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Title: Pliocene Lignite Bed

Description: Seam or bed of Pliocene lignite from a mine in the Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) area of Romania. Rainwater falling onto the surface penetrates into the ground, becoming ground water, and leaches toxic organic substances from this coal. The ground water continues to BEN villages in the valleys below carrying toxic organic substances, feeding shallow wells and springs used by villagers as a primary drinking water supply.

Location: Romania

Photographer: , U.S. Geological Survey

Usage: This image is public domain/of free use unless otherwise stated. Please refer to the USGS Copyright section for how to credit the photo.

Source:

Related to the USGS CoreCast, Episode 103 on Coal and Human Health.

File Details:
Type: JPEG image - 279.35 KB
Dimensions: 1758 x 1200

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Tags: BEN CoreCast103 coal disease groundwater toxins water