Environmental analysis of coal mining using Bradley–Terry model

Abstract

PurposeEnvironmental pollution and corresponding adverse health impacts have now become a significant concern for the entire planet. In this regard, analysts and experts are continually formulating policies to reduce environmental pollution and improve natural ecological conditions. To aid in coping with the ecological predicament, a framework has been developed in the present study to inspect the adverse environmental impacts and related health issues of coal mining.Design/methodology/approachThe parameters for this study have been identified through a review of the literature and finalized 23 critical parameters of air, water, land and soil, and noise related to coal mining by consultation with experts from industry and academia. Finally, the parameters have been categorized in accordance with the level of threat they pose to the environment by assigning weight using the Bradley–Terry model considering attitudinal data acquired by a questionnaire survey.FindingsIt is found that coal mining has a relatively higher impact on four attributes of “air pollution” (suspended particulate matter [SPM], respiratory particulate matter [RPM], sulfur dioxide [SO2] and oxides of nitrogen [NOx]), followed by “land and soil pollution” (deforestation and surface structure diversion), “noise pollution” (vehicle movement) and “water pollution” (water hardness, total solids (TSS/TDS) and iron content). It is also found that raising the air concentration of SPM and RPM results in increased respiratory and cardiopulmonary mortality. Therefore, reducing dust concentrations into the air generated during coal mining is recommended to reduce air pollution caused by coal mining, which will reduce contamination of water and land and soil.Research limitations/implicationsThe model built in this study is a hypothesized model that relied on the experts' opinions considering the parameters of coal production only. However, the parameters related to the usage of coal and its consequences have been excluded. Further, only industrial and academic experts were considered for this study; however, they excluded local people, coal mining personnel, policy authorities, etc. Therefore, the study findings might differ in real circumstances. The research can further be reproduced by considering the parameters related to the use of coal and its consequences, considering the opinions of the local people, coal mining personnel and policy authorities.Practical implicationsCategorizing the parameters according to the threat they pose to the environment due to coal mining can help the decision-maker develop an effective policy to reduce environmental pollution due to coal mining by considering the parameters on a priority basis. In addition, the results further help the decision-makers to assess the environmental impact of coal mining and take necessary action.Originality/valueThe study has developed a framework using the Bradley–Terry model to categorize the environmental parameters of coal mining to develop effective environmental policies, which are original and unique in nature.

Seasonal variation of water quality parameters of surface water in mining areas

“…, 2020) such as destruction of water bodies; destruction of biodiversity; degradation of farmlands (Lamboj et al. , 2019); and health problems due to water borne diseases (Hasanuzzaman and Bhar, 2021; Asare-Donkor et al ., 2018; Krishnakumar et al. , 2017; El-Fadel et al.…”

“…The reason is that these are generally illegal miners who hardly consider the social and environment impact of their activities on the related communities. This has led to serious environmental and social challenges (Famiyeh et al, 2020) such as destruction of water bodies; destruction of biodiversity; degradation of farmlands (Lamboj et al, 2019); and health problems due to water borne diseases (Hasanuzzaman and Bhar, 2021;Asare-Donkor et al, 2018;Krishnakumar et al, 2017;El-Fadel et al, 2003). Over the years, ASM has been heavily criticised as a significant contributor to water pollution (Lamboj et al, 2019).…”

“…The contaminated water can therefore negatively impact the health (Hasanuzzaman and Bhar, 2021; Krishnakumar et al. , 2017) of the inhabitants of the communities and thus the need to assess the quality of the water in the river Birim.…”

“…Mining activities have negatively impacted surface water in several countries (Famiyeh et al, 2020) with its associated health risk (Hasanuzzaman and Bhar, 2021;Famiyeh et al, 2020;Krishnakumar et al, 2017). Some researchers have argued that mining activities has led to the pollution of surface water as levels of total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), physicochemical parameters have increased significantly (Wolkersdorfer and Mugova, 2021;Adams et al, 2007;Bell and Donnelly, 2006).…”

“…Mining activities have negatively impacted surface water in several countries (Famiyeh et al. , 2020) with its associated health risk (Hasanuzzaman and Bhar, 2021; Famiyeh et al. , 2020; Krishnakumar et al.…”