Description
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE IMPACT
Book Summary
This work offers a practical, specialized guide on the use of biological indicators to assess the impact of acid mine drainage on aquatic ecosystems. The reader will find a clear methodology for identifying and applying bioindicators, which are essential tools for environmental monitoring. The primary value of this teaching material lies in its applied approach, which facilitates the understanding of complex biogeochemical processes and their translation into assessment techniques accessible to students and professionals in the sector.
What is it about?
The book focuses on the problem of acid mine drainage (AMD), a contaminant generated by the exposure of metal sulfides to air and water. It addresses how living organisms, from microorganisms to macroinvertebrates, can serve as natural sensors of water quality. Through case studies and theoretical foundations, the author explains how to select, sample, and interpret the most effective biological indicators to detect the impact of heavy metals and acidity. It is an educational resource that connects environmental theory with field application.
Main Topics
- Acid mine drainage: origin, chemistry, and ecological effects.
- Aquatic bioindicators: types, selection criteria, and advantages over chemical methods.
- Methodology for sampling and analyzing biological communities in affected systems.
- Interpretation of biological data for environmental risk assessment.
- Application in the restoration and management of mining ecosystems.
Who is it recommended for?
This material is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students in environmental sciences, mining engineering, biology, and geology. It is also useful for mining sector professionals, environmental impact assessment technicians, and those responsible for ecological restoration seeking practical tools for the biological monitoring of pollution.
What this book provides
- Provides a clear methodological framework for identifying biological indicators in acid drainage contexts.
- Facilitates the understanding of the relationship between water chemistry and ecosystem response.
- Offers case studies that connect theory with environmental decision-making.
- Helps develop criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of remediation measures.
- Serves as a teaching resource for subjects related to pollution and ecotoxicology.
Technical Specifications
- Author: LOPES FERREIRA LUIS, ANA T.
- Publisher: University of Huelva
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: MINING INDUSTRY, SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
- Collection: COMPENDIUM
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: September 2023
- Number of pages: 30
- Weight: 111 g
Editorial Review
This is a short teaching material, yet dense with practical content, ideal for anyone who needs to understand and apply biological monitoring in mining contexts. Its direct approach and didactic structure make it a useful tool for both the classroom and field work. Recommended for those seeking a solid starting point in evaluating environmental impacts through bioindicators.

