COMPARATIVE MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF INDIGENOUS MICROBIAL DIVERSITY OF CHERAT, DARA ADAM KHEL, AND DUKI COAL, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KP)

Abstract

Coal fields harbour a hidden world of bacteria and other small organisms. These organisms decompose coal, emit gases, and alter the surrounding soil properties. Although Pakistan is blessed with a large coal reserve in KP, very few molecular studies have been conducted on these coal microbes in Pakistan. This study examined the indigenous bacterial diversity of coal samples from three sites, Cherat, Dara Adam Khel, and Duki. Sixty samples of coal were collected from each site, for a total of 180 samples. The research design was quantitative. Samples were tested using standard microbiological culture methods and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify the bacteria present. The pH, moisture, and sulfur content of the coal were also determined. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and a one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the three sites. Across all sites, the most prevalent bacterial groups were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, with varying levels of abundance. The highest bacterial diversity was found in Dara Adam Khel, and the lowest in Duki. There was a statistically significant difference between sites. The present study is of great significance in the field of microbiology of Pakistani coal and provides useful baseline data for future studies on coal bed methane, bioremediation, and industrial utilization of coal microbes. The research also provides policy guidance and information to mining companies and policymakers interested in using these microbes in a safe and beneficial manner.