Paper Title
Coal Mine Dischargeimpacts on Aquatic Invertebrates in the Sydney Region
Abstract
Our previous work has confirmed the impact of coal mine industries on the quality of water and river sediments
in the Sydney basin region. Effluents generated from coal mine in some cases are highly contaminated with metals such as
aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn),and other contaminants. The impact of mine and
industrial activities on the river water ecosystems are investigated in this study. A substantial difference in community
structure was observed above and below point of mine influence. Analysis also suggests that the mine water discharged
affecting invertebrate communities in rivers above and below the discharge point has some relation with the heavy metal
presence. The approach used in this study aims to provide information to assess the impact of mining industries on aquatic
life and help enable systematic conservation plan.