Inland Dunes Research Articles

Mites from the Suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Bory Tucholskie National Park—One of the Youngest National Parks in Poland

The state of research into acarofauna in Polish national parks is very uneven. One of the least examined areas in this regard is Bory Tucholskie National Park (BTNP), established in 1996. The aim of the current research was to explore the species diversity and community structure of mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata), inhabiting different forest, open, and unstable microhabitats in the area of BTNP. Based on the analysis of over 300 samples collected in BTNP between 2004 and 2024, 29 taxa of Uropodina were identified, with 3839 specimens found in the analyzed material. The highest species diversity has been observed in different types of pine forests (19 species), in transformed alder and alder forests (15 species, each), and in reeds (12 species), while the lowest diversity occurred in peat bog areas (8 species) and inland dunes (5 species). The spatial distribution analyses for Uropodina in the area of BTNP have been made and distribution maps for each species have been drawn. Moreover, the Maturity Index (MI) was also calculated to compare the species diversity of the Uropodina communities in BTNP with those in other Polish national parks. The Uropodina community in BTNP ranked eighth in terms of species richness among 13 national parks explored in Poland so far. Finally, the comparative analysis of the MI for the selected Polish national parks has revealed that BTNP could be ranked fourth in terms of the faunistic value for the discussed mite group.

Mosaic of biological soil crusts and vascular plants contributes to the spatial heterogeneity of key soil properties at different successional stages of restored inland sand dunes

Abstract Background and aims Inland sand dunes constitute Natura 2000 habitat that has become a priority to ensure biodiversity protection and habitat heterogeneity at the landscape scale; however, without proper management, spontaneous succession leads to overgrowing of trees and thus to habitat degradation. Understanding succession processes, relationships between biotic and abiotic components, and their changes over time after restoration, is the key to proper planning of future restoration activities. The aim was to determine the changes of biological soil crust (BSC), vascular plants and physicochemical parameters of BSC, below-crust, rhizosphere, and bare substrate types at different stages of succession in inland dunes of the Błędowska Desert (Poland). We also analyzed the interplay between these factors to further understand the mechanism of BSC development and recognize driving factors causing changes in the soil environment. Results Our results showed that BSCs contributed to increased organic C, total N, nutrients in soil, and acidification with the succession. The content of inorganic N forms was significantly higher in bare soil compared to below-crust soil. Rhizosphere soil was enriched in organic matter and nutrients, which improves soil conditions within plant patches. Moreover, below-crust soil pH, total N content and water holding capacity drive the patterns of BSC morphological groups and species composition of lichens, bryophytes, and vascular plants. Conclusion Our study shows that spatial structure of the inland dune ecosystem is a mosaic of BSCs and plants that contribute to the spatial heterogeneity of key soil properties. We concluded that it is necessary to consider the matter of BSC in restoration treatments.

Topography affects the natural forest recovery on inland dunes in Central Europe: a 10-year study from Poland

Topography affects the natural forest recovery on inland dunes in Central Europe: a 10-year study from Poland

Formation of the crust on the surface of cold-climate aeolian quartz grains – A nano-scale study

Sand-sized quartz grains selected from sediments of a Pleistocene inland dune (eastern Poland) were subjected to a series of laboratory analyses, including grain-size distribution, morphoscopy analysis, microtextural analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and nanostructural analysis using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results indicate the presence of a crust on the surface of all of the studied quartz grains and a surprisingly low number of aeolian-induced mechanical microtextures. The TEM examination identifies illite-smectite assemblages as the main component of the crust, accompanied by amorphous silica, local accumulation of Fe, K, Ca, Mg oxides, and mineral particles (quartz, K-feldspar, chlorite). The thickness of the crust reaches approx. 0.1–0.2 μm and varies from the minimum on micro-protrusions up to the maximum in micro-cavities. Here, we present a new theory on the origin of the crust observed on the surface of cold-climate aeolian quartz grains. We postulate that the crust is formed within a near-surface saltation layer during active aeolian transport of sand-sized grains and clay-sized particles operating under cold-climate conditions. The development of abrasion features and the formation of the crust are interpreted here to occur simultaneously and continuously during the aeolian transport. The formation of the crust results from specific properties of aeolian transport (i.e. self-induced electrification and electrification mechanisms of quartz grains) and the quartz grains themselves (i.e. grain shape and surface microtopography).

