Dynamics of the <i>Galionella</i> spp. and <i>Leptothrix</i> spp. Communities of Polluted Mine Drainage Water in Slovinky and Markušovce (Slovakia)

Tailings ponds Slovinky and Markušovce (Slovakia) belong to the group of high-risk areas threatening human health environment due high concentrations potentially toxic elements. The aim this study was identify iron bacteria living in these extreme environments assess impact selected physicochemical parameters drainage water, flowing from tailings ponds, on dynamics their population.The material deposited pond showed a circumneutral pH. values electrical conductivity total dissolved solids were significantly higher water compared Markušovce. concentration notably than Slovinky. Direct microscopic observations presence iron-oxidizing as Gallionella spp. Leptothix exhibiting significant seasonal changes prevalence. differences environmental characteristics waters did not affect populations, but cultivable heterotrophic bacterial community lower abundance water. findings contribute understanding diversity neutral mine demonstrate an important role factors shaping microbial population environments.