Coal Mining Activities Research Articles

Quantitative risk analysis of sediment heavy metals using the positive matrix factorization-based ecological risk index method: a case of the Kuye River, China.

Identifying the sources of heavy metals (HMs) in river sediments is crucial to effectively mitigate sediment HM pollution and control its associated ecological risks in coal-mining areas. In this study, ecological risks resulting from different pollution sources were evaluated using an integrated method combining the positive matrix factorization (PMF) and the potential ecological risk index (RI) model. A total of 59 sediment samples were collected from the Kuye River and analyzed for eight HMs (Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg). The obtained results showed that the sediment HM contents were higher than the corresponding soil background values in Shaanxi Province. The average sediment Hg content was 3.42 times higher than the corresponding background value. The PMF results indicated that HMs in the sediments were mainly derived from industrial, traffic, agricultural, and coal-mining sources. The RI values ranged from 26.15 to 483.70. Hg was the major contributor (75%) to the ecological risk in the vicinity of the Yanjiata Industrial Park. According to the PMF-based RI model, coal-mining activities exhibited the strongest impact on the river ecosystem (48.79%), followed, respectively, by traffic (34.41%), industrial (12.70%), and agricultural (4.10%) activities. These results indicated that the major anthropogenic sources contributing to the HM contents in the sediments are not necessarily those posing the greatest ecological risks. The proposed integrated approach in this study was useful in evaluating the ecological risks associated with different anthropogenic sources in the Kuye River, providing valuable suggestions for reducing sediment HM pollution and effectively protecting river ecosystems.

ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METAL IN CHINESE WATERCHEST-NUT (Eleocharis dulcis Burm.f.) Trin. Ex Hensch.) IN PHYTOREMEDIA-TION OF COAL ACID MINE WATER ON CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS.

The coal open mining is an activity that has an impact on the environment, including acid mine drainage (AMD). The management of AMD can be done by phytoremediation using Chinese Waterchestnut (Eleocharis dulcis Burm.f.) Trin. ex Hensch.) on system of constructed wetlands (CWs). So the research was carried out with the aim of evaluation the accumulation of heavy metals iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) which were absorbed in E. dulcis in constructed wetlands system at WTP Air Laya PT. Bukit Asam. The accumulation of Fe in the roots of E. dulcis was 986.42 ppm (w/w) while the accumulation of Fe in the leaves was 392.22 ppm (w/w). The accumulation of Mn in the roots of E. dulcis was 24.49 ppm (w/w), while the accumulation of Mn in the shoots was 96.83 ppm (w/w). E. dulcis is known to have the potential to increase AMD pH and reduce levels of Fe, Mn and SO42- so that it can meet the quality standards of coal mining activity wastewater. The accumulation of Fe and Mn in the roots and shoots of E. dulcis and on AMD can be used as an effort to monitor the success of AMD phytoremediation on Constructed Wetlands system at WTP Air Laya.

Mechanistic characterization of waterborne selenite uptake in the water flea, Daphnia magna, indicates water chemistry affects toxicity in coal mine-impacted waters.

Concentrations of selenium that exceed regulatory guidelines have been associated with coal mining activities and have been linked to detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and the organisms therein. Although the major route of selenium uptake in macroinvertebrates is via the diet, the uptake of waterborne selenite (HSeO3-), the prominent form at circumneutral pH, can be an important contributor to selenium body burden and thus selenium toxicity. In the current study, radiolabelled selenite (Se75) was used to characterize the mechanism of selenite uptake in the water flea, Daphnia magna. The concentration dependence (1-32μM) of selenite uptake was determined in 1-hour uptake assays in artificial waters that independently varied in bicarbonate, chloride, sulphate, phosphate and selenate concentrations. At concentrations representative of those found in highly contaminated waters, selenite uptake was phosphate-dependent and inhibited by foscarnet, a phosphate transport inhibitor. At higher concentrations, selenite uptake was dependent on waterborne bicarbonate concentration and inhibited by the bicarbonate transporter inhibitor DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid). These findings suggest that concentrations of phosphate in coal mining-affected waters could alter selenite uptake in aquatic organisms and could ultimately affect the toxic impacts of selenium in such waters.