Vascular plants of the Médanos de Samalayuca natural protected area, Chihuahua, Mexico

Background: Inland sand dunes are expanding and increasing mobility. Knowledge on the plants growing on them is keystone for their management. One of the largest inland dune systems in Mexico is the Médanos de Samalayuca area.
 Questions: How many and which species of vascular plants are in Samalayuca? Which is the distribution pattern of that flora? Are there endemisms? Are there species of conservation concern?
 Studied species: Vascular plants.
 Study site and dates: Médanos de Samalayuca protected area, northern Chihuahua, Mexico; 2017-2022.
 Methods: A database was generated based on literature, electronic sources, herbarium specimens, photographing, and collection and identification of materials. Distribution, endemism level and conservation status were recorded.
 Results: The updated checklist of vascular plants for Samalayuca includes 400 species of 246 genera and 65 families. Most species grow in Mixed desert scrub and in Sand dune vegetation. Almost a half are restricted to the Megamexico 1 region, followed by the North American element. One species is Threatened according to the Mexican Official Norm NOM-059, while two are Vulnerable and one is Almost threatened according to the IUCN. Ribes fontinale appears to be extinct.
 Conclusions: Considering the arid, extreme climate and the low stability of the psammophilous vegetation, the flora of Samalayuca is richer than expected. The area is home to regional and local endemics. The data and information generated here is baseline for further management programs and action planning to protect these fragile ecosystems and the adjacent communities.

Asymmetrical gene flow between coastal and inland dunes in a threatened digger wasp

Asymmetrical gene flow between coastal and inland dunes in a threatened digger wasp

NEW RADIOCARBON DATES FROM POLISH INLAND DUNES POINT TO PREVALENCE OF HUMAN IMPACT ON DUNE MOBILITY

ABSTRACTThe timeframes of Holocene anthropogenic dune remobilization in Central Europe remain less studied compared to those of Late Glacial climatically controlled dune formation. The present contribution aims to reinforce existing knowledge on the chronology of Late Glacial–Holocene dune activity and stability, as well as to reveal the scale of human impact on dune remobilization. Accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dating and calibration of the results are reported from paleosol horizons buried in inland dune deposits that occur in Central and Eastern Poland. Twenty-three new dates are based on charcoal samples collected at 13 sites. From each of the investigated sites, at least one AD date is obtained, indicating that buried paleosols of such young age are far more widespread in Polish dunes than reflected in previous studies. The widespread preservation of these paleosols under cover of aeolian sand reflects the extent of the anthropogenic dune formation phase that peaked during the Medieval and Early Modern periods.

Buried Podzols as a pedostratigraphic marker for the Medieval Climatic Optimum: Grębociny soil in the dune deposits of the European Sand Belt

The paleopedological record documented in aeolian dunes of the eastern European Sand Belt comprises predominantly Arenosols and only occasionally well-developed Podzols. There are several Late Pleistocene pedostratigraphic marker horizons of varied soil types designated in the European dune and loess deposits, but none falls within the range of the Holocene. Buried Podzol occurrences found recently in 10 inland dune sites dispersed throughout Central and Eastern Poland share similar pedological properties, geomorphological setting, and age in the 5th–15th century AD range of the historical Middle Ages. Therefore, they meet the criteria for distinction as a pedostratigraphic marker under the name Grębociny soil, after a locality with the most advanced podzolization of the paleosol dated to the High Middle Ages (1000–1300 AD). Preservation of the soils was enabled by burial during anthropogenically induced dune remobilization. At least some of the investigated dunes were used as pasture during soil development, as evidenced by tetrapod hoofprints recorded in and above the buried Podzols. Prevalent podzolization during the Middle Ages, in contrast to preceding and later times, could be facilitated by not only an impact of agriculture and forestry, but also relative warmth and humidity of the Medieval Climatic Optimum (ca. 900–1400 AD).

