Biotic and abiotic characteristics of ecosystems on acid metalliferous mine tailings near Sudbury, Ontario

Abstract

INCO Ltd., a large mining company near Sudbury, Ont., deposits vast amounts of tailings on its property. These tailings contain elevated levels of Cu, Ni, and sulphides, and to curtail dust and acid drainage, INCO has undertaken a long-term project to cover its tailings with vegetation. Yearly amelioration of fresh tailings with limestone and fertilizer, followed by seeding with various grasses and herbs, transplanted conifers, and the later colonization of volunteer species of plants from adjoining forests, has resulted in the formation of ecosystems of varying age and complexity. To assess the long-term effectiveness of INCO's vegetation techniques, we studied floral diversity, attributes of developing soils, and the accumulation of Cu and Ni in various plant species growing on tailings at different stages of development. Habitat disturbance by tailings deposition, and its subsequent floral recolonizaton, is an example of "anthropogenic succession." Tailings that do not receive amelioration in the form ...