Geogenically Acidified Mining Lakes — Living Conditions and Possibilities of Restoration

Abstract

Abstract Pyrite and marcasite oxidation in the consequence of lignite surface mining creates lakes with pH as low as 2 to 3, buffered by high contents of iron and aluminium. Living conditions in this extreme habitat for plants and animals are described as well as the characteristics of the pioneer settlement. The utilization of these fish‐free lakes is very limited. As possibilities for a water quality improvement special recultivation methods of overburden, chemical neutralization and biological ecotechnologies are recommended.