The spread of microbiota in the air of an underground hard coal mine – A case study

Abstract

The environment of underground hard coal mines, due to high humidity and temperature, combined with the presence of organic substances and very high dust content, provides optimal conditions for the growth and development of microorganisms, including pathogens. The presented research was aimed at determining the quantitative and qualitative diversity of air in underground mining excavations. Microbiological tests of air samples were carried out according to standard microbiological techniques. The study of microbial communities made it possible to determine the unit concentrations of microorganisms, identify potential pathogens, and analyze the manner of their spread in the air of an underground mine. A large number and variety of microorganisms were observed in the bioaerosol, including pathogenic ones (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus flavus) that may pose a potential threat to humans by causing lung and skin diseases. Due to the insufficient state of global knowledge in this area of research the obtained results are helpful in the modernization of existing and designing new mining excavation ventilation systems, as well as in refreshing particularly hazardous places.