Restructuring substantial increase in natural gas reserves by coalbed methane (CBM) recovery

Coal deposits, especially hard coal deposits, contain in their structure large amounts of methane, which during exploitation is diluted through industrial ventilation and degassing technologies down to non-hazardous concentrations, reducing the major risk factor for the safety of workers and resources minerals. The amount of methane released and exhausted into the atmosphere by the degassing and ventilation stations of the mining units, in addition to being wasted instead of being used, is also a factor of environmental pollution, as a potential greenhouse gas (GHG). The environmental issues and the climate crisis faced by humanity compel the establishment of an Action Program on the methane issue, which includes the capture, recovery and exploitation of gas from active coal mines, or from virgin strata, from unexploited mining fields, with the help of currently available technologies and practices, which represent the chance to obtain clean energy and substantial climate benefits, in the short and long term. The solution to the use of methane gas from coal at active mining operations in Jiu a Valley - Romania, by burning it to obtain the thermal agent, brought important economic benefits by reducing energy costs and environmental protection by reducing methane emissions in the atmosphere. The present paper proposes an analysis of the benefits obtained as well as the development possibilities of methane usage for obtaining a clean fuel.

Lung function in children residents in the largest coal region in Brazil.

Coal mining activities release harmful air pollutants, which affect children's health, particularly the lung function. Brazil has a large coal reserve in the southern region, where a coal-fired power plant and two coal mines are located. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of altered respiratory function and associated factors in children living in this region. A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven cities. It collected socioeconomic and demographic, prenatal and postnatal care, neonatal outcomes, child health information as well as lung function and air quality. The study included 396 children who lived in a high socio-environmental vulnerability due to low education levels and family income, high percentage of unemployed and families with a high bedroom density. There was a high prevalence of preterm birth, low birth weight and long-term exposure to environmental conditions. The most common respiratory problem in the parents was rhinitis, while in the children was wheezing and pneumonia. The prevalence of respiratory function alteration in the region was 7.78%. Variables associated with altered respiratory function were passive smoking, low birth weight, history of wheezing. The concentration of pollutants was equivalent when comparing stations within the coal mining host town (Candiota) and surrounding towns.

Analysis of the Source Apportionment and Pathways of Heavy Metals in Soil in a Coal Mining Area Based on Machine Learning and an APCS-MLR Model

Long-term coal mining activities have led to severe heavy metal pollution in the soil environment of coal mining areas, posing significant threats to both ecological environments and human health. In this study, surface soil samples were collected from the overlying soil of coal gangue and the surrounding areas of the Panyi coal mine in Huainan. The concentrations of Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb elements were determined. A self-organizing map (SOM) and an absolute principal component score multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model were employed for the quantitative analysis of the soil’s heavy metal pollution sources and contributions. Additionally, this study focused on the analysis of the pathways of the relatively serious pollution of Cd. The results revealed that the average concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni) in the study area were 4.55, 0.59, 1.54, 0.69, 0.59, and 0.71 times the local soil background values, respectively. The concentrations of Cd and Zn exceeded the risk screening values at some sampling points, with exceedance rates of 44% and 8%, respectively, indicating a relatively serious Cd contamination. The sources of heavy metals in the soil in the study area were classified into four categories: mining activities, agricultural activities, weathering of natural matrices, and other unknown sources, with average contributions of 55.48 percent, 24.44 percent, 8.91 percent and 11.86 percent, respectively. Based on the spatial distribution of Cd, it was inferred that atmospheric deposition is one of the important pollution pathways of Cd in the study area. Cd profile distribution patterns and a surface water pollution survey showed that the farmland areas were affected by the irrigation water pathway to some extent. The vertical distribution of heavy metal content in the forest area showed a strong disorder, which was related to the absorption function of plant roots. The results of this study can help to improve the environmental management of heavy metal pollution so as to protect the ecological environment and human health.

Deadly Coal Social Campaign in Environmental Advocacy Efforts for Indigenous Community of Kalimantan

In the midst of the high production of coal to meet the energy needs of society, JATAM strives to carry out a social campaign for environmental advocacy in the indigenous communities of Kalimantan. The purpose of this article is to describe the management of JATAM's deadly coal campaign in advocating for the environmental rights of indigenous communities in Kalimantan due to coal mining activities. A qualitative research approach was chosen to uncover data to address these objectives. The data collection techniques employed were interviews and documentation through online media monitoring. The data analysis technique utilized three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results obtained indicate that the campaign aims to advocate for the rights of indigenous communities in Kalimantan to have a safe and healthy environment without mining contamination. The primary target audience includes indigenous communities and the government. In its implementation, JATAM engages in discussions and provides writing training for indigenous communities. Furthermore, JATAM collaborates with Greenpeace and other international NGOs to conduct on-the-ground lobbying of government policies through various actions. The targeted communities have shown a change in attitude and behavior, demonstrating acceptance and willingness to learn about the impacts of mining and their rights to life in their indigenous land.

