Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater seepage into an acidic mining lake

Abstract

Mining lakes in the Lusatian mining district (Germany) are characterised by extreme physical and chemical conditions as low pH and high conductivity, and primary production limitation by phosphorus and inorganic carbon. The lakes are mainly fed by groundwater which is the determinant of the hydrochemical composition and the nutrient concentrations in the lake. The aim of the study was to investigate the qualitative changes within the groundwater flow from the aquifer through the sediments into the water body of the lake. Ecologically relevant processes at the sediment-water interface could be analysed and quantified.