Studies on physico-chemical characteristics and microbial diversity of top-soil collected from proposed coal mining area of Latehar district, Jharkhand

Abstract

Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals from earth. Mining creates pollution which affects
the surrounding environment. Loss of many biological species and deterioration of soil quality
were the ultimate consequences. During mining, companies should adopt mitigation measures
for maintaining good environmental conditions. EIA (Environment Impact Assessment) is
required to understand the status of the environment that will help in taking up appropriate
strategy to combat any adverse effect on it. Soil status is one of the key factors in the EIA. Land
rehabilitation and mine reclamation are very crucial after finishing of mining. For this purpose
the present study was conducted on physico-chemical characteristics and microbial diversity of
top soil from selected villages (Nawari, Tubed and Dhobiajharan) in the proposed coal mining
area of Tubed Coal Mines Ltd., Latehar district, Jharkhand, India. The results showed that the pH
of the soil was found to be slightly acidic in nature. The bulk density and the specific gravity of
the soil samples were very low, that indicates that the soil samples contain higher organic matter
which is suitable for the growth of plants. The Chloride content ranged between 8.62 – 12.69
mg/g which is far higher than normal range (0.3 -1 mg/g). Potassium content is extremely high in
all the soil samples which ranged between 566- 597 Kg/ha except the soil samples from
Dhobiajharan village which is found to be very low 63 Kg/ha (normal range is 198.5-254.1
Kg/ha). 5 bacterial species (Bacillus species, Micrococcus species, Pseudomonas species,
Staphylococcus species and Enterobacter species) and one fungal species (Aspergillus sp.) were
identified from the soil samples. From the result it is concluded that the soils is rich in
macronutrients which is essential for the growth of plants. Hence the suitability of the soil should
be maintained after completion of mining in the proposed area.