Effects of mining activities on selected aquatic organisms

Ph.D.Except for agriculture, the mining industry is considered as not only the oldest but also the most important industry. Mining involves the removal of minerals from the earth's crust for usage by mankind. The disturbance during mining activities such as mining effluent has an effect on the natural aquatic environment. In any freshwater environment, the macroinvertebrates form a vital link between the abiotic envinronment and the organisms in higher trophic levels. It is thus true that specific environmental contaminants, such as mining effluent, may directly affect the survival of macorinvertebrates. The density and diversity of macroinvertebrates is in a direct relation with the water quality. For the purpose of this study, attention was given to the effects of gold and coal mine effluent on the macroinvertebrate fauna, as well as to the determination of metal accumulation from the water through the macroinvertabrates to fish. At Case Study Mine One, with an open water system, acidic conditions of the water caused a reduction in the number and diversity of macroinvertebrates. A closed water system, characteristic of Case Study Mine Two, presented a slightly more abudandant macroinvertebrate population than with the previous mine. The results lead one to conclude that the surface water in this study area is of a better quality. Case Study Mine Three had a complex water circuit and presented a greater number and diversity of macroinvertebrates, with the best water quality of the three mines investigated