ISSN:
1573-2932
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
Notes:
Abstract Logging, fires and smelting have produced extensive barren areas in Sudbury, Ontario. Soils from these areas have a low pH (3.7 to 4.2), elevated concentrations of Cu and Ni, and are subject to erosion. A successful revegetation program has been in operation since 1978. Manual applications of limestone, fertilizers and seeds have produced extensive grassy swards. Enrichment cultures (Bold Basal and Allen's medium) were used to compare the soil algae and cyanobacteria from barren sites with those treated 6 mo, 2, 4, and 5 yr ago. Cultures of soils from barren sites were characterized by a low diversity of chlorophytes and a few diatoms. Cyanobacteria were absent. In comparison, treated soils yielded an increased diversity of chlorophytes and included a number of cyanobacterial genera. Chlorophyll a analysis indicates a higher biomass of autotrophic organisms on treated sites. Increased diversity and biomass on treated soils may reduce erosion while the presence of N fixing cyanobacteria could contribute to the fertility of these soils. A filamentous picocyanobacterium appeared in enrichment cultures (1/3 strength Allen's medium) of treated soils but not of untreated soils. The techniques of epifluorescence microscopy may be valuable in further investigations of autotrophic soil organisms.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00282633
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