“Monitoring, Impact Assessment, and Management of Meio and Macrofauna: A Case Study on Mineral Mining in the Coastal Environment of Kerala, India”

The study presents the findings of the impact of open cast mining on meio and macro fauna in marine and estuarine ecosystems. Three samples were collected from each ecosystem type to assess benthic abundance and diversity. Our observations indicate that meio and macro benthos abundance is significantly lower in the marine areas directly adjacent to the open cast mining sites. Conversely, higher abundance was noted in estuarine areas, which are not in direct proximity to mining activities. However, diversity levels were found to be similar between the marine and estuarine ecosystems studied. Amongst meio fauna, the species observed were Foraminifera, Tintinnida, Bipalium sp. Globigerina sp. Nematode worms, and Gastropods including diatoms like Coscinodiscus sp, Pleurosigma sp, Nitzschia sp, Skeletonema sp, Coccoliths, Bacillaria sp, Gastrotricha, Copepods and Navicula Hasta. The identified macro-fauna consists of Lamellibranchs shells, Gastropods shells, Bivalve shells, Crustacea, Amphipods and Worms. These findings underscore the ecological consequences of open cast mining on marine and estuarine fauna, highlighting the differential impacts based on proximity to mining activities. The study emphasizes the importance of these results in guiding decision-making processes and framing targeted mitigation measures. Recommendations for mitigation are tailored to the specific processes and characteristics of the study area, aiming to minimize the adverse effects of open cast mining on marine and estuarine benthic communities. This research contributes valuable insights into the environmental implications of industrial activities in coastal areas, offering a scientific basis for sustainable mining and conservation efforts.