Response of communities of water organisms to anthropogenic changes in mineralization small steam (White Sea basin, Republic of Karelia, Russia)

Abstract

An increase in water mineralization in the Kenti River has occurred as a result of mining at the Kostomuksha iron ore deposit (Republic of Karelia, north-west of the European part of Russia); it has become a relatively new type of anthropogenic impact. Meantime, the total mineralization of water in the upper reaches of the Kenti River reached 800 mg/L. The species composition, abundance and biomass of phytoplankton, phytoperiphyton, zooplankton, and zoobenthos were analyzed. The influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on the chemical composition and formation of the structure of aquatic biocoenoses was assessed. The trophic status of the river, its saprobity, and the significance of particular communities and biotic indices for bioindication of the ecological state was studied. Dominant complex of the Kenti River was represented by a small number of species that were resistant to the dynamic load of water. The abundance and biomass of phytoplankton, phytoperiphyton, zooplankton, and zoobenthos made it possible to conclude on rather high degree of their development in river, as well as on their vital activity and flexibility. It was then reported on the ability of the river ecosystem to restore.

Keywords

• kenti river
• chemical composition
• aquatic biocoenoses
• taxonomy
• ecology