Wind-reworked fluvial deposits as an archaeological environment: the Agnes Banks Sand of the Quaternary Hawkesbury–Nepean sequence of southeast Australia

ABSTRACT The deposits of Sydney’s rivers are thought to have experienced widespread aeolian modification during the Quaternary. The resultant sediments form archaeologically important landscapes upon which are found several of the oldest archaeological sites in the Sydney district. Unfortunately, little is known of the processes and products of aeolian reworking. The context of the archaeological discoveries is therefore enigmatic. This study focusses on the Agnes Banks Sand, a Cenozoic sand body that may represent the only sedimentary unit in the Sydney area that preserves reliable evidence of the action of aeolian processes on fluvial sediments. Our work confirms that the sands are indistinguishable from inland dune deposits worldwide, with the deposits reworked from alluvial sediments within and adjacent to the channel of the nearby Nepean River. The sands form east–west-aligned linear dunes, whilst the sediment body fines to the east, a pattern consistent with entrainment by westerly winds. Three other aeolian depositional bodies have been identified alongside the Hawkesbury–Nepean River. Together, these form an assemblage of source-bordering dunes that lies downwind of the river across the northern part of the Cumberland Basin. Deposition here began in Marine Isotope Stages 3–2 and continued into Marine Isotope Stage 1, a period corresponding with a general episode of dune activation across southeast Australia. Although it is widely believed that the Agnes Banks Sand was formed sometime between the Pliocene and the Middle Pleistocene, we present evidence that its deposition post-dates 65 ka and that the deposits are contemporaneous with the other fluvio-aeolian units in the catchment. The true importance of Agnes Banks, however, is as a type locality from which it has been possible to derive sedimentological and geomorphological signatures that may be applied to appraisals of the fluvio-aeolian record within (and perhaps beyond) the Sydney area.

Asymmetric responses by bees and aculeate wasps to dune stabilisation across the southern Canadian prairies

Abstract Inland sand dunes in the Great Plains of North America provide refuge for a variety of psammophilous (i.e., sand‐loving) organisms but are threatened by vegetative stabilisation. In a cross‐sectional study, we analysed the effects of dune stabilisation on wild bees and stinging wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata)—which comprise some of the most diverse assemblages of dune‐dwelling arthropods—at 13 sites across the southern Canadian prairies. We did not detect changes in overall taxonomic richness with increased stabilisation, with comparable numbers of bee and aculeate wasp species/morphospecies observed among dunes at different stages of stabilisation. However, abundances of species of wasps identified as dune specialists decreased with increased stabilisation. Bees and aculeate wasps responded nonlinearly to the percent of plant cover on dunes dominated by grasses (Poales: Poaceae), whereas abundance and richness were generally high on dunes where the dominant plant was dune scurfpea (Fabales: Fabaceae). Thus, the extent to which these plants cover a particular dune can be indicative of the numbers of individuals and types of aculeate species it can sustain. Overall, differences in aculeate community composition between dune sites were better explained by proximity of sites to one another than stabilisation level, reflecting the large spatial scale at which the dunes were surveyed (i.e., within a 50,350 km2 area). Bees and aculeate wasps, especially open sand specialist species, serve as a promising tool for monitoring the effects of dune stabilisation. This study provides a crucial reference point and methodology for future assessments of dune‐inhabiting aculeates in these unique inland dune systems.

The landscape position of the Roman period cemetery and pedological meaning of its cultural layer at the Malbork-Wielbark archaeological site (northern Poland)

Cultural layers are soil-sedimentary formations transformed by human activity. Unlike other anthropogenic soils/horizons, the cultural layers representing ancient cemeteries at archaeological sites are rather rarely studied. This research characterises the cultural layer of the eponymous cemetery of the Wielbark culture related to the Goths, dated to the Roman period (BC/AD) and located in northern Poland. The cemetery was founded in the edge zone of a morainic plateau and the delta of the Vistula river, on a small inland dune hillock, forming the least fertile habitat in the area. The necropolis covers more than 2200 burials. It was used continuously for about 600 years and preceded by a pre-Roman settlement phase. In the stratigraphy, human activity is recorded as a cultural layer, covering relics of the primary soil, which is a Podzol developed from quartz sand. The cultural layer is buried under younger colluvial and aeolian sediments reaching a thickness of 2.2 m. Radiocarbon and dendrochronological datings confirm the layer was formed between 2555 ± 35 BP and 1590 ± 30 BP. The pedological features of the Wielbark cultural layer are unlike those of other types of anthropogenic soil/horizon. It is characterised by an extremely sandy texture, dark grey to black colour, and low organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus contents. The black colouration relates to accumulation of pyrogenic black carbon originating from specific burial rituals of the Wielbark people. Classification of the Wielbark cultural layer according to the WRB soil classification seems problematic: it does not fit the criteria of any anthropogenic or natural surface diagnostic horizon. Its specificity may be marked only by the use of the Pyric supplementary qualifier. In terms of traditional pedological nomenclature, the described Wielbark-type cultural layer may be considered as ‘archaeo-necrosol’.

