Context:
A recent study conducted by the University of Southampton, UK, and the National Institute of Technology in Rourkela, India, reveals how mining dust, especially from open-cast mines, significantly impacts plant health and growth.
- The study was conducted in Jharsuguda, a coal mining region in Odisha, India, home to 16 active coal mines with vast coal reserves.
Understanding the Impact of Mining Dust:
- Open-cast mining generates large amounts of dust, which settles on nearby vegetation.
- The dust is composed of various metals, including lead, aluminum, and iron, which obstruct vital physiological processes necessary for plant survival.
- Mining dust primarily affects photosynthesis, light absorption, nutrient availability, gas exchange, and plant-pathogen interactions, all essential for plant growth.
How Mining Dust Affects Plant Functions:
1. Stomatal Obstruction:
o Dust particles block the stomata, tiny pores on leaves through which plants exchange gases like carbon dioxide and oxygen.
o This blockage disrupts carbon dioxide absorption, essential for photosynthesis, and impairs oxygen release, essential for the plant’s growth.
2. Reduced Carbon Uptake:
o The study revealed that for every additional gram of dust per square meter of leaves, carbon uptake decreased by 2 to 3 grams.
o This reduction in carbon uptake hinders the plant's ability to grow and thrive.
3. Impeded Transpiration:
o Transpiration, the process by which plants release water vapor through leaves, is also affected by mining dust.
o The reduction in transpiration ranged from 0.0005 to 0.0006 mm/m²/day per unit of dust, impairing the plant's ability to regulate its internal temperature, similar to how humans sweat to cool down.
Significance of the Study:
- This research highlights the need for further studies and environmental management strategies to mitigate mining dust's impact on ecosystems.
- As mining activities expand, understanding and addressing dust’s effects on plant health is vital for preserving vulnerable ecosystems.
