Responses of Phytoplanktonic Chlorophyll-a Composition to Inorganic Turbidity Caused by Mine Tailings

Inorganic turbidity can limit light penetration in water and reduce phytoplankton photosynthesis. Anthropogenic activities such as mining produce or augment the amount of suspended inorganic particles water. Recent disasters Brazil have released tons mine tailings into aquatic ecosystems, with known unknown negative consequences for life, biodiversity, ecosystem services beyond human material losses. Here, we investigated effects on chlorophyll content composition caused by sediments from two areas Lake Batata, one natural other impacted bauxite tailings. We experimentally compared different levels (12, 50, 300 NTU) addition lake a chlorophyll-a gradient (5, 15, 25 μg/L). did not consistently concentrations. In treatments high chlorophyll-a, was associated lower concentrations at end experiment. On hand, low-chlorophyll treatments, higher area, overall were than area. Phagotrophic algae dominated both area (Chrysophyceae 34%, Chlorophyceae 26%, Cyanobacteria 22% total density) sediment (Euglenophyceae Chrysophyceae 23%, 20%). conclude that does lead to reduction allowed levels, indicating affected more phytoplankton.