Effect of heavy metals on phytobenthos assemblages in mine pit lakes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

The field research was performed during autumn season in 2014, at six mine pit lakes in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During investigations concentration of certain heavy metals (Al, Cr, Zn, Ni and Fe) was measured and composition of phytobenthos was analysed. Statistically, significant correlation was determined between values of chromium and aluminum (r=0.7685*) and between values of iron and aluminium (r=0.7226*). High values of Pearson's coefficient of correlation and statistical significance are determined between the diversity index (H') and values of zinc (r=-0.8697*). Within the qualitative and quantitative composition of phytobenthos of the explored mine pit lakes, 99 species of cyanobacteria and algae were found altogether. The identified species belong to the following classes: Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Dinophyceae and Conjugatophyceae. Tolerant algal taxa were noted in the explored mine pit lakes listed as follows: Oscillatoria sp., Nitzschia palea, Achnanthidium minutissimum, Navicula trivialis, Brachysira microcephala and Ulnaria ulna. With the aim of improving the status of the mine pit lakes with high concentrations of heavy metals, their restoration is necessary. After the restoration, the mine pit lakes may be used for conservation of wetland diversity.

Keywords

• heavy metals
• mine pit lakes
• algae
• diversity
• restoration