All things black are not beautiful

ENVIRONMENT

When coal is burnt, the radioactive elements can concentrate up to 10 times the original level in the form of by-products like fly ash. The fly ash carries more radiation than a nuclear plant.

Coal is found abundantly and is cheap among all other fossil fuels. Coal is formed by vegetation that got trapped millions of years ago when the surface of the earth was covered with swamps. When trees died, it fell into the swamps and gradually the remains of plants formed peat. Eventually peat, combined with soil and sediment and coal came into existence, which is rich in carbon.

In earlier times too, coal was used predominantly. The availability of coal and its numerous uses made it so famous that coal was mined in huge quantities. Hence, coal mining was started.

Impacts of mining on the environment.

The coal reserves are primarily located deep within the earth. And accessing coal is very difficult. Forests are cleared while searching for the location of coal.

Mountaintop removal mining is another type of coal mining in which the outer region of mountain is mined to such a level that it is destroyed. This destruction of the outer parts of mountains renders the mountains empty and barren, and there is loss of natural habitat. Coal mining pollutes or contaminates surrounding land and water. This creates an imbalance in the ecosystem, leading to disruptions. When underground or outcrops coal seams catch fire, they emit harmful gases, causing air pollution. This fire not only pollutes air but also, water, and land. These fires are difficult to put out, in fact, it is impossible.

Coal mining demands the removal of top soil. Removal of top soil makes the soil loose. This leads to erosion, habitat loss, and pollution. Not only these but coal mining also destroys the landscape and displace wildlife and habitat. Local communities are affected. Mining destabilises the land, and the land becomes unfit for growing crops.

Mining of coal causes acid mine drainage. The heavy metals dissolve into the soil, seeping into underground water.

The burning of coal and fuel oil emits ash particles. It generates coal ash. This ash is radioactive.

The use of coal as an energy source emits acid rain and particulate emission, to name a few. The emissions from coal plant causes acid rain. Acid rain mainly occurs in an industrial area, when the industries release chemicals such as the oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. The oxides then mix with water and other chemicals, and this rain forms in the form of acid carrying rain water. Acid rain disrupts the level of pH of water bodies. Marine life gets affected due to acid rain. Consumption of these fishes can cause several issues, such as nervous, digestive, and immune systems. Also, due to acidic clouds, trees do not get the right amount of sunlight because it blocks sunlight.

Coal is not harmful in its natural state, although it contains uranium and thorium. But when it is burnt, the radioactive elements can concentrate up to 10 times the original level in the form of by-products like fly ash. The fly ash carries more radiation than nuclear plant.

The gases released as by-product of coal burning contribute to global climate change. Coal burning produces methane, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide not only causes air pollution but also causes respiratory problems. These problems remain for a more extended period and are sometimes even permanent. Air pollution caused by carbon monoxide triggers the attack of asthma and intense chest pain. Lead is another by-product released by coal on its burning. Extreme exposure to lead causes constipation, depression, abdominal pain, irritation, and nausea. Coal miners are prone to lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and "black lung" due to their exposure to coal dust. The methane produced, may cause diseases such as neurological and cardiovascular. Methane gas, when mixed with water, forms toxic chemicals, causing harm to marine life. Methane is primarily found in the same place, just like coal. So, when coal is mined, methane is released, a potent greenhouse gas.

Power plants that are coal-based burn coal to produce heat. The heat is then converted into electricity. On burning the coal, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere from the smokestacks of the power plant. Carbon dioxide in air forms smog and causes air pollution.

Coal emits mercury, and mercury is said to damage nervous system, and causes developmental issues in children and babies in humans.

Coal mining impacts land. Strip mining changes landscape and it reduces the value of natural environment. Strip mining removes the existing vegetation. Besides, it also destroys genetic soil profile, displaces, and even sometimes destroys habitat and wildlife at that area.

Coal mining has a significant impact on climate. Coal, alone, contributes around 70 per cent of the greenhouse gases. As a matter of fact, the average temperature has been increasing every decade. Due to climate change, wild fires, hurricanes, the death of coral reefs, droughts, and crop decline, sea level rise has become common in some countries.

Coal mining has a lot of harmful effects on the environment. The use of coal must be limited. Somewhat, the dependence on coal must be reduced, and initiatives are to be taken by the government and organisations. As an individual as well, limit its use. Instead, use more renewable energy. Coal is a non- renewable source of energy, and if proper measures are not taken to reduce its consumption, then coal will run out someday. Currently, coal is burnt at huge non sustainable rates, and if this rate continues, we will run out of coal by 2060, as predicted. So, the use of coal must be done wisely so as to protect the environment and preserve non-renewable energy from running out entirely from the earth.

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