Mining salinisation of rivers: its impact on diatom (Bacillariophyta) assemblages

Abstract

The composition of the diatom assemblages was analysed in four rivers of Upper Silesia, Poland in 2017. The diatom assemblages studied were found to reflect anthropogenic salinization caused by mining activities. The assemblages in those rivers characterised by the highest salinity (Bolina and Mleczna) showed a relatively low taxonomic richness. The diatom assemblages were dominated by species typical of brackish or marine waters. The rivers with a minimal or weak anthropogenic impact (Centuria and Mitręga) supported taxonomically richer diatom assemblages typical of mid-altitude siliceous or calcareous streams (respectively), that have a fine particulate substratum. The presence of a new species, Planothidium nanum sp. nov., was revealed. The new species shows a unique set of morphological characters, including small size; its elliptical outline as well as very widely-spaced central striae on the sternum valve (sinus) and widely-spaced central striae on the raphe valve allow to separate it from other similar Planothidium.

Distribution and ecology of two interesting diatom species Navicula flandriae Van de Vijver et Mertens and Planothidium nanum Bąk, Kryk et Halabowski in rivers of Southern Poland and their spring areas

“…Wasylik 1985;Kwandrans 1989Kwandrans , 1993Kwandrans , 1998Kwandrans et al 1998Kwandrans et al , 1999Kwandrans 2000Kwandrans , 2002Kawecka & Sanecki 2003;Wojtal & Kwandrans 2006;Cichoń 2016). Recently, the first major paper on the distribution and species composition of diatom assemblages in this region was published by Bąk et al (2020). However, it does not satisfactorily cover some important aspects and the authors suggest that further research is necessary, especially on secondary saline habitats (Bąk et al 2020).…”

“…Recently, the first major paper on the distribution and species composition of diatom assemblages in this region was published by Bąk et al (2020). However, it does not satisfactorily cover some important aspects and the authors suggest that further research is necessary, especially on secondary saline habitats (Bąk et al 2020). The conducted research showed that a large proportion of diatom assemblages in highly saline rivers can be represented by brackish and marine diatom species.…”

“…polymorpha Compère were included in a new method for assessing the ecological condition of flowing waters in Poland (Zgrundo et al 2018). Therefore, more research is required on these habitats as well as on the ecology and distribution of diatom species that have recently been found in Poland -Navicula flandriae Van de Vijver et Mertens (Beauger et al 2015) and Planothidium nanum Bąk, Kryk et Halabowski (Bąk et al 2020), especially the distribution of the former one. To date, they have only been reported from Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and Egypt from environments with different levels of salinity, indicating a relatively wide geographic and ecological distribution.…”

Triggers for the Impoverishment of the Macroinvertebrate Communities in the Human-Impacted Rivers of Two Central European Ecoregions

“…The deposition of fine-sediments and the introduction of nutrients from agricultural run-off are considered major threats to the most endangered freshwater macroinvertebrates such as mussels (Geist and Auerswald 2007;Lopes-Lima et al 2017). Anthropogenic (secondary) salinisation is responsible for the degradation of water quality on a worldwide scale and results in biological changes in ecosystems, mainly in freshwater biota (Bäthe and Coring 2011;Kang and King 2012;Arle and Wagner 2013;Bąk et al 2020;Sowa et al 2020). In addition, dioxins, pharmaceutical compounds and other chemicals can have chronic and acute effects on aquatic macroinvertebrates (Lopes-Lima et al 2017).…”

How Does Mining Salinisation Gradient Affect the Structure and Functioning of Macroinvertebrate Communities?

“…Previous studies have indicated that secondary salinisation is a major factor that is responsible for biological changes in aquatic ecosystems-the large amounts of ions in the water create adverse conditions for the development of freshwater biota (e.g. Williams et al 1990;Smoliński 2006; Bäthe and Coring 2011; Braukmann and Böhme 2011; Scheibler and Ciocco 2011; Kang and King 2012;Arle and Wagner 2013;Bąk et al 2020). The disappearance of aquatic plants in areas that are undergoing salinisation is one of the first visible effects (Williams 2001;.…”