Aspergillus sibiricus (Aspergillaceae, Eurotiales), a novel acid-tolerant species in Aspergillus section Fumigati

A novel species in Aspergillus section Fumigati is described as Aspergillus sibiricus. The new species was isolated from an open coal mine in Altai, Siberia, Russia and is represented by ex-type strain CBS 143307. We used a polyphasic taxonomic approach to characterise the species. A description based on morphological features is provided and shows that the new species differs morphologically from closely related species (A. assulatus, A. nishimurae and A. waksmanii). Partial sequences of the loci encoding β-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM), ribosomal polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) and internal transcribed spacer rDNA region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) were analyzed as well. Sequences data, macro- and micromorphological and physiological characteristics distinguish A. sibiricus from all known species in section Fumigati, series Unilaterales. A. sibiricus, isolated from an acidic habitat (pH 3.2–3.4), is able to grow at pH 2 and is considered an acid-resistant species.

Ensuring Safe Working Conditions during the Operation of the Closed Coal Storages

It is noted that the relevance of the presented studies is related to the need in reducing the aerotechnogenic load on the environment, which, when the coal is stored in the open storage, is practically uncontrollable that leads to the dust pollution of the significant territories. It is shown that ensuring safe operation of the closed coal storages, which are an alternative to the open coal storage, is possible if two conditions are met: the concentration of methane released from the coal stack in the air space of the storage does not exceed the permissible values; reduction to the required level of emissions of coal dust generated during loading and unloading technological operations. The reasons for possible release of methane from the stored coal associated with its residual methane content, the value of which is determined both by the initial value, as well as its decrease during the transportation of coal from the place of its production to the closed storage were identified. It is shown that in order to prevent exceeding the permissible value of methane concentration in the closed storage, it is required to use forced ventilation with an air exchange rate of at least two. It is mentioned that the forced ventilation in combination with the significant volumes of coal dust generated during technological operations can result in an increase in its concentration to the values hazardous for the human health. The analysis of methods for normalizing the dust environment during the operation of closed coal storages is given. The scientific novelty of research is associated with a comprehensive study of the regularities of aero-, gas- and dust-dynamic processes that determine safety of operation of the closed coal storages.

Risk factors for structural and functional changes of the heart in coal industry workers

Introduction. Working conditions at workplaces of coal industry enterprises are characterized by harmful factors exceeding the maximum permissible levels. These include coal-rock dust, noise, vibration, sudden temperature changes, etc. Conversely, unfavourable working conditions increase the risk of developing not only occupational but also work-related diseases. The objective of the study was to study the influence of industrial and common risk factors for cardiovascular diseases on structural and functional changes in the heart in coal industry workers. Material and methods. The study included 130 workers in coal mines in the South of Kuzbass and 78 workers in open coal pits, ranging from 40 to 55 years. The exclusion criteria from the study were the presence of any somatic pathology that could lead to structural and functional changes in the heart. In addition, all subjects underwent echocardiography to determine the structural and functional indices of the heart. Results. Lower values of ejection fraction and longitudinal deformation of the left ventricle were found among the workers in underground coal mining. At the same time, a decrease in the latter was revealed in 19.3% of the miners versus 7.6% of the workers in open coal pits (p=0.025). There was no association between reducing left ventricular longitudinal deformation and common risk factors in coal mine workers, in contrast, to open coal pit workers. The initial manifestations of diastolic dysfunction of the right ventricle in the group of workers of underground coal mining were revealed, which in the correlation analysis had a relationship with the indices of external respiration function. Conclusion. The decrease in the global longitudinal left ventricular myocardial deformation among miners is not associated with the studied common cardiovascular risk factors. Still, it is related to the influence of a complex of unfavourable production factors. Reduced indices of external respiration function affect the initial manifestations of diastolic dysfunction of the right ventricle in the workers of underground coal mining.

An Automated Solution for Controlling Random Fires on Coal Yards

In spite of recent moves to wean the world of fossil fuels, coal remains the main source of power in many countries. Coal yards are prone to spontaneous ignition, a problem faced in every country that stores or transports coal. Depending on the environment – temperature, ventilation, and the rank of the coal – heating and self-ignition can be a longer or shorter process, but the possibility can never be entirely dismissed. A plethora of studies have modelled this oxidation behaviour and proposed countermeasures. Most often, human intervention is necessary, which is both slow and dangerous for the firefighters involved. In this study, we propose to build a complete firefighting solution which is mounted on a number of towers sufficient to cover the area of an open coal yard, complete with redundancy. Each tower includes an inexpensive infrared detector, software to identify areas of elevated temperature, and a water dispenser. The heat detection software calculates the parameters to position the water dispenser so that it covers the area. A prototype has been built from inexpensive components to demonstrate the effectiveness at detecting and extinguishing arising fires. This work has been conducted in collaboration with the managers of the coal yard of a power plant.

