Series No. 33, UNESCO, Paris, 44-52.
Shah, H., Khan, M.A., Akmal, N. (2005). Livelihood assets and livelihood strategies of small farmers in Salt Range: a case study of Pind Dadan Khan District Jhelum, Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, 42, 1-2.
Spangenberg, J.E., Dold, B., Vogt, M.L., Pfeifer, H.R. (2007). Stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope composition of waters from mine tailings in different climatic environments. Environmental Science and Technology, 41 (6), 1870–1876. DOI:10.1021/es061654w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/es061654w
Sreedevi, P.D., Sreekanth, P.D. Reddy, D.V. (2021). Deuterium Excess of Groundwater as a Proxy for Recharge in an Evaporative Environment of a Granitic Aquifer, South India. Journal of the Geological Society India, 97, 649–655. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-021-1740-0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-021-1740-0
Syed, M. A., Syed, M. T., Muhammad, S., Muhammad, Z., Abu, B., Muhammad, W., 2015. Water Characterization of Coal Mining Areas of Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research Series A: Physical Sciences, 58 (1), 41-45.
Tianming, H., Zhonghe, P. (2012). The role of deuterium excess in determining the water salinisation mechanism: A case study of the arid Tarim River Basin, NW China. Applied Geochemistry, 27, 2382–2388. DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2012.08.015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2012.08.015
Thomas, R., Martin, D., Jessica, A. Stammeier, A. L., Diego B. G., Sylke H. (2020). Geochemistry of coal mine drainage, groundwater, and brines from the Ibbenbüren mine, Germany: A coupled elemental-isotopic approach, Applied Geochemistry, 121, 104693, ISSN 0883-2927. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2020.104693
Wellen, C., Shatilla, N. J., Carey, S. K. (2018). The influence of mining on hydrology and solute transport in the Elk Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Environmental Research Letters, 13, 7, DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/aaca9d. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aaca9d
Wilcox, L. V. (1955). Classification and use of irrigation water, US Department of agriculture, Washington DC, 19. https://ia803201.us.archive.org/10/items/classificationus969wilc/classificationus969wilc.pdf.
Yang, K., Han, G. (2020). Controls over hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of surface water and groundwater in the Mun River catchment, northeast Thailand: implications for the water cycle. Hydrogeology Journal. 28 (3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-019-02106-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-019-02106-9
Wang Z., Xu, Y., Zhang, Z., Zhang,Y. (2021). Review: Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) in Abandoned Coal Mines of Shanxi, China. Water, 13, 1, 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13010008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w13010008
Zongjun, G., Jiutan, L., Jianguo, F., Min, W., Guangwei, W. (2019). Hydrogeochemical characteristics and the suitability of groundwater in the Alluvial-Diluvial plain of Southwest Shandong Province, China, Water, 11, 1577. DOI: 10.3390/w11081577. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w11081577
How to Cite
Isotope and geochemical tracing for acid mine drainage impacts in coal mines areas of Pakistan. (2026). Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2026-966
Copyright (c) 2026 the Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
