Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Absidia spinosa, a filamentous fungus from coal mines, effectively inhibits coal spontaneous combustion by covering and repairing coal pores, reducing oxygen availability. • The fungus significantly alters coal's active functional groups, increasing ignition temperature by 25.34 °C and reducing total heat release by ~32.58%. • Genomic analysis reveals genes for oxygen consumption, small molecule degradation, and metabolic secretion, linking to coal decomposition pathways. • This eco-friendly biological method offers a sustainable alternative to traditional physical and chemical fire prevention techniques in goaf areas.
Abstract
Early prevention and control of coal spontaneous combustion have emerged as a critical research area in coal mine safety. Due to their sustainability and environmental friendliness, microorganisms have gained attention. A filamentous fungus was collected in the coal mine and identified as Absidia spinosa. Results indicated that the mycelium effectively covered and repaired many coal pores. The oxygen consumption ratio of A. spinosa was higher in coal-containing environments than in coal-free conditions. The fungus significantly impacted aliphatic functional groups, disrupting bridging bonds and side chains connected to aromatic structures and reducing the relative content of CAO bonds. Additionally, A. spinosa increases the ignition temperature by 25.34 °C. The total heat release was decreased by approximately 32.58 %, and the activation energies were increased. The genome of Absidia spinosa revealed genes related to oxygen consumption, small molecule degradation, and secretion of metabolic products, such as those annotated under GO ID: 0140657, etc. The pathways involved in the degradation of small organic molecules (e.g., ko00626, etc.), carbon fixation, and nitrogen cycling, all linked to coal decomposition. Through oxygen consumption and the alteration of coal-active structures, A. spinosa effectively inhibits CSC, providing an experimental basis for exploring eco-friendly biological control methods in the goaf.
1. Introduction
Coal fire hazards represent one of the most critical threats to the coal industry. Among various types of mine fires, spontaneous combustion accounts for approximately 85 % to 90 % of the total incidents. Notably, goaf is one of the areas where coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) is most serious [1], accounting for more than 60 % of the total number of spontaneous combustion areas [2].
Physical and chemical techniques have been widely employed to contain the disaster, based on principles such as oxygen isolation [3], heat absorption and dissipation, and chemical inhibition. Physical means include the injection of inert gases [4], grouting [5], and balanced pressure [6]. Chemical approaches primarily involve spraying fire retardants [7], which aim to achieve early-stage prevention and control of CSC [8]. However, these physical prevention techniques exhibit certain limitations. For instance, although inert gas injection can achieve rapid cooling and wide diffusion, the gases are prone to leakage, significantly reducing effectiveness if timely replenishment is not ensured. Grouting offers advantages such as low cost, operational simplicity, and high safety. Nonetheless, the large volume of slurry may lead to pipeline blockage, and the coverage may be insufficient in some areas, compromising its efficacy. Pressure balance, which adjusts air pressure using existing ventilation systems, is simple and easy to operate. Yet, it imposes high demands on the operation of ventilation fans and the management of airflow networks, potentially introducing safety risks.
With the research into the mechanisms and reaction pathways of CSC [9], it has been established that the oxidation process is primarily driven by the interaction between active functional groups and oxygen. The higher the concentration of these active groups, the more intense their oxidative reactions [10]. Consequently, the critical factor for the prevention and control of CSC is the effective elimination or reduction of such active functional groups [11]. Studies have shown that the key elements influencing heat release during the CSC process are carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). Among the various functional groups involved in coal oxidation, ACH2A and AC@O are identified as the primary active groups [12], wi
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Xuanmeng Dong, Botao Qin, Fusheng Wang, Xiangming Hu, Liwen Guo, Tiesheng Han (2025). Characteristics and genomic mechanism of Absidia spinosa in inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.10.004
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of Absidia spinosa in inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion?
Absidia spinosa, a filamentous fungus, inhibits coal spontaneous combustion by covering and repairing coal pores, consuming oxygen, and altering coal's active functional groups, thereby reducing heat release and increasing ignition temperature.
How does Absidia spinosa affect coal's functional groups?
The fungus significantly impacts aliphatic functional groups, disrupting bridging bonds and side chains connected to aromatic structures, and reducing the relative content of CAO bonds, which are key to oxidation.
What are the genomic mechanisms behind Absidia spinosa's inhibitory effect?
Genomic analysis reveals genes related to oxygen consumption, small molecule degradation, and secretion of metabolic products, with pathways involved in degradation of small organic molecules, carbon fixation, and nitrogen cycling, all linked to coal decomposition.
What are the quantitative effects of Absidia spinosa on coal combustion parameters?
The fungus increases the ignition temperature by 25.34 °C, decreases total heat release by approximately 32.58%, and increases activation energies, indicating enhanced thermal stability.
Why is biological control using Absidia spinosa considered eco-friendly?
Biological control using microorganisms like Absidia spinosa is sustainable and environmentally friendly compared to traditional physical and chemical methods, offering a green alternative for preventing coal spontaneous combustion in goaf areas.
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