Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils and Technogenic Surface Rock Formations in Dumps of Coal Mines in Rostov Oblast

The physical, chemical, and physicochemical properties of soils and technogenic surface formations (TSFs) in coal dumps in the southeastern part of the Donetsk ridge within the Grushevsko-Nesvetaevskaya syncline (Rostov oblast), which differ in age, the lithological properties of overburden and host rocks composing them, and pyrogenic dynamics, have been studied. The main chemical, physical, and physicochemical characteristics of the soil properties of the studied areas have been established to assess the geoecological situation and patterns of the spread of potentially toxic substances and develop projects for the restoration of the areas. An unequal effect of soil formation factors has been revealed, which is expressed in a high variability and contrast of soil properties. Electron microscopic studies of technogenic samples have shown that the coarse microstructure was formed as a result of the impact of current compaction, cementation, and sintering processes on the rock. The wide range of pH variation (4.4–8.9) and salinity (up to 1.9% of solid residue) make the rocks unsuitable for biological reclamation.