Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper


Vol.13, Issue 2, 2007

Page Number: 319-325

RECLAMATION OF COAL-MINE OVERBURDEN DUMP THROUGH VEGETATION AND ASSOCIATION WITH MACRO-FAUNA

Indu Gupta, A.C. Gorai and R. S. Singh

Abstract

A study was conducted on overburden mine spoil in Mandaman Coal Mine located in Dhanbad district under Jharkhand State.The results indicated that plant overburden mine spoil are not phytotoxic for the flora as well as fauna. Soil fertility of overburden dump was increased by vegetation. Physical and chemical analysis of OB dump was done. It was found that re-vegetation increased the fertility of the soil. Fertility was also enhanced by the invertebrates like, earthworm, termites and ants.Although mine spoils are rich in heavy metals like Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, etc.These micro-nutrients did not affect the plant because these are on the lowest side. Invertebrates like termites, ants and earthworms present in the soil stimulate the microbial activity lead to the reclamation of land.