A novel approach to explore new means of depletion of potable water crisis by phytoremediation of Abandoned Coalmine Pitlake and generate alternate livelihood: A case study of Raniganj Coalfield, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Phytoremediation is using live plants to remove toxins and contaminants from land, water, or the air. Hydrocarbons, radionucleotides, fertilizers, explosives, heavy metals, and other contaminants are all efficiently removed from wastewater by this approach. Aquatic plants can be classified as free-floating, emergent, or submerged. Studies have been done on the capacity of Pontederia crassipes Mart. to extract pollutants like dissolved solids, and heavy metals from wastewater. The pollution of chromium in Indian chromite mining sites has also been addressed it and following phytoremediation, the biomass may be utilized to produce vermicompost, biogas, and bioethanol. Surface mining is producing changes in land use, land cover, and climate in the RCF area of West Bengal, India. By using aquatic plants to phytoremediate pit lakes (PLs), fresh water can be produced and chances for sustainable livelihoods can be created. The population in former mining regions has grown significantly, leading to the relinquishment of agriculture and the development of illegal mining and coal theft. This study aims to examine the literature on aquatic plant phytoremediation of water, emphasizing the necessity of phytoremediation of PL water in RCF and the potential applications of Pontederia crassipes Mart. biomass for the generation of biogas, bioethanol, and vermicompost.