Hydrogeochemistry and hydrobiology of technogenic reservoirs of mining territories of Eastern Transbaikalia

Abstract

The chemical composition of the waters of quarry lakes formed as a result of the development of the Zavitinskoye lithium-beryllium deposit located in Eastern Transbaikalia (Russia) has been studied. The studied waters of the ore pits are fresh with a neutral and slightly alkaline reaction, mainly of the magnesium-calcium sulfate type. It was found that the quarry waters contain high concentrations of lithium (Li) and strontium (Sr), in isolated cases of arsenic (As). Low concentrations of other metals in man-made waters are due to the neutralizing effect of carbonates of host rocks and ores, but this does not make them environmentally safe. The content of trace elements in the waters of quarries relative to the background contents, as well as the standards of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of chemicals for the waters of water bodies of fishery importance and sanitary and hygienic indicators were determined. A distinctive feature of the studied quarry lakes, as well as other man-made reservoirs, is the low species diversity of zooplankton and macrophytes, which is mainly due to the small catchment area, the steepness of the shores, the absence of shallow waters and other factors.