Can saline pit lakes offer biodiversity values at closure?
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Title
IMWA 2021 – "Mine Water Management for Future Generations"
Publisher
International Mine Water Association
School
School of Science
RAS ID
45254
Funders
Australian Coal Association Research Program / Edith Cowan University
Abstract
Saline pit lakes are considered to have few prospects upon closure. However, naturally occurring saline lakes may have outstanding biodiversity values. Therefore, we assessed the limnology and biodiversity of four saline pit lakes (≈3.2-10.5 mS cm -1) from Australia’s main coal-producing regions. Nutrients, metals, metalloids and major ions were collected as well as physico-chemical profiles throughout the water column. ‘Biodiversity values’ of lakes were determined via macroinvertebrate, diatom, and plankton assemblages. Lakes were stratified by temperature but not salinity. Salinity did not appear to drive (nor limit) biodiversity in lakes, and relatively neutral pH indicated opportunity to improve existing biodiversity through rehabilitation. We also discuss the risks and opportunities of using saline pit lakes as ecosystems at closure in this brief presentation.
Access Rights
free_to_read
Comments
Lund, M. A., & Blanchette, M. L. (2021). Can saline pit lakes offer biodiversity values at closure?. In Twelfth International Symposium on Human Aspects of Information Security & Assurance (HAISA 2018) (pp. 300-306). International Mine Water Association. https://www.imwa.info/imwaconferencesandcongresses/proceedings/325-proceedings-2021.html