Bioremediation of Former Coal Mining Land Using Natural Organic Matter

Abstract

Background: Post-coal-mining soils are typically characterized by severe edaphic degradation, including acidic pH, low cation exchange capacity (CEC), nutrient deficiencies, and reduced microbial activity. Methods: This study evaluated the effectiveness of compost, manure, and biochar applied at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% (w/w) in improving soil properties through a twelve-week ex situ bioremediation process. Measured parameters included pH, CEC, total N, available P and K, organic C, moisture, and microbial dynamics, with Zea mays used as an agronomic indicator. Results: Biochar produced the largest increases in soil pH and CEC, while compost and manure more effectively enhanced organic carbon and nitrogen mineralization. Soil pH improvement followed first-order kinetics with treatment-specific rate constants. The 10% amendment rate yielded the highest Zea mays growth. Conclusion: Overall, compost, manure, and biochar effectively improved post-mining soil quality, nutrient availability, and corn growth, with biochar showing the strongest overall effect. These amendments offer economical, environmentally friendly alternatives for sustainable bioremediation, reclamation, and revegetation of former coal mine land.