Surface and Subsurface Coal Environments: From Environmental Formation and Chemistry to Microbial Communities

Marks, Christopher R.; Callaghan, Amy V.

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-14785-3_9

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Spoil heaps vary significantly in their composition and chemistry due to their heterogeneous nature consisting of a mixture of coal seam materials, grained sandstones, clays, and shales. The oxidation of reduced sulfide minerals in coal, brought to the surface during mining processes, leads to acid production, which contributes to acid mine drainage (AMD) [ 3 ]. These surface coal-mining-associated environments (spoil heaps and AMD) may provide a suitable habitat for microbial colonization and biological activity due to their complex geomorphology, structural heterogeneity, and variable nutrient contents [ 10 ].…”

Section: Coal Environments As Natural Habitats For Microbial Communitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Biotechnology of Microorganisms from Coal Environments: From Environmental Remediation to Energy Production

Akimbekov

Digel

Tastambek

et al. 2022

Biology

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It was generally believed that coal sources are not favorable as live-in habitats for microorganisms due to their recalcitrant chemical nature and negligible decomposition. However, accumulating evidence has revealed the presence of diverse microbial groups in coal environments and their significant metabolic role in coal biogeochemical dynamics and ecosystem functioning. The high oxygen content, organic fractions, and lignin-like structures of lower-rank coals may provide effective means for microbial attack, still representing a greatly unexplored frontier in microbiology. Coal degradation/conversion technology by native bacterial and fungal species has great potential in agricultural development, chemical industry production, and environmental rehabilitation. Furthermore, native microalgal species can offer a sustainable energy source and an excellent bioremediation strategy applicable to coal spill/seam waters. Additionally, the measures of the fate of the microbial community would serve as an indicator of restoration progress on post-coal-mining sites. This review puts forward a comprehensive vision of coal biodegradation and bioprocessing by microorganisms native to coal environments for determining their biotechnological potential and possible applications.

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Section: Coal Environments As Natural Habitats For Microbial Communitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Coals are categorized into several ranks based on depositional, physicochemical, and coalification characteristics that eventually reflect coal microbiology. Coal extraction via surface or underground mining, coal processing/preparation, and energy generation may shape the microbial community structure and functional potential [ 3 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%