A review of present information on the zoogeography of Chironomidae at subfamily and generic levels is given. The known distribution, including some previously unpublished records, of all recognisable genera (307) and subgenera (56) is tabulated according to zoogeographical region. The greatest number of genera is known from the Nearctic (202)
Passive treatment systems have primarily been used at abandoned mines to increase pH and remove metals from the drainage water. Two pilot-scale treatment wetlands were constructed and monitored at an active lead/zinc mine (Tara Mines) in Ireland to treat alkaline mine water with elevated sulfate and metal levels. Each system comprised three in-series surface-flow cells that contained spent mushroom compost substrate. Typically, aqueous concentrations of 900 mg L -1 sulfate, 0.15 mg L -1 lead, and 2.0 mg L -1 zinc flowed into the treatment wetlands at c. 1.5 L min -1 . During a two-year monitoring period, removal of sulfate (mean of 10.4 g m -2 day -1 (31%), range of 0-42 g m -2 day -1 (0-81%)), lead (mean of 1.9 mg m -2 day -1 (32%), range of 0-6.6 mg m -2 day -1 (0-64%)) and zinc (mean of 18.2 mg m -2 day -1 (74%), range of 0-70 mg m -2 day -1 (0-99%)) were achieved. These contaminants were somewhat associated with the vegetation roots but more significantly with the substrate. Communities of colonizing macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, algae, and microorganisms contributed to the development of a diverse ecosystem, which proved to be a successful alternative treatment process. The interacting processes within the wetland ecosystems responsible for wastewater decontamination are being further elucidated and quantified using a systems dynamic model.
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