Impact of Stone Mining on Surface Water Quality

Globally, the water quality of different surface water bodies has been altered drastically beyond acceptable level owing to accelerated developmental activities during the past few decades. Among various types of anthropogenic activities, indiscriminate extraction of stone mines is the most disastrous one, as it threatens the very existence of the aquatic ecosystem. These impacts are primarily due to the destruction of natural landscapes, sedimentation, erosion, and chemical runoff associated with mining activities. Some of the popular types of stones mined worldwide include granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, slate, and quartzite. The present book chapter highlights the possible pathways of surface water pollution due to stone mining activities and the associated chemistry for the generation of mine-specific water contaminants. It also addresses various case studies from India and worldwide over the impact of stone mining on surface water quality with a view on possible management or mitigation strategies.