Microalgal biodiversity as the indicator of soil reclamation in sand pit post-mining sites.
| Název: | Microalgal biodiversity as the indicator of soil reclamation in sand pit post-mining sites. |
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| Řešitelé: |
Vítová Milada (vedoucí – hlavní řešitel) Kvíderová Jana (vedoucí – hlavní řešitel) Kolomiiets Anastasiia (vedoucí – hlavní řešitel) Bren Oleksandr (vedoucí – hlavní řešitel) Čížková Mária (člen řeš. kolektivu) |
| Poskytovatel: | |
| Web: | https://www.quarrylifeaward.com/en |
| Řešeno od: | 2025 |
| Řešeno do: | 2025 |
| Cíle: | Soil reclamation is becoming increasingly relevant against the backdrop of the intensifying global environmental agenda aimed at restoring biodiversity and mitigating the consequences of land degradation (Huang et al., 2015, Bateman & Muñoz-Rojas, 2019, Pedrinho et al., 2024). Soil transformation caused by mining activities is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, as it leads to the destruction of the fertile topsoil, a decline in biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystem functions (Ziguan, 2021, Ghanei-Bafghi, 2023). The reclamation of former mining sites is a complex process that requires an integrated approach (Stephan & Hubbart, 2023, Rosier, 2024). For this reason, the analysis of biological components is essential, and microalgae as an integral component of terrestrial ecosystems can serve as convenient object for studying natural recovery in such areas, reflecting the processes at the microscopic level. Due to their ability to photosynthesize can contribute to the initial stages of succession. They not only initiate the process of soil formation but also ensure its long-term stability. These organisms facilitate the accumulation of organic matter, improve soil structure, and create favorable conditions for the subsequent colonization by bacteria, fungi, and higher plants (Song et al., 2022, Ramakrishnan et al., 2023, Saini et al., 2024). The completeness and timeframe of the reclamation (technical and spontaneous) of the disturbed soil to the state of natural ones still remain the important tasks, and topsoil microalgaе biodiversity can serve as an indicator of such process. Considering the fact that technical soil restoration occurs faster than spontaneous restoration, it is important to understand the characteristics of the qualitative and quantitative parameters of microalgal communities in both such areas. Gaining this knowledge in combination with isolated strains of colonizing microalgae will provide the basis for the development of the scientifically grounded highly efficient reclamation strategies. Research hypotheses. H1: Disturbed areas can fully recover to the condition of natural sites, as indicated by microalgal biodiversity. H2: The difference in microalgal communities between technically and spontaneously restored post-mining sites lies in quantitative rather than qualitative parameters. Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of various reclamation methods over time with the use of topsoil microalgal biodiversity Tasks Determining the completeness and timeframe of the reclamation of investigated disturbed areas: We aim to determine how effective and how much time is required to restore the biodiversity of the topsoil microalgae after mineral extraction. To do this, we plan to compare the microalgal diversity in recultivated areas where activities have ceased for a certain period with control adjacent areas of the sand pit (where no extraction has taken place). These data will help develop recommendations to improve reclamation practices for altered ecosystems.Compare technically and spontaneously reclaimed sites will provide insight into specific microalgal species capable of colonizing the substrate at different stages of succession. Quantitative data (biovolume) will help identify differences in recovery speed across different methods, while qualitative data (species composition and/or taxonomic structure) will aid in selecting species for the most effective and nature-like approach to restoring disturbed soils.Discover the rare and new microalgae species: The discovery of new or rare microalgae species will expand knowledge of biodiversity in anthropogenically altered ecosystems and assess the uniqueness (or, conversely, typicality) of these ecosystems in comparison to surrounding areas. Data obtained during research within this project allows for more precise calculations of the recovery processes and timelines but also facilitates the assessment of the economic viability of mining in conjunction with soil restoration efforts, ultimately contributing to sustainable development practices. |