Physical and chemical conditions for colonization by Euglena mutabilis: case studies in two acid mine drainage sites

摘要

Acid mine drainage promotes high metals concentrations, low pH and high acidity and sulfate. In this way these waters are characterized by extreme environments with low biodiversity. Euglena mutabilis is unicellular alga specie that colonizes AMD sites. In order to understand the abiotic factors, necessary for colonization, two old sulphide mining sites were studied. Valdarcas and Sao Domingos represent different chemical and physical environmental conditions. Thus, it was concluded that lentic and low depth environments, situated between pH 2.8 and 3.0, and a maximum metals concentration of 20 mg/L, are favorable conditions to the abundant presence of Euglena mutabilis.