Modelling the properties and stability of meromixis induced by saline mine waters in two boreal lakes

Karoliina Kehusmaa*, Janne Juntunen, Saija Saarni, Peter Österholm, Tommi Kauppila

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Mine waters are a significant point source stressor for aquatic environments. Acid mine drainage has long been considered a big environmental issue, but recent studies suggest that the salinity of mine waters may also be harmful particularly to small, dimictic lakes which are abundant in the boreal region. The denser saline mine waters may cause a shift in the mixing regime of a lake, leading to a permanent stratification of the water column, ie meromixis. As the demand for raw materials increases, mining companies, policy makers, and environmental regulators need to be more aware of these harmful effects of saline mine waters. In this study, two lakes receiving drainage waters from closed copper-nickel mines are investigated. Lake Valkeinen and Lake Sortavalanjärvi are situated in Eastern Finland near the mines Kotalahti (active 1959-1987) and Laukunkangas (active 1986-1994), respectively. The waters from …
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEGU General Assembly 2021, online, 19–30 Apr 2021, EGU21
PublisherEGU General Assembly
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
EventEGU General Assembly -
Duration: 19 Apr 202130 Apr 2021
Conference number: 23

Publication series

NameEGU General Assembly
ISSN (Electronic)1994-0416

Conference

ConferenceEGU General Assembly
Abbreviated titleEGU21
Period19/04/2130/04/21

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