Coal-Microbe Interactions: A Review

Abstract

Coal remains a crucial fossil fuel for industrial applications and energy production, but its extraction and combustion pose significant environmental and health challenges. Microbial interactions with coal offer promising avenues for coal beneficiation, bioremediation, and sustainable energy applications. This review examines the complex relationships between coal and microbial communities, particularly focusing on the role of bacteria and fungi, as well as their genes in coal biodegradation. The molecular composition of low-rank coal (LRC) is discussed to shed light on microbial colonization mechanisms and their ability to alter coal structures. Additionally, this review highlights microbial consortia that thrive in coal-associated environments, contributing to the breakdown of both organic and inorganic components. Understanding these interactions can pave the way for biotechnological solutions aimed at reducing coal-related pollution, enhancing processes like coal liquefaction and gasification, and improving the overall efficiency of coal utilization. By leveraging microbial capabilities, researchers can explore innovative strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of coal use while optimizing its potential across various industrial applications.