Reclaiming Open Coal Spoils by Mixed Woodland: Varteg (Wales), 10 Year Results

Many reclaimed opencast coal-lands in Wales are now seriously degraded. This study explores the 10-year growth of native trees planted on compacted coal spoil. It compares the relative benefits of planting with spent mushroom compost (SMC) or well-rotted farmyard manure (FYM), both with and without supplementary fertilizer. Four main tree species—Common Alder, Oak, Scots Pine and Silver Birch—are considered. The survival of SMC-planted trees (77%) was significantly higher than for FYM-planted (72%). In Year 10, SMC-planted trees were significantly taller than those planted with FYM (4.75 vs. 4.57 m, respectively). Similarly, basal diameter (measured above the root collar) was larger among the SMC-planted trees. Discriminant analysis showed that the key discriminating variable between SMC-planted and FYM-planted trees was the type of fertilizer applied during planting. Adding slow-release fertilizer (SRF) and SRF plus superphosphate (SRF + P2O5) was beneficial to FYM-planted trees. Fertilizer supplements often favor the growth of FYM-planted trees in the early years, but later SMC-planted trees take the lead. The only species that benefited long term from FYM or fertilizer supplements was Alder. Overall, SMC-planted trees perform better than FYM-planted trees, but some of the difference can be mitigated by supplementary fertilization. Overall, SMC-planted trees perform better than FYM-planted trees.

Raman estimates of the thermal effect on tree trunks in the Siberian Traps lavas and volcaniclastics

<p>Tree trunks in lava flows and volcaniclastics of the Siberian Traps witness volcanic activity's violent and rapid onset. Carbonized and petrified trees preserve the peak metamorphic temperatures, which can be estimated using Raman spectroscopy. We have conducted a Raman study of the tree trunks and wooden fragments trapped in the Siberian Traps volcaniclastics and lavas on the Tunguska basin's northwestern region (Norilsk area). The first sample set was taken from volcaniclastic rocks of the Kureika River. The second sample set was collected from the lowermost lava flow of Ivakinskaya Formation that erupted directly on the end-Permian boggy surface (Tunguska Group of Carboniferous-Permian age) and from the coal-bearing inter lava seam at Red Rocks outcrop near Talnakh. The third sample set was taken from in the basal part of the Ivakinskaya Fm lowermost lava flow erupted in a shallow water basin with pillow basalt formation (Ore Brook near Norilsk). The fourth sample set was taken from an open coal pit with shallow dolerites intruded into the late Permian part of the Tunguska Group (near Kajerkan). We analyzed carbonized wood with a Renishaw InVia Qontor with 532 nm laser and processed all spectra with Henry et al. (2018) recommendations. The peak metamorphic temperature was calculated from Deldicque et al. (2016) equation 2. The tree trunks of the first sample set (Kureika River volcaniclastics) have a narrow median temperature range (430-468oC with one sample of 612oC). The second sample set from tree trunks in lavas and the coal-bearing inter lava seam (Red Rocks near Talnakh) ranges between 343-658oC and 742-764oC. The third sample set from pillow basalt at the basal part of Ivakinskaya Fm. (Ore Brook near Norilsk) also has a narrow temperature range (503-535oC with one sample of 650oC). The last sample set from the open coal pit (near Kajerkan) has a wide median temperature range (388-632oC).</p><p>We explain these variations by different styles of the Siberian Traps eruption. At the Kureika River, the end-Permian forest was buried and carbonized by tephra. At the Talnakh area, lava flow erupted on the boggy surface, whereas in the Norilsk area, the lava flow erupted into the freshwater basin.</p><p> </p><p>Henry, D.G. et al. (2018). Int. J Coal Geol, 191: 135-151</p><p>Deldicque, D. et al. (2016). Carbon, 102: 319-329</p>

Agropopulations of Trifolium hybridum (Fabaceae) on the coal mining spoils in the forest-steppe of the Kuznetsk basin

The agropopulations of Trifolium hybridum L. were studied in the agricultural phytocenoses established on the levelled coal mining spoils in the Kuzbas mining region (West Siberia, Russia). The clover was found to last in such agrophytocenoses for more than 20 years, whereas in agricultural phytocenoses on the zonal soils it lasted usually for 5-8 years. All studied communities were dominated by virginal and young generative plants. The optimal conditions for the clover growth and development in the disturbed areas were observed in the mixed (legumes and grasses) agrophytocenosis on the hydraulic dump. For the first time T. hybridum was found to be a species perspective for restoring vegetation cover in areas disturbed by open coal mining.