The effects of a mine effluent containing high copper levels on the structure of the .phytoplankton communities in a chain of low alkalinity and hardness oligotrophic reservoirs situated north of Portugal were studied monthly, during 1981-1982. In the reservoirs under mine influence, a shift in the dominant species have occurred. In contrast with the uncontaminated areas, more than 50% of the algal species developed lower populations. At the most polluted zone, phytoplankton density, biomass and species number were strongly reduced. The mine input stress on the algal communities was well assessed by species number and percentage similarity index.
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