Development of aquatic communities in high-altitude mine pit lake systems of west-central Alberta
Date
2011
Authors
Sonnenberg, Rob
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Geography, 2011
Abstract
Reclamation on the Cardinal River and Gregg River coal mines includes the construction of mine pit lakes connected to stream environments. Key physical, chemical and biological parameters of these “truck and shovel” lakes and their streams were investigated, and hypotheses regarding ecosystems and populations were tested. Findings include:
Sphinx Lake and Pit Lake CD exhibit meromictic (partial-mixing) tendencies, but
still function in a similar fashion to shallower, natural sub-alpine lakes.
Elevated selenium concentrations as high as 16 ug/g (dry weight) were recorded
in Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) eggs taken from gravid Sphinx Lake and
Pit Lake CD fish. Potential detrimental effects associated with the
bioaccumulation of selenium on fish reproduction were not observed.
Stream water temperatures downstream of Sphinx Lake and Pit Lake CD were
significantly warmer than in inlet streams and streams without pit lakes.
Streambed concretions caused by calcite precipitation were documented and
found to affect portions of the upper Gregg River basin. Remediation of this
concretion is important for sustainability of trout populations.
Aquatic communities including fish, invertebrates, zooplankton and aquatic plants
are present in these pit lake systems. Athabasca Rainbow trout populations are
self-propagating (spawning at the outlets) with higher densities downstream than
there were prior to lake reclamation.
The development of sub-alpine mine-pit lakes connected to the stream environment
appears to be an appropriate and beneficial reclamation technique in this area.
Description
xvi, 224 leaves : col. ill., map ; 28 cm
Keywords
Abandoned mined lands reclamation -- Alberta -- Gregg River Basin , Coal mines and mining -- Environmental aspects -- Alberta -- Gregg River Basin , Lake hydrology , Strip mine ponds -- Environmental aspects -- Alberta -- Gregg River Basin , Water quality biological assessment -- Alberta -- Gregg River Basin , Rainbow trout -- Effect of water pollution on -- Alberta -- Gregg River Basin , Bull trout -- Effect of water pollution on -- Alberta -- Gregg River Basin , Stream health -- Alberta -- Gregg River Basin , Dissertations, Academic