Geographical shifts in the successional dynamics of inland dune shrub communities.

Species' environmental requirements and large-scale spatial and evolutionary processes determine the structure and composition of local communities. However, ecological interactions also have major effects on community assembly at landscape and local scales. We evaluate whether two xerophytic shrub communities occurring in SW Portugal follow constrained ecological assembly dynamics throughout large geographical extents, or their composition is rather driven by species' individualistic responses to environmental and macroecological constraints. Inland dune xerophytic shrub communities were characterized in 95 plots. Then, we described the main gradients of vegetation composition and assessed the relevance of biotic interactions. We also characterized the habitat suitability of the dominant species, Stauracanthus genistoides, and Ulex australis, to map the potential distribution of the xerophytic shrub communities. Finally, we examined the relationships between the vegetation gradients and a broad set of explanatory variables to identify the relative importance of each factor driving changes in community composition. We found that xerophytic shrubs follow uniform successional patterns throughout the whole geographical area studied, but each community responds differently to the main environmental gradients in each region. Soil organic matter is the main determinant of community variations in the northern region, Setúbal Peninsula, whereas aridity is so in the South/South-Western region. In contrast, in the central region, Comporta, the variation between S. genistoides and U. australis communities is explained mainly by aridity and temperature seasonality, followed by the individualistic responses of the dominant species and soil organic matter. Overall, these results indicate that, the relative importance of the main factors causing community-level responses varies according to regional processes and the suitability of the environmental conditions for the dominant species in these communities. These responses are also determined by intrinsic community mechanisms that result in a high degree of similarity in the gradient-driven community stages in different regions.

A multi-staged drift sand geo-archive from the Netherlands: New evidence for the impact of prehistoric land use on the geomorphic stability, soils, and vegetation of aeolian sand landscapes

The drift sand area near Hilversum, the Netherlands, holds a geo-archive with multiple drift sand phases and intercalated palaeosols. We studied this area to test earlier theories on the development of podzols in such aeolian sands, the occurrence of sand drifting, and the contemporary vegetation development, and to gain insight into the early human impacts on these fragile ecosystems. Based on OSL and radiocarbon datings, palaeoecological studies, and soil chemical analyses, the age and origin of the drift sand phases and palaeosols were established. Sand drifting started around 6000 BCE (Late Mesolithic), the drift sand covering a distinct podzol in the Younger Cover Sand II. A second Late Mesolithic drift sand phase dated from ca. 4900–4500 BCE. Three later drift sand phases were distinguished of which the last is the classic Late Medieval (and younger) phase, while the first two date from the Neolithic. All intercalated palaeosols exhibited more or less prominent podzolisation. The palaeocological data showed that, prior to the Neolithic, in the forest open patches had developed with non-arboreal vegetation, dominated by Poaceae and Ericaceae. This changed during the Neolithic, most probably linked to the introduction of crop farming, the vegetation gradually acquiring the characteristics of the classic heathland with patches of trees/shrubs. The early sand drifting, podzolisation and opening of the forest are attributed to Mesolithic land use, with intentional burning as major factor. We conclude that the local destruction of the deciduous forests by fire and associated creation of open patches with bare sand were essential for the early sand drifting and podzolisation to occur. The results shed new light on the origin of drift sands, heathlands, and podzols in the Netherlands, and on the environmental impacts of Mesolithic people, and testify to the fundamental instability of these dry inland dune ecosystems.

