Identification of hydrochemical and hydrobiological properties of mine waters for use in aquaculture

Abstract

The industrial space favors the creation of artificial water bodies which should be seen as a new resource of potential use. The aim of the study was to assess the possibility of using the newly created clarification pond from opencast mine dewatering system to extensive aquaculture and determine the effect of hydrochemical and hydrobiological parameters, i.e. water quality and trophic indices, on the growth ratio of the one-year-old ide, Leuciscus idus. In 2014-2017, the experiment was carried out twice. The trophic state index (TSI) based on total phosphorus and Secchi disk transparency indicated eutrophy or hypereutrophy, while TSI based on chlorophyll a, total nitrogen and rotifers pointed at from oligotrophy to meso-eutrophy. The redundancy analysis showed the negative relationships between phytoplankton and total suspended solids, phosphates, iron and electric conductivity. Only nitrates correlated positively with phytoplankton and negatively with zooplankton. The hydrochemical background, including the concentration of trace elements, has not been a limitation or a threat to biological potential of the aquatic environment. After 11 months, the total length of ide increased in the range of 70%-77%. In turn, the weight increased in the range of 403%-476%. With a generally poor density of planktonic organisms but chemically enriched waters, high growth potential has been maintained. The results suggest that the clarification ponds, next to their basic technological function, have a biological potential. Thus, they can be successfully used for other purposes. Our observations are an initiation to further analyses directed to the functioning of water ecosystem under turbid water conditions of clarification pond with the use for aquaculture.

Keywords

• bio-potential
• water quality
• aquaculture
• Leuciscus idus
• opencast mine
• water management