Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Coal Mining and Non-Mining Areas of Dhanbad

Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Coal Mining and Non-Mining Areas of Dhanbad

Vivek Raj

B.Tech, Sitamarhi Institute of Technology, Sitamarhi, Bihar.

Abstract: This study presents a comparative assessment of environmental quality in coal mining and non-coal mining areas of Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The investigation was conducted in the mining region of Jharia Coalfield and the residential area of Saraidhela. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare air and water quality parameters in both locations. Air quality assessment included monitoring of PM2.5, PM10, SO, NOx, and Air Quality Index (AQI). Higher concentrations of particulate matter were observed in the coal mining area due to drilling, blasting, coal transportation, and overburden dumping activities. Water quality analysis was also conducted to assess the impact of mining activities on groundwater. Parameters such as pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), hardness, iron concentration, and turbidity were evaluated. The mining area showed comparatively higher iron content and variation in pH, indicating possible influence of acid mine drainage and surface runoff from mining operations. The residential area exhibited relatively stable water quality parameters within acceptable limits. The study highlights significant environmental differences between coal mining and non-mining areas and emphasizes the need for effective pollution control and sustainable environmental management practices in mining regions.

INTRODUCTION:

The present study compares environmental conditions in the coal m Jharia with the non-mining residential area of Saraidhela, which represents an urban zone with minimal direct mining impact. While Saraidhela experiences urban pollution mainly due to vehicular emissions and domestic activities, Jharia is directly exposed to mining-related disturbances such as drilling, blasting, overburden dumping, coal transportation, and mine fire incidents. Coal mining activities in Jharia include underground mining, open-cast mining, drilling, blasting, overburden removal, coal handling, and transportation. While these activities contribute significantly to the development of the region, they also create serious environmental challenges. Continuous excavation and exposure of coal seams to air and water lead to various forms of pollution, including air contamination, land degradation, and groundwater quality deterioration,

Key words: Mining, Drilling, Blasting, TDS,.

. Study Area and Sampling Design:

The study was conducted in two different zones of Dhanbad to compare environmental conditions in coal mining and non-coal mining areas.

1. Coal Mining Area Jharia Coalfield.

   Jharia Coalfield is one of the major coal-producing regions of India and is operated mainly by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The area is characterized by intensive mining activities such as drilling, blasting, overburden dumping, coal transportation, and stockpiling. Continuous excavation and exposure of coal seams influence the surrounding air and groundwater quality. Due to these activities, the area is highly prone to dust generation, particulate matter concentration, and possible groundwater contamination through acid mine drainage and mineral leaching.

2. Non-Coal Mining Area Saraidhela.

Saraidhela is a residential and urban locality of Dhanbad with minimal direct impact from coal mining operations. Environmental conditions in this area are mainly influenced by urban activities such as vehicular emissions, domestic wastewater discharge, and construction activities.

This area was selected as a control site to compare environmental parameters with the mining zone

Sampling Locations For comparative analysis:

Two sampling locations were selected from each area:

1. Coal Mining Area (Jharia ) 2 groundwater sampling points (hand pump/bore well)

2. Non-Mining Area (Saraidhela) 2 groundwater sampling points Sampling sites were selected based on accessibility, population dependence on groundwater, and proximity to mining activities (in case of Jharia). All samples were collected following standard procedures and were analysed in laboratory for selected physic-chemical parameters. The selection of these two contrasting zones helps in identifying variations in environmental quality and assessing the direct impact of coal mining activities on groundwater and surrounding environment the selection of these two contrasting zones helps in identifying variations in environmental quality and assessing the direct impact of coal mining activities on groundwater and surrounding environment.

   Comparative Analysis of Groundwater Quality:

   TABLE01: Analysis of Groundwater Q Jharia (Coal Area QUALITY Vs Saraidhela(non-Coal Area)

   Sl. No.	Parameter	Unit	Jharia (Coal Area)	Saraidhela(no n-Coal Area)	IS10500 Acceptabl e Limit	IS10500 Permissible Limit
   1	pH	–	6.2 6.8	7.0 7.5	6.5 8.5	No relaxation
   2	TDS	mg/L	700 1100	400 650	500	2000
   3	Total Hardness	mg/L	350 500	200 300	200	600
   4	Iron (Fe)	mg/L	0.8 1.5	0.2 0.4	0.3	1.0
   5	Chloride	mg/L	180 300	100 180	250	1000
   6	Turbidity	NTU	3 6	1 2	1	5

   Conclusion:

   The comparative analysis of groundwater quality between Jharia (Coal Mining Area) and Saraidhela (Non-Coal Area) clearly shows significant variation when compared with IS 10500 drinking water standards.

