Unconsolidated surface materials of the Earth are rich in various minerals, with clay being among the most naturally abundant and functionally diverse. Natural clay, a fine-grained soil material, consists predominantly of minerals smaller than 2 µm and is primarily composed of hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates, such as kaolinite with the chemical formula Al2Si2O5(OH)4. Due to its low permeability, clay plays a vital role in groundwater conservation, often acting as a natural seal that supports aquifer systems and serves as an effective geotextile material. However, the increasing demand for clay in various industrial applications has led to intensified mining activities. These practices involve the disruption and excavation of surface layers, causing significant environmental disturbances. Mined clay particles exhibit strong adsorption properties, enabling them to bind with and neutralize pollutants in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Despite this beneficial characteristic, large-scale clay extraction has resulted in widespread ecological damage, especially to aquatic ecosystems. This review focuses on the environmental implications of excessive clay mining, emphasizing its contribution to the contamination of topsoil, subsoil, surface water, and groundwater. Particular emphasis is placed on the negative impacts on groundwater reserves, aquifer integrity, freshwater habitats (both flowing and still), sediment quality, and marine ecosystems.
Author
(s) Details
Anju P
S
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala,
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), India.
Jaya D
S
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala,
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), India.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/geserh/v10/5271
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