Impacts of Blasted Rock Disposal on Coastal Environments: A review and Norwegian perspective on Pollution Mechanisms, Ecological Impacts, and Management Practices

Particle pollution is a well-recognized threat to air quality, but its impacts on aquatic, coastal and marine environments remain poorly understood. Among the sources of particle pollution, blasted rock particles—mineral fragments generated e.g. during tunnel or road construction—are an emerging and relatively unknown contributor. When deposited in coastal areas, these mineral particles may pose unique challenges due to their potential to alter a.o. sediment dynamics, introduce contaminants, and disrupt the ecological balance. Today, blasted rock is frequently utilized in coastal applications such as land reclamation, erosion control, flood prevention, or as foundation material. While the effects of nitrogen and plastic particles associated with the blasting explosives are comparatively well-studied, the role of rock mineralogy, particle morphology, and the leaching of mineral-associated metals on coastal waters and ecosystems remains largely unexplored. This review focuses on the impacts of blasted rock disposal on coastal environments, synthesizing findings from peer-reviewed scientific literature and publicly available reports to Norwegian authorities. Specifically, we (1) analyze the mechanisms by which blasted rock particles affect coastal ecosystems, (2) place Norwegian findings into a global context, (3) propose preliminary thresholds for ecological impacts on coastal environments, (4) suggest improvements in management practices for coastal particle disposal, and (5) identify key research gaps requiring further investigation. Our analysis emphasizes knowledge advancements over the past decade while incorporating foundational studies and reports to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.