Ecobiology of coal mines and spoils

Abstract

Coal is an important non-renewable source of energy, which is being constantly used by mankind for various purposes. Coal mining activities affect the surrounding ecosystem by contaminating it with traces of toxic metals, which may accumulate and affect the diversity and abundance of biological communities. A number of microorganisms, such as, filamentous fungi, yeasts and bacteria are known to degrade coal by their enzymatic action and use it as the sole source of carbon. In addition, the indoor environments of coal mines possess bioaerosols, which may include living or dead allergens, pathogenic or non-pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, mycotoxins, bacterial endotoxins, peptidoglycans, etc., that may cause skin, respiratory tract and other health problems. This article throws light on the impact of coal mining on the surrounding ecosystem, degradation of coal by the microbial inhabitants and their effects on the health of miners.

Elaboration of a Phytoremediation Strategy for Successful and Sustainable Rehabilitation of Disturbed and Degraded Land

“…Coal mining has inevitable negative impacts on the environment, and once mineral extraction is complete, overlying spoil is typically returned to the void through a process known as backfilling [36]. Where backfilling is not possible, overburden together with residue from coal processing are stock-piled in huge undulating heaps called discard dumps [17,37]. Such handling and management of coal waste have both short-and longterm environmental impact (Figure 1).…”

“…There is a growing recognition that soil quality is indeed important to human health [15]. Poor air quality with high particulate matter, a long-accepted consequence of coal mining and utilisation [16], is a major cause of respiratory diseases and in some areas has been reported to increase mortality of the most vulnerable [17]. So too, contamination of water resources and arable land directly impacts the water-energy-food nexus that is considered central to sustainable development [18].…”