Assessment of heavy metal distribution and bioaccumulation in soil and plants near coal mining areas: implications for environmental pollution and health risks.

Monitoring heavy metals (HMs) across source distance and depth distribution near coal mining sites is essential for preventing environmental pollution and health risks. This study investigated the distribution of selected HMs, cadmium (Cd2+), chromium (Cr2+), copper (Cu2+), manganese (Mn2+), nickel (Ni2+), lead (Pb2+), and zinc (Zn2+), in soil samples collected from ten sites (S-1-S-10) at two different depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) and distances of 50, 100, and 200 m from a mining source. Additionally, three plant species, Prosopis spp., Justicia spp., and wheat, were collected to assess HM bioavailability and leaf accumulation. Coal mine activities' impact on soil properties and their HM associations were also explored. Results reveal HM concentrations except for Cr2+ exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) limits. In surface soil, Cd2+ (58%), Cu2+ (93%), Mn2+ (68%), Ni2+ (80%), Pb2+ (35%), and Zn2+ (88%) surpassed permissible limits. Subsurface soil also exhibited elevated Cd2+ (53%), Cu2+ (83%), Mn2+ (60%), Ni2+ (80%), Pb2+ (35%), and Zn2+ (77%). Plant species displayed varying HM levels, exceeding permissible limits, with average concentrations of 1.4, 1.34, 1.42, 4.1, 2.74, 2.0, and 1.98 mg kg-1 for Cd2+, Pb2+, Cr2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+, respectively. Bioaccumulation factors were highest in wheat, Prosopis spp., and Justicia spp. Source distance and depth distribution significantly influenced soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and soil organic carbon (SOC). Soil pH and EC increased with an increase in soil depth, while SOC decreased. Pearson correlation analysis revealed varying relationships between soil properties and HMs, showing a considerably negative correlation. Concentrations of HMs decreased with increasing depth and distance from mining activities, validated by regression analysis. Findings suggest crops from these soils may pose health risks for consumption.

Assessment of coal mining impact on the geoecological transformation of the Emerald network ecosystem

Purpose. Geoecological assessment of impact on the ecosystem transformation of a part of Emerald Network object “Samarskyi Lis – UA0000212” caused by coal mining at the section of “Ternivska” mine (Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine) using the methods of remote sensing of the Earth in conditions of limited access to the study object due to the state of martial law in Ukraine. Methodology. A complex of standardized field, paper, laboratory and statistical research methods was used. When studying aquatic vegetation, generally accepted methods for describing the species and coenotic composition of vegetation and hydrobotanical mapping were used. The study on soil vegetation was carried out with the selection and description of the main phytocenoses, features of their composition and distribution on the territory. Floristic studies were carried out according to the method for collecting herbarium material. Field routes were carried out on the land surface along the mining of the coal bed with the recording of destructive changes in the landscape (falls, top-soil breaks, sufosis manifestations, cracks, lowering of the relief) and plant groups – the colour and condition of tree, shrub and grass vegetation. In order to compare visual observation data and obtain representative and reliable research results, the facility was monitored additionally using modern geoinformation systems. A satellite observation tool was used; it allowed searching, processing, and obtaining information from satellite data according to various indexes: WRI, NDWI, MNDWI, NDSI. Findings. Negative consequences of the impact of the coal mine “Ternivska” on the geological and ecological transformation of the Emerald network ecosystem “Samarskyi Lis – UA0000212” have been established. It has been proven that long-term underflooding and flooding of lands leads to a change in the species composition of the forest stand, the death of the understory and grass layer, and the complete destruction of the existing plant and animal communities. In flooded areas of oak forests and pine plantations, forest species die out and wetland plant species spread. Over three years (2020–2023), the area of visible and established flooding according to remote sensing data has increased from 1 to 6 hectares, respectively. Originality. Dynamics of the process of the land surface subsidence and protected area flooding has been established according to the data of open-source geoinformation systems and the comparison of various satellite data indexes (WRI, NDWI, MNDWI, NDSI). Gradual changes in the species composition of the forest stand, the death of the understory and the grass layer were revealed. It has been confirmed that long-term flooding leads to the complete destruction of existing plant and animal communities, the destruction of compound complexes of soil mesofauna makes development impossible for the terrestrial invertebrate species that lived in these biotopes before their destruction, including species from the Red List of Ukraine and protected by the Berne Convention. Practical value. In the conditions of limited access for conducting direct geodetic and engineering-geological studies, the methodology of using modern GIS by combining various spectral channels (indexes) is substantiated to determine and study the dynamics of the underflooding (flooding) process in the territory. In combination with traditional field geobotanical research, the results of monitoring observations of the coal mining activity and its impact on the geoecological transformation of the ecosystem of the Emerald Network object are presented for the first time in the region. The negative impact of mining activity on natural conservation areas, which leads to the death and gradual change in the species composition of plants, has been determined.

