Pedosphere 36(1): 77--95, 2026
ISSN 1002-0160/CN 32-1315/P
©2026 Soil Science Society of China
Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press
| Effects of mining pollution and climate change on microbial communities and human health |
Salome MULIKITA1, Mohanadoss PONRAJ1 , Moola MUTONDO1, Kenneth MASEKA2 |
1 Department of Biological Sciences, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (SMNS), Copperbelt University, Kitwe 21692 (Zambia);
2 Department of Chemistry, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (SMNS), Copperbelt University, Kitwe 21692 (Zambia) |
| ABSTRACT |
| The Earth’s environment is undergoing significant transformation due to mining, pollution, and climate change. Although mining is essential for economic development, it contributes significantly to the release of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) that threaten human health and destabilize microbial communities. Anthropogenic climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, alters water availability and soil composition, further affecting ecosystem balance and microbial diversity. This review aggregates findings from studies covering the last two decades to assess how mining pollution and climate change impact microbial diversity, their adaptation mechanisms, and the associated health risks. It reveals that environmental stressors favour resistant microbial taxa while eliminating sensitive species, thereby reshaping microbial ecosystems. Microorganisms demonstrate genetic, biochemical, and physiological adaptations that enable them to survive in polluted or changing environments, often resulting in a higher prevalence of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant strains. These variations in microbial dynamics contribute to health challenges such as respiratory infections, foodborne illnesses, and increased exposure in children and immune-compromised individuals. The review highlights the linkages between environmental degradation, microbial ecology, and human health, underscoring the need for integrative policies and interventions to mitigate long-term risks, support microbial ecosystem stability, promote sustainable health and agricultural outcomes. |
| Key Words: antibiotic-resistant strains|environmental degradation|microbial adaptation|microbial diversity|potentially harmful elements (PHEs) |
| Citation: Mulikita S, Ponraj M, Mutondo M, Maseka K. 2026. Effects of mining pollution and climate change on microbial communities and human health. Pedosphere. 36(1): 77-95. |
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