Overview
- Location: The study focuses on the effects of coal dust from open-cast coal mining in Jharsuguda, Odisha, a key region for coal production in India.
- Findings: Dust from mining operations is clogging plant leaves, reducing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and affecting their water vapour release, which could worsen global warming.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment )
Insights from the Study
Impact on Carbon Absorption:
- Plants covered in mining dust absorbed 2-3 grams less carbon per square meter of leaf area, compared to dust-free leaves.
- Reduced carbon absorption means more carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Effect on Transpiration:
- Dust-clogged stomata (leaf pores) affect transpiration, reducing a plant’s ability to release water vapour.
- Without effective transpiration, plants cannot regulate their temperature properly, leading to stunted growth or even death over time.
Long-Term Ecological Damage:
- The cumulative effect of reduced carbon absorption and poor transpiration could have long-term consequences for local ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and regional climate regulation.
Study Methodology:
- Researchers used satellite data from Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, and PlanetScope to estimate how much dust settled on plant leaves.
- In-situ validation was done by collecting 300 leaf samples in Jharsuguda, confirming the satellite-derived estimates.
Impact on Large Areas:
- Though individual plants lose small amounts of carbon, the cumulative effect on vast forested areas or vegetation near mining sites can be significant over time.
Environmental and Health Implications
- Air Pollution: Open-cast mining produces large amounts of dust, which not only pollutes the air but also affects human health by causing respiratory issues.
- Temperature Regulation: Without effective transpiration, plants may become warmer, affecting their growth and the overall local microclimate.
Potential Solutions
- Monitoring Dust Pollution: The study suggests the use of satellite data as a cost-effective way for governments to monitor dust pollution in mining areas and identify pollution hotspots.
- Mitigation Measures:
- Water sprays on mining sites to reduce dust dispersion.
- Dust barriers around vegetation areas to protect plants from excessive dust deposition.
- Stricter Regulations: Experts stress the need for stringent measures to curb dust emissions from mining operations to protect both human health and ecosystems.