Trace element of small lake sediments sensitively recorded environmental changes in the watershed: Implications for mining history and urbanization

Lake sediments serve as a sink for trace elements and provide a record of watershed changes resulting from anthropogenic activities and natural processes. In this study, eight trace elements in the sediments of Lake Aha, an urban lake in Guiyang City, Southwest China, were investigated to reveal the effects of historical coal mining and rapid urbanization in the watershed. Results showed that the median contents of measured trace elements in order of Zn (220.00 mg/kg) > Ni (98.16 mg/kg) > Cr (70.26 mg/kg) > Cu (66.20 mg/kg) > As (58.14 mg/kg) > Co (41.66 mg/kg) > Pb (28.33 mg/kg) > Cd (1.39 mg/kg). Except for Cr and Pb, the median concentrations of Cd, As, Zn, Ni, Co, and Cu were 4.64, 2.33, 2.00, 1.92, 1.81, and 1.09 times higher than regional natural background values respectively. Trace element contents in sediments of the center of the lake were significantly higher than in the rest of the sediment cores, resulting from relatively stable hydrodynamic processes in the region. Vertical variation of trace elements indicated that the fluctuations in the intensity of coal mining activities in the tributaries were effectively tracked by variations of trace element levels in the middle layer sediments of the Youyu River and Baiyan River estuaries. The elevated concentrations of Pb in the surface sediments of the Jinzhong River estuary reflected the rapid urbanization in the basin over the past 20 years. PMF analysis demonstrated that As, Cd, and Pb in sediments were from a mixture of natural and urban activities, and Cu, Zn, Ni, and Co originated from coal mining. This study provides important information for comprehending the anthropogenic activities of small-scale lakes and historical environmental changes.

Effects of coal mining and climate-environment factors on the evolution of a typical Eurasian grassland

Coal mining can significantly impact vegetation evolution, yet the limited information on its patterns and driving factors hampers efforts to mitigate these effects and reclaim abandoned mines. This study aimed to 1) examine vegetation evolution in a semiarid steppe watershed in northeast China; and 2) characterize the driving factors behind this evolution. We analyzed the impact of twelve selected driving factors on fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) from 2000 to 2021 using a dimidiate pixel model, Sen's slope analysis, Mann-Kendall trend test, coefficient of variation analysis, and Geodetector model. At a significance level of α = 0.05, our findings revealed a south-to-north decline pattern in FVC, a significant decrease trend in proximity to coal mines, and a notable increase trend adjacent to river channels. Approximately 37% of the watershed exhibited low FVC, while the overall temporal trend across the watershed was deemed insignificant. Areas surrounding the mines experienced a substantial reduction in FVC due to coal mining activities, while FVC variations across the watershed were linked to precipitation, temperature, and soil type. FVC predictions improved notably when interactions between multiple two-way factors were considered. Each driving factors displayed an optimal range (e.g., precipitation = 63–71 mm) for maximizing FVC. Given the study watershed's status as a national energy base, understanding vegetation responses to coal mining and climate-environment changes is crucial for sustaining fragile terrestrial ecosystems and socioeconomic development. Achieving a long-time balance between coal extraction and ecological protection is essential. The study outcomes hold significant promise for advancing ecological conservation, vegetation restoration, and mitigation of environmental degradation in semiarid regions affected by extensive coal mining and climate fluctuations. These findings contribute to the strategic management of such areas, promoting sustainable practices amidst evolving environmental challenges.

