Indirect effect of made grounds on the aquatic flora and fauna

The presence of made grounds containing industrial waste materials in the natural environment presents a potential ecological threat. Therefore, in the present study we examined the indirect effects of selected made grounds on the aquatic flora and fauna. The subject of the study were aqueous extracts from made grounds containing metallurgical slags and their effect on the survival of the crustacean daphnia (Daphnia magna) and the inhibition of growth of the plant duckweed (Lemna minor). Due to the fact that duckweed is also used for phytoremediation, the solution after the contact with the plant was assessed for changes of toxicity using the toxicological enzymatic bioassay employing bacteria (Allivibrio fischeri). It was found that the extracts of made grounds adversely affect both the survival of the crustaceans and the growth of plants, however, despite the inhibition of the growth of duckweed it has the ability to phytoremediate contaminants present in the made grounds.