Indicator species of former lead (Pb) ore mining areas

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to determine whether species that are considered to be indicator species for former iron ore mining areas also have value as indicators for remnants of former lead ore mining areas. The study was conducted at an abandoned post-mining field dating from the sixteenth century with visible remains from the exploitation of lead ore deposits (post-mining mounds, PMM). In each of the 41 plots (21 on PMM and 21 in the surroundings of PMM), an inventory was conducted of all vascular plants growing in the vegetation layer indicating both their coverage in percent and analyzing them based on indicator species for former iron mining sites. Additionally, soil samples were taken from each, and chemical analyses were done: pH in H2O; contents of Ca, and Pb; and available forms of K, P, and Mg. Changes in the chemical properties of the soil impacted the diversity of the flora of the analyzed area. In the 21 research plots established on the PMM of the former lead ore mining area, as many as 18 species of mesophilic deciduous forest considered to be indicator species for former iron mining areas were identified. The analyses conducted indicate a strong preference for these species for the soil occurring on the lead PMM. Indicator species for former iron mining areas can also be a good indicator for former lead ore mining areas.