The emotional geographies of a coal mining transition: a case study of Singleton, New South Wales, Australia

ABSTRACT The transition required to remove coal from the global energy mix will have major implications across coal producing regions. There is limited work, however, that explores how this transition is being received by communities with multi-generational connections to the industry. This paper explores understandings and responses to transition in the Australian community of Singleton. Located 145 km north of Sydney in the Upper Hunter Valley, the local area has been a site of coal mining activity since the 1850s – helping foster a strong connection between industry and place. Using an emotional geographies framework, we uncover various local feelings associated with the prospect of a future without coal. While these emotional responses can stem from the anticipated material losses of mines and jobs, they have also been found to stem from the mutually imbricated threats posed by a ‘hidden dimension of loss’. This dimension of loss positions mining as much more than an emotionless economic activity. Instead, it is uncovered as an activity – a tradition – that can define understandings of place. Whilst set in Australia, this study holds relevance for mining communities internationally faced with the disruption of existing ways of life, identities, and understandings of place as the energy transition unfolds.

The Effect of Incubation Time and Drainage pH on the Immobilization of Copper in Post Coal Mine Soil Using Sumatera Brown Coal Char

Post coal mine (PCM) activities pose significant environmental challenges. Soils affected by PCM often exhibit increased acidity and elevated levels of heavy metals. In the case of Sungai Buluh PCM in the Jambi Province, Indonesia, copper (Cu) levels in the soil reach 94.79 mg kg-1, surpassing the Indonesian standard of 40 mg kg-1. Sumatera brown coal (SBC), typically is not considered as fuel due to its properties, offers a cost-effective solution for Cu immobilization in such soils. In this study, SBC was subjected to pyrolysis at 400°C for 1 h, sieved through a 10-mesh sieve, and characterized using SEM and FTIR. The soil-char mixture consisted of 250 g of soil and 25 g of char (9:1 ratio), while a control group included 250 grams of soil with no char. The soil's pH significantly influenced Cu adsorption by SBC char. Cu immobility by SBC char was highest at pH 5, with an efficiency of 66.67% from pH 1 to 5. Over a 4-week period, the mobility of Cu in soil containing 10% char decreased by 36.36%. Pseudo-first-order kinetics yielded R2 values of 0.750 and 0.979 for 0% and 10% char additions, respectively. To inform future research on SBC char's potential for soil amendment, exploring the properties of SBC char produced at different pyrolysis temperatures is advisable. This information can aid in the development of char furnaces with appropriate technology to efficiently produce large quantities of effective SBC char. Additionally, determining optimal incubation times can help predict the frequency of char application in various regions.

Biotic and dragonfly diversity indices as ecological quality evaluation in Lahat District Rivers, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Rachmawati A, Yustian I, Pujiastuti Y, Suparman Shk, Arinafril. 2023. Biotic and dragonfly diversity indices as ecological quality evaluation in Lahat District Rivers, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6059-6068. The Lematang, Sandaran, and Kungkilan rivers have been reported to be polluted by coal mining activities. This study aimed to evaluate the ecological conditions using a dragonfly as a bio-indicator. Dragonfly surveys were conducted using direct observation procedures in 11 research sites determined by purposive sampling based on positions of the upstream, midstream and downstream of the river entering the coal mining area, including settling ponds managing waste from post-mining activities (stockpiles and disposal). Dragonflies were captured by visual observations, direct capture, and sticky traps. Data were analyzed by calculating the Dragonfly Biotic Index (DBI) and Diversity Index. The correlation between dragonflies and environmental factors was analyzed using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) according to Jaccard’s index. The results showed there were 23 species of dragonflies. Larvae and exuviae were found in Aeshnidae and Libellulidae families. Dragonfly species with the highest DBI values were seen in Rhyothemis triangularis, Tholymis tillarga, Zyxomma petiolatum, Atrocalopteryx atrata, Libellago lineata and Rhinocypha fenestrata. Sandaran River had the highest DBI value and diversity index because of the undisturbed condition of the area, which had natural vegetation and unpolluted water conditions. The Kungkilan River will become the focus of river rehabilitation, starting with the reclamation of the river riparian area.

