Example environmental science dissertation topic 8:

A comparative assessment of the pollutants resultant from uranium mining in Mulga Rock (Western Australia) and Koongarra (Northern Territory, Australia).

The low population density of Western Australia and the Northern Territory in Australia has meant that community consciousness of pollution from uranium mines has not received wide attention. However, Australia’s national news service, the ABC, reported in 2010 that uranium dust from Australia’s mines has been found in ice in the Detroit Peninsula of Antarctica. Additionally, population densities may increase in future years, with long-term radio-active pollutants presenting a danger to residents, and is already an issue with local fauna and flora. This thesis evaluates whether regional variations in pollutants exists between two mines, one in the south of the continent, and one in the north, and determines the measures taken to minimise such pollutants, and their success.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Abdelouas, A. (2006). ‘Uranium mill tailings: Geochemistry, mineralogy, and environmental impact’, Geo Science Elements, Vol. 2(6), pp. 335-341.
• Gandy, C.J., Smith, J.W.N. and Jarvis, A.P. (2007). ‘Attenuation of mining-derived pollutants in the hyporheic zone: A review’, Science of the Total Environment, Vol. 73(2-3), pp. 435-446.
• Mudd, G.M. and Patterson, J. (2010). ‘Continuing pollution from the Rum Jungle U-Cu project: A critical evaluation of environmental monitoring and rehabilitation’, Environmental Pollution, Vol. 158(5), pp. 1252-1260.