s::can Environmental Monitoring – Mining

The Freiberg University of Mining and Technology are measuring water quality 150 m underground with a spectro::lyser V3. The data is used to identify hotspots of potent pollutants and to develop new methodologies for water treatment.

Parameters monitored: • DOC • UV/Vis Spectrum

User: Freiberg University of Mining and Technology

Location: Freiberg, Germany

Application: Mining

Background:

The UNESCO World Heritage Mining Region includes Freiberg on the eastern border of Germany. It is home to hundreds of abandoned mines and deposits that are causing serious environmental damage due to exposure to heavy metals and other pollutants. Based on a unique combination of microbiological, biogeochemical and hydrological approaches, the “adit drainage-solute source control” project at Freiberg University of Mining and Technology is developing new techniques to control potential pollutants at the point of their origin. Their team is pursuing the hypothesis that microorganisms strongly catalyse mineral dissolution, especially under acidic conditions at specific hotspots. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) serves as a crucial parameter for the microbial communities.

Challenges:

Measurement campaigns must cover several dozen difficult-to-access flow sites which are between 70 and 200 m deep to identify hotspots. The station-based monitoring is exposed to very aggressive conditions in the waterways of the former silver mine. This requires a robust solution with low maintenance requirements.

s::can’s solution:

A spectro::lyser V3 is used to optimally meet the requirements underground. It provides reliable water quality data in real-time and allows the determination of different loads at different measuring points. There are no moving parts in contact with the water and no reagents are used, resulting in almost zero operating costs. The measurement data is stored directly on the data logger of the spectro::lyser and can be visualised via the Io::Tool web interface. Power is supplied via a con::nect V3 (power supply unit) and a rechargeable battery. To keep the measuring windows of the optical probe clean, a ruck::sack is used. The ruck::sack is a submersible rotating brush that is mounted directly on the spectro::lyser V3 and reliably removes fouling.