Tracking the Vegetation Change Trajectory over Large-Surface Coal Mines in the Jungar Coalfield Using Landsat Time-Series Data

Coal mining and ecological restoration activities significantly affect land surfaces, particularly vegetation. Long-term quantitative analyses of vegetation disturbance and restoration are crucial for effective mining management and ecological environmental supervision. In this study, using the Google Earth Engine and all available Landsat images from 1987 to 2020, we employed the Landsat-based Detection of Trends in Disturbance and Recovery (LandTrendr) algorithm and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the year, intensity, duration, and pattern of vegetation disturbance and restoration in the Heidaigou and Haerwusu open-pit coal mines (H-HOCMs) in the Jungar Coalfield of China. Our findings indicate that the overall accuracy for extractions of disturbance and restoration events in the H-HOCMs area is 83% and 84.5%, respectively, with kappa coefficients of 0.82 for both. Mining in Heidaigou has continued since its beginning in the 1990s, advancing toward the south and then eastward directions, and mining in the Haerwusu has advanced from west to east since 2010. The disturbance magnitude of the vegetation greenness in the mining area is relatively low, with a duration of about 4–5 years, and the restoration magnitude and duration vary considerably. The trajectory types show that vegetation restoration (R, 44%) occupies the largest area, followed by disturbance (D, 31%), restoration–disturbance (RD, 16%), disturbance–restoration (DR, 8%), restoration–disturbance–restoration (RDR), and no change (NC). The LandTrendr algorithm effectively detected changes in vegetation disturbance and restoration in H-HOCMs. Vegetation disturbance and restoration occurred in the study area, with a cumulative disturbance-to-restoration ratio of 61.79% since 1988. Significant restoration occurred primarily in the external dumps and continued ecological recovery occurred in the surrounding area.

Response of Propsilocerus akamusi (Diptera: Chironomidae) to the leachates from AMD-contaminated sediments: Implications for metal bioremediation of AMD-polluted areas

Acid mine water (AMD) is a global environmental problem caused by coal mining with the characteristics of low pH and high concentrations of metals and sulfates. It is a pertinent topic to seek both economical and environmentally friendly approaches to minimize the harmful effects of AMD on the environment. Insect larvae are considered a promising solution for pollution treatment. Chironomidae is the most tolerant family to contaminants in pools and its larvae have a strong capacity for metal accumulation from sediment. This paper aimed to evaluate the larvae of Propsilocerus akamusi, a dominant species in the chironomid community, as a new species for entomoremediation in AMD-polluted areas. We detected the toxic effects of AMD on P. akamusi larvae based on their survival and the trace metals bioaccumulation capabilities of P. akamusi larvae. Moreover, we analyzed the expression patterns of four stress-response genes, HSP70, Eno1, HbV, and Hb VII in P. akamusi larvae. Our results revealed that AMD exposure did not significantly affect the survival of the P. akamusi larvae and individuals exposed to some AMD gradients even exhibited higher survival. We also observed the significantly accumulated concentrations of Fe, Ni, and Zn as well as higher bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for Ni and Zn in the P. akamusi larvae exposure to AMD. Induced expression of Eno1 and Hb VII may play important roles in the AMD tolerance of P. akamusi larvae. This study indicated the potential application of P. akamusi larvae in the metal bioremediation of AMD-polluted areas. Statement of environmental implicationAcid mine drainage (AMD) is a global environmental problem related to coal mining activities. AMD pollution has become a long-term, worldwide issue for its interactive and complex stress factors. Bioremediation is an effective method to remove the metals of AMD from wastewater to prevent downstream pollution. However, the disadvantages of the slow growth rate, susceptibility to seasonal changes, difficult post-harvest management, and small biomass of hyperaccumulating plants greatly limit the usefulness of phytoremediation. Insect larvae may be useful candidate organisms to overcome these shortcomings and have been considered a promising pollution solution. Propsilocerus akamusi is a dominant species in the chironomid community and is distributed widely in many lakes of eastern Asia. This species has extraordinary abilities to resist various stresses. This research is the first time to our knowledge to evaluate the application of P. akamusi as a new species in entomoremediation in AMD-contaminated areas.

Pengukuran PDRB Hijau Subsektor Pertambangan Batubara di Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan

This study aimed to determine the value of natural resource depletion and land degradation and the importance of green GRDP in the coal mining sub-sector of South Kalimantan Province by using a green GRDP calculation approach. This research is descriptive research with a quantitative approach. The data type used is secondary data in the form of a time series from 2016 to 2020. The results of the analysis of this study indicate that the value of coal resource depletion has fluctuated, with the highest value acquisition occurring in 2018, which was Rp73,78 billion. Meanwhile, the degradation value of coal mining land is tremendous, with the highest acquisition value of Rp—66.88 trillion in 2018. The Green GRDP value of the Coal Mining Subsector shows a negative value. This means the value of depreciation or reduction and environmental damage from coal mining activities is greater than the added value generated from the coal mining sub-sector.

