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Barzegar S, Fattahi B, Solgi E. Changes in diversity, richness, and composition indices of vegetation cover around the Shahin lead and zinc mine, Shazand - Markazi Province. مرتع 2026; 20 (3)
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1309-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1309-en.html
Malayer University
Abstract: (10 Views)
Background and Objective: Vegetation, as a fundamental pillar of ecosystems, is inextricably linked with other biotic and abiotic components under the influence of environmental factors. Sustainable conservation and maintenance of ecosystem functions are heavily dependent on species richness, diversity, and composition; therefore, evaluating these indices is essential for informed management decisions regarding rangeland restoration and reclamation. This study aims to investigate variations in diversity, richness, and vegetation composition indices in the areas surrounding the Shahin Lead and Zinc Mine (Shazand, Markazi Province).
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a systematic radial design across eight geographical directions, involving a total of 70 plots. In each plot, parameters including species foliar cover, total vegetation cover, percentage of bare soil, litter, and rock/gravel were recorded. Vegetation types and micro-types were determined using the physiognomic-floristic method. To analyze similarities in species composition (based on species with >5% frequency), Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was initially employed to determine species loadings (scores). Subsequently, differences in species composition across various directions were evaluated using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s post-hoc test.
Results: Field surveys and floristic analysis identified 108 species belonging to 83 genera and 22 plant families. Correlation analysis between plant indices revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) between: (Shannon and heterogeneity), (evenness, heterogeneity, and Shannon), and (richness and heterogeneity). The highest values for the Shannon-Wiener index, richness, and heterogeneity were observed in the northeast (2.595, 0.893, and 18, respectively), while the lowest values were recorded in the southwest of the mine (0.32, 0.11, and 5, respectively). Results from the Multiple Response Permutation Analysis (MRPA/MRPP) indicated significant differences in vegetation composition across seven geographical directions (P = 0.024). Furthermore, one-way ANOVA on plot scores for the directional axis (Component 1, p = 0.030) and diversity (Component 2, p = 0.041) showed significant differences at the 95% confidence level.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that structural changes in vegetation are significantly influenced by the distance from mineral pollution sources and geographical directions. Results indicate that diversity (Shannon-Wiener), evenness, and species richness indices follow a decreasing trend with proximity to the mine, reflecting the differential responses of various growth forms to environmental stressors. Moreover, significant differences in species composition across directions confirm the decisive role of topography and pollutant distribution patterns. Indirect impacts of mining, including secondary consequences such as exclosure areas and leaching from mine tailings, were also reflected in the analysis. Evidence suggests that the combination of terrain slope and the mine’s southern face directs contaminated runoff downstream, directly altering species composition and diversity. Ultimately, these findings underscore the necessity of targeted management strategies, particularly runoff control and land-use reclamation, to achieve sustainable development in mining-impacted lands.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a systematic radial design across eight geographical directions, involving a total of 70 plots. In each plot, parameters including species foliar cover, total vegetation cover, percentage of bare soil, litter, and rock/gravel were recorded. Vegetation types and micro-types were determined using the physiognomic-floristic method. To analyze similarities in species composition (based on species with >5% frequency), Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was initially employed to determine species loadings (scores). Subsequently, differences in species composition across various directions were evaluated using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s post-hoc test.
Results: Field surveys and floristic analysis identified 108 species belonging to 83 genera and 22 plant families. Correlation analysis between plant indices revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) between: (Shannon and heterogeneity), (evenness, heterogeneity, and Shannon), and (richness and heterogeneity). The highest values for the Shannon-Wiener index, richness, and heterogeneity were observed in the northeast (2.595, 0.893, and 18, respectively), while the lowest values were recorded in the southwest of the mine (0.32, 0.11, and 5, respectively). Results from the Multiple Response Permutation Analysis (MRPA/MRPP) indicated significant differences in vegetation composition across seven geographical directions (P = 0.024). Furthermore, one-way ANOVA on plot scores for the directional axis (Component 1, p = 0.030) and diversity (Component 2, p = 0.041) showed significant differences at the 95% confidence level.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that structural changes in vegetation are significantly influenced by the distance from mineral pollution sources and geographical directions. Results indicate that diversity (Shannon-Wiener), evenness, and species richness indices follow a decreasing trend with proximity to the mine, reflecting the differential responses of various growth forms to environmental stressors. Moreover, significant differences in species composition across directions confirm the decisive role of topography and pollutant distribution patterns. Indirect impacts of mining, including secondary consequences such as exclosure areas and leaching from mine tailings, were also reflected in the analysis. Evidence suggests that the combination of terrain slope and the mine’s southern face directs contaminated runoff downstream, directly altering species composition and diversity. Ultimately, these findings underscore the necessity of targeted management strategies, particularly runoff control and land-use reclamation, to achieve sustainable development in mining-impacted lands.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/03/3 | Accepted: 2026/07/26 | Published: 2026/04/30
Received: 2025/03/3 | Accepted: 2026/07/26 | Published: 2026/04/30
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