Abstract
The Odiel River (SW Spain) is one of the most cited rivers in the scientific literature due to its high pollution degree, generated by more than 80 sulphide mines’ (mostly unrestored) contamination in the Iberian Pyritic Belt (IPB), that have been exploited for more than 5000 years. Along the river and its tributaries, the physico-chemical parameters and diatoms, from 15 sampling points, were analyzed in the laboratory. Physico-chemical parameters, water chemical analysis, together with richness and Shannon–Wiener indexes were integrated in a matrix. An initial graphical treatment allowed the definition and proposal of a functioning system model, as well as the establishment of cause–effect relationships between pollution and its effects on biota. Then, the proposed model was statistically validated by factor analysis. For acidic pH waters, high values of Eh, TDS, sulphate, ∑REE and ∑Ficklin were found, while diatomologic indicators took low values. Thus, factor analysis was a very effective tool for graphical treatment validation as well as for pollution–biota interaction models’ formulation, governed by two factors: AMD processes and water balance suffered by the studied river. As a novelty, the cause–effect relationships between high barium concentration and low diversity and richness were demonstrated in the IPB, for the first time.
Highlights
The Odiel river basin is located in the Iberian Pyritic Belt (IPB) and its streams are affected by acid mine drainage (AMD), which originates from pyritic minerals’ contact with air and water
Richness (n of species) and diversity (Shannon–Wiener Index) were the diatomological parameters taken into account to define the ecological status of each sampling point in order to compare with AMD pollution degree, translated into acidic pH
The ephemerality of many of these streams did not allow a seasonal sampling per hydrological year, because, as said above, this region is subjected to a negative hydric balance
Summary
The Odiel river basin is located in the Iberian Pyritic Belt (IPB) and its streams are affected by acid mine drainage (AMD), which originates from pyritic minerals’ contact with air and water. When AMD is incorporated into rivers, notable changes in water hydro-geochemistry and biota are observed The latter suffers alterations as a consequence of acidity and sulphate increase. Public Health 2021, 18, 8454 bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pollutants in the water food chain These processes are responsible for different pathological effects in biota, becoming lethal and always conditioning the species dominance and abundance, depending naturally on the pollution degree as well as on the adaptation capacity of each organism [1]. Richness (n of species) and diversity (Shannon–Wiener Index) were the diatomological parameters taken into account to define the ecological status of each sampling point in order to compare with AMD pollution degree, translated into acidic pH and high metal and sulphate concentrations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.