   1. pH:

      Jharia water is slightly acidic (6.26.8) and sometimes below the acceptable limit (6.5), whereas Saraidhela (7.07.5) lies within the standard range (6.58.5).

      • Saraidhela is better.

   2. TDS:

      Jharia (7001100 mg/L) exceeds the acceptable limit (500 mg/L), while Saraidhela (400650 mg/L) is mostly closer to the acceptable limit and well within permissible limit (2000 mg/L).

      • Saraidhela is better.

   3. Total Hardness:

      Jharia (350500 mg/L) is much higher than acceptable limit (200 mg/L). Saraidhela (200300 mg/L) is comparatively lower.

      • Saraidhela is better.

        Iron (Fe):

        Jharia (0.81.5 mg/L) exceeds both acceptable (0.3 mg/L) and sometimes permissible limit (1.0 mg/L). Saraidhela (0.2 0.4 mg/L) is mostly within acceptable range.

      • Jharia is more contaminated.

   4. Chloride:

      Jharia (180300 mg/L) sometimes exceeds acceptable limit (250 mg/L), whereas Saraidhela (100180 mg/L) is within safe limits.

      • Saraidhela is better.

   5. h4>Turbidity:

      Jharia (36 NTU) exceeds acceptable (1 NTU) and sometimes permissible limit (5 NTU). Saraidhela (12 NTU) is much lower.

      • Saraidhela is better.

Research Overall Conclusion:

Groundwater quality in Jharia is more polluted and deteriorated compared to IS 10500 standards. Saraidhela groundwater is comparatively better and safer for drinking purposes

1. High Iron, TDS, Hardness, and Turbidity in Jharia clearly indicate the negative impact of coal mining activities on ground water quality.

Therefore, Jharia water requires proper treatment before drinking, while Saraidhela water is comparatively suitable with minimal treatment.

Observation :

The comparative analysis of groundwater quality between Jharia (coal mining area) and Saraidhela (non-mining area) clearly indicates significant variation in physicochemical parameters. Groundwater samples from Jharia show higher concentrations of TDS, Total Hardness, Iron, Chloride, and Turbidity compared to Saraidhela. In many cases, these values exceed the acceptable limits prescribed by IS 10500 drinking water standards. The slightly acidic pH and elevated iron levels in Jharia suggest the influence of coal mining activities and possible acid mine drainage the other hand, groundwater quality in Saraidhela is comparatively better, with most parameters lying within acceptable limits. This contrast between mining and non-mining areas clearly highlights the negative environmental impact of coal mining on groundwater resources. This observation is beneficial for understanding the direct relationship between mining activities and groundwater contamination. The study provides important baseline data for environmental monitoring and helps in identifying pollution sources. It also supports environmental planning, policy formulation, and implementation of water management strategies. Furthermore, the findings create awareness among local communities regarding potential health risks associated with contaminated groundwater and emphasize the need for regular water quality assessment and proper treatment measures. Overall, the observation confirms that mining activities significantly influence groundwater chemistry, and continuous monitoring and management are essential to protect water resources and public health.

Duration of study:

This research work was carried out by the author in the Dhanbad Coalfield region during the period from 01 MAR 2024 to 01 31 DEC 2024. The study included material testing, brick manufacturing, and comparative data analysis as per IS standards.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

The authors sincerely acknowledge RTBT Infrastructure Developer Pvt. Ltd., Ranchi (www.rtbtltd.com; support@rtbtltd.com) and Shree Fly Ash Industries, Govind, Dhanbad, for their valuable technical support and cooperation during this research study.

REFERENCES:

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3. World Health Organization (WHO), 2017. Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. 4th Edition. Geneva: WHO.

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