Analysis of Soil Parameters of Former Small-Scale Mining Land in Cempaka, Banjarbaru

Department of Mining Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia

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Abstract

The emergence of environmental problems on former small-scale mining sites, especially the potential formation of acid mine drainage, is closely related to the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil. Soil with a pH that is too low or too high can have a negative impact on the surrounding environment and ecosystem. Acidic soil, for example, often triggers the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD). This study aimed to examine the distribution of surface soil pH and resistivity at former mining areas, along with the correlation between these two soil properties. The research methods included field surveys, determining sample points based on a predetermined grid, and measuring physical parameters. The pH value was measured using a pH meter, while the resistivity was calculated based on the results of current (I) and potential difference (V) measurements using a simple multimeter, then the resistance (R) was derived and the resistivity (ρ) value was calculated. The data obtained were tabulated according to the sample point coordinates and analyzed descriptively and spatially using the Ordinary Kriging method. The results of the study showed that the soil pH values ranged from acidic to slightly neutral. The resistivity (ρ) values varied between sample points, with an inverse relationship to pH, i.e., the lower the pH value, the higher the soil resistivity tended to be. This condition reinforced the hypothesis that soil acidity levels affect resistivity (ρ) characteristics.