The Role and Frequency of Wildfires in the Shaping of the Late Glacial Inland Dunes – A Case Study from the Korzeniew Site (Central Poland)

Abstract The study examines sedimentology, stratigraphy, and the impact of wildfires on aeolian and soil processes during the Late Glacial Termination in the Korzeniew site, central Poland. The site, within a parabolic dune's central and lee-slope area, presents stacked aeolian sand units intermixed with six charcoal-enriched palaeosols. Thirteen optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates on quartz and six radiocarbon dates establish the chronological framework, dating deposition processes. Initial aeolian sand deposition occurred towards the Late Pleniglacial's end. Climate amelioration during the Bølling interstadial led to permafrost thaw and gleyic soil formation, later overlain by migrating parabolic dunes from the older Allerød interstadial. Wildfires, influenced by vegetation cover, deposited charcoals on the dune's lee slope. These charcoals underwent pedogenic reworking amid episodes of aeolian sand deposition during the Allerød interstadial and Younger Dryas, stabilizing in the earliest Holocene. Wildfires significantly impacted local vegetation development and aeolian activity. Despite the warmth of the Allerød interstadial, increased fires correlated with expanding pine forests and their heightened fire susceptibility. Short-term climate shifts likely destabilized vegetation, fostering fire occurrences during the Allerød interstadial.

Successional Development of the Phototrophic Community in Biological Soil Crusts on Coastal and Inland Dunes.

(1) Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are microecosystems consisting of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms growing on the topsoil. This study aims to characterize changes in the community structure of biocrust phototrophic organisms along a dune chronosequence in the Baltic Sea compared to an inland dune in northern Germany. (2) A vegetation survey followed by species determination and sediment analyses were conducted. (3) The results highlight a varying phototrophic community composition within the biocrusts regarding the different successional stages of the dunes. At both study sites, a shift from algae-dominated to lichen- and moss-dominated biocrusts in later successional dune types was observed. The algae community of both study sites shared 50% of the identified species while the moss and lichen community shared less than 15%. This indicates a more generalized occurrence of the algal taxa along both chronosequences. The mosses and lichens showed a habitat-specific species community. Moreover, an increase in the organic matter and moisture content with advanced biocrust development was detected. The enrichment of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the different biocrust types showed a similar relationship. (4) This relation can be explained by biomass growth and potential nutrient mobilization by the microorganisms. Hence, the observed biocrust development potentially enhanced soil formation and contributed to nutrient accumulation.

Carbon versus nitrogen release from root and leaf litter is modulated by litter position and plant functional type

Abstract Litters of leaves and roots of different qualities occur naturally above‐ and below‐ground, respectively, where they decompose in contrasting abiotic and biotic environments. Therefore, ecosystem carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics can be strongly affected by the combination of litter position and quality. However, it is poorly understood how C versus N turnover of litters depend on the interplay among plant functional type (PFT), organs, traits and litter position. In a semi‐arid inland dune, soil surface and buried leaf litters and buried fine roots of 25 species across three PFTs (herbs, legume shrubs and nonlegume shrubs) were incubated for 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months to investigate litter decomposition and C and N dynamics. Morphological and chemical (nutrient and NMR carbon) traits of initial litters of leaves and fine roots were determined. The litter decomposition rates (k values) of surface leaves and buried fine roots did not differ, but buried fine roots and buried leaf litter decomposed faster than surface leaf litter. Ratios of k values of surface leaves to buried leaves decreased with leaf C:N ratio. Herbs and legume shrubs decomposed faster than nonlegume shrubs for buried fine roots, but not for leaves. At given C loss, buried fine roots had higher N loss than leaf litters; legume shrubs with relatively higher N or lower C:N ratio had higher N loss than nonlegume shrubs. Stronger positive relationships between C and N losses were shown in leaves and legume shrubs than in fine roots and nonlegume shrubs respectively. Synthesis. The generality of faster N release of legume litters at given C release highlights the importance of legumes in N cycling in semi‐arid ecosystems where N is the limiting factor. The dynamics and coordination of C versus N release as a function of litter quality are modulated by litter position and PFT. These findings have important implications for the development of process‐based models on C and N cycles in the context of on‐going global change potentially altering the functional composition of plant communities and the relative quantities and qualities of above‐ground versus below‐ground litter.

