Abstract
An increase in water mineralization in the Kenti River has occurred as a result of mining at the Kostomuksha iron ore deposit (Republic of Karelia, north-west of the European part of Russia); it has become a relatively new type of anthropogenic impact. Meantime, the total mineralization of water in the upper reaches of the Kenti River reached 800 mg/L. The species composition, abundance and biomass of phytoplankton, phytoperiphyton, zooplankton, and zoobenthos were analyzed. The influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on the chemical composition and formation of the structure of aquatic biocoenoses was assessed. The trophic status of the river, its saprobity, and the significance of particular communities and biotic indices for bioindication of the ecological state was studied. Dominant complex of the Kenti River was represented by a small number of species that were resistant to the dynamic load of water. The abundance and biomass of phytoplankton, phytoperiphyton, zooplankton, and zoobenthos made it possible to conclude on rather high degree of their development in river, as well as on their vital activity and flexibility. It was then reported on the ability of the river ecosystem to restore.
Highlights
Hydrobiological studies on the freshwater tributaries of the White Sea began much later than the first researches performed in the sea itself
An increase in water mineralization in the Kenti River has occurred as a result of mining at the Kostomuksha iron ore deposit (Republic of Karelia, north-west of the European part of Russia); it has become a relatively new type of anthropogenic impact
We suggest that searching for the influence of anthropogenic factors may be much easier here than in other types of water bodies
Summary
Hydrobiological studies on the freshwater tributaries of the White Sea began much later than the first researches performed in the sea itself This was due to the lack of large-scale economic activities of the local population, whose density has always been low. Cases of extremely high pollution of watercourses, leading to a noticeable decrease in water quality and mass mortality of aquatic organisms, were not registered. This is due to the fact that most of the large settlements with developed industry are located along the shores of the White Sea. all river ecosystems, except the Kem’ River, are exposed to anthropogenic impact only in the estuaries
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