Processes contributing to acid release/consumption during weathering of a lignite mine spoil (2.3% w/w S as sulfides) from As Pontes (N.W. Spain) were studied under three moisture conditions (at field capacity or under alternate wetting-drying or forced percolation), which were simulated in laboratory experiments. Oxidation of sulfides to sulfates was favoured under all three moisture conditions, releasing most acid in spoil kept at field capacity. Hydroxysulfates formed in spoil kept at field capacity or under alternate wetting-drying conditions, thereby contributing to acid release. Acid consumption by dissolution of clay minerals, especially micas, was favoured under all three moisture conditions, but was particularly intense in spoil at field capacity. Dissolution of aluminium oxides was also favoured under all the moisture conditions studied.

Sediments from 8 river mouths of the Catalonian coast (Spain) were examined for keratinolytic fungi. Out of 1250 river and marine samples examined, 499 (39.9%) were positive for these fungi. Aphanoascus fulvescens (anamorph + teleomorph), Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Ch. tropicum, Ch. an. of Arthroderma curreyi, Ch. pannicola, Ch. europae and Ch. indicum were the predominant species in the sediments. River samples were rich in keratinolytic fungi, whereas in marine beach sediments they occurred sporadically. The results of a preliminary experiment demonstrated that, marine water exerted a dramatical impact on river keratinolytic fungi causing their total or near-total elimination. The qualitative and quantitative compositions of river keratinolytic mycoflora depended on the degree of water contamination with sewage and on natural factors (mainly temperature). The keratinolytic mycoflora of two rivers was possibly altered dramatically by water contaminants, including poisons of industrial origin, and marine salinity. The problem of public health risk resulting from the distribution of keratinolytic fungi within the highly-frequented recreational waters is discussed.

In the late 1980s, citrus plantations in the area of Villarreal (Spain) showed injuries similar to those previously reported for boron and fluorine toxicity. The area was affected by the disposal of industrial wastewater, mainly from ceramic industries. Conjunctive uses of surface water, groundwater and wastewater for irrigation had taken place. A survey was conducted at 25 orchards to assess leaves and soil for their boron, fluorine, lead, nickel and zinc contents. Wastewater and groundwater were also analyzed to corroborate the presence of these pollutants. The results showed that both boron and fluorine contents were greater than those reported as excess at the most part of the orchards included in the study. Heavy metals toxicity effects were not confirmed. Boron pollution was attributed to industrial wastewater spills and fluorine contamination from atmospheric pollution.

The Catalonian river sediments were found to be rich in keratinolytic fungi. The keratinolytic fungal populations showed clear seasonal changes in the river sediments. The main factors ‘regulating’ these populations in such habitat were temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, ammonium, nitrates, total fungal number, BOD₅, water poisons (cyanides, detergents, phenols), salinity and, presumably, strong insolation associated with low water levels. The last was probably of special importance in the deterioration of the fungal populations in the spring/summer season. A toxic effect on keratinolytic fungi in sediments was observed.Chrysosporium keratinophilum was found to be most resistant to industrial contaminants and salinity. Therefore, this species could be used as an indicator of water pollution.