Adventitious roots as a source of information in reconstructing the activity of modern aeolian processes in the temperate climate zone: A case study from the Kozłów sandy area (SW Poland)

This paper presents a spatial-temporal reconstruction of inland dune movements at an anthropogenic active sandy area known as the Kozłów Desert, SW Poland. This unique sandy area, with assemblages of aeolian forms typical of “true” deserts, is an inactive military training ground (decommissioned in 1992) where military activity led to the initiation of geomorphic processes. The reconstruction was carried out based on the growth reaction characteristics of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and downy birch (Betula pubescens L.) trees. 14 increment cores were collected from 12 trees and analysed with standard dendrochronological techniques. Samples of adventitious roots from all the trees examined were collected and prepared to extend the analyses and check their usefulness in dating modern geomorphic processes. The adventitious roots of pine and birch were found to react differently to burial, in terms of both reaction time and the shape of the root system. Growth-ring widths and wood anatomy were indicative of sudden or multi-stage sand movement, thus confirming the usefulness of adventitious roots as an additional source of information about aeolian process activity. More broadly, the study shows that the dynamics of landforming processes can be assessed more accurately and reliably by using such a combination of methods, comparing data from roots to data from tree trunks.

Mammal tracks record anthropogenic environmental influence in late-Holocene inland dunes of the European Sand Belt, Poland

Structures previously suggested to be footprints or tracks, but which have been little described, were observed within Quaternary inland dunes of the European Sand Belt. Excavation of these in several localities of the eastern part of the belt in Poland reveal that they are hoofprints of various ungulate mammals, both wild and domestic, as well as footprints of humans, ranging from potentially as early as the fifth to sixth century to the 19th century or later. Trample grounds and horizons with high densities of tracks are associated with other signs of intensifying usage of dune habitats for pasture and farming, including constrained movement of livestock, relatively well-developed paleosols, and evidence of ploughing. The presence of such abundant life traces not only reflects the presence of individual animals and people in an area, but sheds light on the potential processes and feedbacks that the tracemakers were involved in, in terms of maintaining and modifying the habitats themselves, which were dynamic and changeable. Footprints and their associated sedimentological records can be integrated with archaeological and historical data to analyse anthropogenic influence through time on physical landscapes and on the wild biota.

Holocene insect pioneer colonization of post-glacial dune sands exemplified by tiger beetle burrows

Many ecosystems today in temperate zones are the result of colonization of barren substrates deposited or exposed as a result of deglaciation, around the start of the Holocene. Direct evidence of post-glacial colonization, in the form of life traces such as tracks and burrows, is typically rare and erased by later succession unless buried deeply within a short time interval, as is possible in dune sands. Tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) are an example of early successional tracemaking colonists widely distributed in open habitats worldwide and are well known from coastal and inland dunes in Europe today. Coastal dunes at the Vistula Spit in Poland, dating back to the time of post-glacial stabilization of modern Baltic Sea levels, contain buried long, narrow, subfossil burrows, which are variable in shape. Some of them resemble linear or J-shaped burrows made by living cicindelids both in situ in exposed drift sands within the inland European Sand Belt and in laboratory settings after being wild-caught. A new locality for the modern Viennese tiger beetle Cylindera ( Cicindela) arenaria viennensis, Schrank, 1781, whose larval burrowing was examined for reference, is reported at Mnin in the Przedbórz Upland, Poland, where there was a suitable substrate made up of aeolian sand deposited earlier in the Holocene but opened up by mining. The subfossil burrows at the Vistula Spit, if they were made by cicindelids and other early successional species, could represent similar colonization of comparable pioneer habitats dating back millennia when those coastal dunes were young. Although the body fossil record of tiger beetles is very poor, ichnological evidence of their potential presence may be useful for inferring their biogeographical history, complementing prior knowledge from modern distributions or phylogenetic histories.

Iron Ore Tailings as Partial Replacement for Fine Aggregate in Concrete Production – Review

Normal River sand is one of the major components of concrete, generally termed fine aggregate. A large volume of sand is needed annually for construction work globally. Mining or extraction of sand from the river bed, ocean beds, beaches, and inland dunes is accompanied by several problems such as; lowering of the water table, sinking of bridge piers and erosion of river bed and instability of river bed on the environment, etc. To decrease these environmental impacts and the cost of conventional fine aggregates, alternative materials like mining waste have been studied by several researchers to replace partially fine aggregates in concrete production. Iron ore tailings (IOT) are one of the mining wastes obtained from the beneficiation process of iron ore concentrates. This paper presents an overview of the work carried out on the use of IOT as a partial replacement of fine aggregate in concrete and its effects on the workability, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete.