Mixed bacterial consortium as an emerging tool to remove hazardous trace metals from coal

► These coals contain 1.6-15.7% ash, low carbon content and high S content. ► Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn are in order of 1.96, 59.34, 26.98, 102.7, 14.4 and 172.5 ppm. ► A mixed bacterial consortium was used to remove the hazardous trace elements. ► It could remove >80% of Ni, Zn, Cd, Cu and Cr and ∼45% of Pb.