Impact of Using Paper Mill Sludge for Surface-Mine Reclamation on Runoff Water Quality and Plant Growth.

The article focuses on a study which examined the impact of using paper mill sludge (PMS) for surface-mine reclamation on runoff water quality and plant growth. The PMS sample was analyzed for solids content, total nitrogen (N), total carbon (C) inorganic C, nitrate-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, and major elements. The chemical properties of the runoff were described. It was observed that the application of PMS at both rates greatly reduced runoff and erosion from the plots, particularly during the 2.5-mo Pre-Plant period when the control plots were bare.