Abstract
Coal and coal seam gas mining have impacts on the water and sediment quality in the proximity of the mining areas, increasing the concentrations of heavy metals downstream of the mine discharge points. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of coal mining on the environment in the Sydney region, by investigating macroinvertebrates and chlorophyll as indicators of industrial pollution and environmental impairment. The study revealed changes in abundance, taxonomic richness, and pollution sensitive macroinvertebrate groups. A statistical evaluation of the aquatic life was performed and a correlation of the contaminants with the presence of a community in the ecosystem were studied. The environmental sustainability of the investigated rivers and streams with water chemistry affecting the biological system was assessed. A non-uniformity in the changes were observed, indicating a difference in the tolerance level of different invertebrates.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1556 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-15 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 23 Jul 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright the Author(s) 2018. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.Keywords
- Aquatic life
- Coal mine
- Ecosystem
- Environmental impairment
- Industrial pollution
- Macroinvertebrate
- Stream invertebrate grade number-average level (SIGNAL)