Geochemical behavior of heavy metals and radionuclides in a pit lake affected by acid mine drainage (AMD) in the Muskau Arch (Poland).

Pit lakes in the 'anthropogenic lake district' in the Muskau Arch (western Poland; central Europe) are strongly affected by acid mine drainage (AMD). The studied acidic pit lake, ŁK-61 (pH <3), is also exposed to floods due to its location in the flood hazard area, which may significantly influence the geochemical behavior of elements. The elemental compositions of water and lake sediment samples were measured with ICP-OES and ICP-MS.

Responses of diatom composition and teratological forms to environmental pollution in a post-mining lake (SW Poland).

Various types of environmental stressors, such as heavy metals, lignite residues, or extremely low water pH, cause the formation of teratological forms of diatoms during the reproductive cycle. The damage mainly includes an abnormal diatom valve outline, changes in the striation pattern, anomalies in the raphe line/sternum, reduction in the cell size, metabolism alterations, or combined deformities. Diatom remains with such morphological deformities occur in the sediments of post-mining lake ŁK-46 (SW Poland).