Aditya Kumar Patra

Particulate matter pollution in opencast coal mining areas: a threat to human health and environment

Abstract With the increase in depth of mines, the movement and dispersion of particulate matter (PM) are very difficult to predict due to improper ventilation. Insufficient open pit ventilation remains the principal driver for the lack of dispersion and evacuation from mines and ultimately increases the time and amount of exposure to miners. Studies suggest that there is a direct and dependent relationship between the composition and exposure time to PM in mining operations. Furthermore, this paper helps the reader appreciate the need of carrying out studies to understand the nature of the dispersion of PM inside the mines.

Suitability of different growth substrates as source of nitrogen for sulfate reducing bacteria

Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) mediated treatment of acid mine drainage is considered as a globally accepted technology. However, inadequate information on the role of nitrogen source in the augmentation of SRB significantly affects the overall treatment process. Sustenance of SRB depends on suitable nitrogen source which is considered as an important nutrient. This review focuses on the different nitrogen rich growth substrates for their effectiveness to support SRB growth and sulfate reduction in passive bioreactors. Compounds like NH4Cl, NH4HCO3, NO3−, aniline, tri-nitrotoluene, cornsteep liquor, peptone, urea, and chitin are reported to have served as nitrogen source for SRB. In association with fermentative bacteria, SRB can metabolize these complex compounds to NH4+, amines, and amino acids. After incorporation into cells, these compounds take part in the biosynthesis of nucleic acids, amino acids and enzyme co-factor. This work describes the status of current and the probable directions of the future research.