Determining hydrochemical characteristics of mine lakes from abandoned coal mines and 3D modelling of them using unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

This study was undertaken with the aim of creating three dimensional (3D) models of mine lakes formed in abandoned coal mines of the Can coal basin using high resolution unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images, determining hydrochemical characterization and investigating environmental effects. In May 2014 a DJI F550 model hexacopter was flown at heights varying from 30-100 m above lakes and surroundings and images were obtained with a 12 mega pixel camera. During the image processing stage the Agisoft program was used and orthophoto of the lakes with resolution from 1-6 cm and 3D terrain models were created. The total area of the lakes calculated from UAV images was 298751 up Additionally water samples were taken from lakes and downstream rivers simultaneous to UAV studies. According to water pollution control regulation in Turkey, the mine lakes were very severely polluted with low pH and high concentrations of metals such as Al, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn. The lakes were in the category of water not suitable for use under any circumstances. There is a very high possibility that if these lakes drain the water resources will be affected. As a result it is necessary to rehabilitate the mine lakes as soon as possible using the most appropriate method for the field.