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Acid Mine Drainage Effects in the Hydrobiology of Freshwater Streams from Three Mining Areas (SW Portugal): A Statistical Approach

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  • Ana Teresa Luís

    (Department of Geosciences, GeoBioTec—Geobiosciences, Geotechnologies and Geoengineering Research Center, Campus de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    Department of Mining, Mechanic, Energetic and Construction Engineering, Higher Technical School of Engineering, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain)

  • José Antonio Grande

    (Department of Mining, Mechanic, Energetic and Construction Engineering, Higher Technical School of Engineering, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain)

  • Nuno Durães

    (Department of Geosciences, GeoBioTec—Geobiosciences, Geotechnologies and Geoengineering Research Center, Campus de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • María Santisteban

    (Department of Mining, Mechanic, Energetic and Construction Engineering, Higher Technical School of Engineering, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain)

  • Ángel Mariano Rodríguez-Pérez

    (Department of Mining, Mechanic, Energetic and Construction Engineering, Higher Technical School of Engineering, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain)

  • Eduardo Ferreira da Silva

    (Department of Geosciences, GeoBioTec—Geobiosciences, Geotechnologies and Geoengineering Research Center, Campus de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

Aljustrel, Lousal and S. Domingos mines are located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), one of the greatest massive sulfide ore deposits worldwide. These mines’ surrounding streams are affected by Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). The main purpose of this study was to understand AMD influence in the water quality and diatom behavior. Thus, waters and diatoms were sampled in 6 sites from the 3 selected mines on winter and summer of 2016. The highest concentrations were found in acidic sites: A3 (Aljustrel—Al, Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn (and lowest pH)) and L1 (Lousal—As, Mn, Ca, Mg, SO 4 2− and conductivity). The most abundant diatom species was Pinnularia aljustrelica with 100% of dominance in A3 and S1 acidic sites, which puts in evidence this species adaptation to AMD harsh conditions. Multivariate cluster analysis allowed us to reinforce results from previous studies, where spatial differences were more relevant than seasonal ones. In 12 years (2004–2016), and with many transformations undertaken (re-opening and rehabilitation), there is a conservative behavior in the biological species (diatoms) and physicochemical concentrations (metals, pH and sulfates) from these three mining sites. This type of biogeochemical diagnosis is necessary for the sustainable use of these waters and the prevention of the polluting process, aimed to protect the water ecosystem and its biodiversity.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Teresa Luís & José Antonio Grande & Nuno Durães & María Santisteban & Ángel Mariano Rodríguez-Pérez & Eduardo Ferreira da Silva, 2022. "Acid Mine Drainage Effects in the Hydrobiology of Freshwater Streams from Three Mining Areas (SW Portugal): A Statistical Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-10, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:10810-:d:902094
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jose Grande & Antonio Jiménez & José Borrego & María Torre & Tamara Gómez, 2010. "Relationships Between Conductivity and pH in Channels Exposed to Acid Mine Drainage Processes: Study of a Large Mass of Data Using Classical Statistics," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 24(15), pages 4579-4587, December.
    2. José A. Grande & Ana Teresa Luís & Francisco Córdoba & Mercedes Leiva & José Miguel Dávila & Juan Carlos Fortes & María Santisteban & Eduardo Ferreira da Silva & Aguasanta Miguel Sarmiento, 2021. "Odiel River (SW Spain), a Singular Scenario Affected by Acid Mine Drainage (AMD): Graphical and Statistical Models to Assess Diatoms and Water Hydrogeochemistry Interactions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-17, August.
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