Cave and Karst

  Embracing Causative Solutions for Sustainable Interconnectedness Buchanan 2025 Abstract In a world increasingly defined by complexity and interdependence, the distinction between curative and causative approaches is critical. While curative methods provide immediate relief, they often exacerbate underlying issues by disrupting the interconnectedness of systems. This paper advocates for a shift towards causative solutions that address root causes, fostering resilience and sustainability. Introduction Perceived human systems - ecological, social and economic - are intricately linked. Traditional curative approaches tend to focus on symptomatic relief, often leading to unintended consequences that sever vital connections within these systems. This paper explores the importance of causative solutions in promoting a holistic understanding of interconnectedness. Limitations of Curative Approaches Curative methods, while ...

  Potential effects of anthropogenic induced sulphates (SO4) contaminating karst ecosystems contributing to oceanic decline globally. Mike Buchanan, Karstologist 2024  Increases in undesirable Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), associated with elevated sulphates (SO4) emanating from coal, heavy metals mining around the globe, are being allowed to escape into all globally important oceans. AMD is acidic water that flows from abandoned mines, often containing high levels of sulfuric acid, heavy metals, and other toxic pollutants.  In most cases, AMD emanates via contaminated, resurgent groundwater ecosystems within carbonate karst hydrodynamic systems adjunct to catchments, or on the contact of heavy metal rich geology. AMD ultimately lands up flowing into terrestrial fluvial transport systems via subterranean hydrogeology en route to oceans around the globe. Increasing SO4 concentrations in freshwater systems influence the biogeochemical processes of carbon, nitrogen, ...

  Potential Link Between Hyperplastic Ovarian Cysts in Children - Exposure to Acid Mine Drainage: A Case Study from South Africa's East Rand Mike Buchanan (2025) Abstract This paper explores the potential correlation between environmental exposure to contaminants associated with acid mine drainage (AMD) and the occurrence of hyperplastic ovarian cysts in a 12-year-old child in the East Rand region of South Africa. The study highlights the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in both waterborne and airborne forms emanating from AMD-affected areas, such as the Cinderella Dam and the ERPM mineshaft in the vicinity. Given the established endocrine-disruptive properties of several heavy metals and the developmental sensitivity of children, this paper calls for comprehensive environmental health assessments and epidemiological studies to validate and understand the health implications. 1.       Introduction   Hyperplastic ovarian cysts a...