Conservation of endangered tree in the coal mining area in Tabang, East Kalimantan: biodiversity offset and protection

Coal production that conducted open mining techniques transformed the ecosystem and was followed by the degradation of land quality. After the activity, biodiversity loss and water and soil damage occur in the ecosystem. This study observed the potential of endangered trees as essential elements of the ecosystem that experienced negative impacts after the coal mining activity and how to improve the situation. Vegetation analysis was conducted with eight line of plotted stripe random sampling, and followed with calculation of IVI, diversity index, and evenness index. Tree identification in the 3.2 ha of sample plot in the forest area of the coal mining concession indicated that there are 224 species of trees and 17 species are endangered with the domination of the Dipterocarpaceae family and one species is protected. Collection of seedlings and saplings of the species, followed by transferring the plants into the arboretum area developed to protect tree species in the surrounding area, could be a solution to ensure the species’ existence. Using seedlings and saplings as enrichment species in the restoration and rehabilitation area are also an application of biodiversity offset that is part of sustainable biodiversity management in the mining industry.

Influence of Coal Mining Activities on Soil's Agrochemical and Biochemical Properties

Recultivation of technologically disturbed land is an important objective of environmental protection. The study aimed to examine the impact of the coal mining process on the agrochemical and biochemical parameters of soil. Agrochemical and biochemical analysis of soil samples was conducted before and after the mining reclamation stage. The baseline indicators of coal mines indicated that all studied territories needed a full cycle of technologically disturbed land recultivation measures. Before the initial stage of recultivation, the content of carbonate-ion, bicarbonate-ion, copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, and petroleum products in soil samples from the coal mine met the norms and requirements of authorizing documents, and part of the samples from the territory of the Sample 2 coal mine were marked by increased pH and reduced humus content. All samples exceeded the background values of mobile forms of zinc, manganese, copper, lead, nickel, chromium, and cobalt. To effectively improve soil fertility, it is recommended to use biochar, compost, and/or peat and apply organic and inorganic fertilizers. The next stage of research will involve the biological reclamation of technogenically disturbed areas of the coal mines with cultivated and wild plants.

Assessing reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Crown–Crisp experience index and its application in coal miners

In China, coal miners are the primary workforce in coal mining, and among all patients with occupational diseases, 90% suffer from pneumoconiosis. Therefore, the psychological problems resulting from the dual pressures of occupational stress and the high risk of occupational diseases among coal miners are significant factors that affect the development of physical and mental health and even production safety. The Crown–Crisp Experience Index (CCEI) is a multidimensional questionnaire that assesses the psychological state of patients. This study aims to test reliability and validity of Chinese version of the CCEI questionnaire using factor analysis, and apply it to coal miners. We recruited a total of 900 participants from different occupational stages in coal mining, including active miners, Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) patients, and retired miners, to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the CCEI questionnaire. A questionnaire survey was conducted on three groups of 1000 individuals each, including active coal miners, retired coal miners, and pneumoconiosis patients, to determine the detection rate of psychological problems in each group. An analysis was performed for each group to explore the primary factors influencing anxiety. The exploratory factor analysis yielded six principal components that accounted for a total of 79.389% of variances. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the Chi-square freedom ratio (χ2/df) was 1.843, the root mean square error approximation was less than 0.044, and the comparative fit index was 0.938 and Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) was 0.934. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.948, and the scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) was 0.88. Effective questionnaires were obtained from 98.5%, 96.9%, to 91.0% of pneumoconiosis patients, active miners, and retired miners, respectively, with the incidence rates of psychological problems being 21%, 35.8%, and 13.6%, respectively. Compared with retired miners, active miners showed higher levels of psychological problems in the dimensions of depressive symptoms, free-floating anxiety and somatic symptoms, whereas pneumoconiosis patients had higher levels of psychological problems in the dimensions of phobic anxiety and somatic symptoms. This study demonstrates that the Chinese version of the CCEI is highly reliable and valid and can be used as a screening tool to measure patients' anxiety and fear levels in coal minders. Miners face distinct psychological challenges at different stages and require targeted screening and interventions.