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The Fate of Nutrients in Streams Affected by Acid Mine Drainage

Maj, Sarah K.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1469655137

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Geological Sciences (Arts and Sciences).
Southeastern Ohio is heavily affected by acid mine drainage due to the oxidation of sulfide minerals found in coal, most commonly pyrite. This study characterizes the behavior of nutrients in the water column and sediments of AMD impacted streams. Nutrients are needed for the growth and quality of a stream’s primary producer population. Low nutrient concentrations have been suggested as one of the causes that limit and slow biologic recovery. Due to co-precipitation and adsorption with metal hydroxides, specifically iron hydroxide, the nutrient pool is limited in AMD impacted streams. Three streams in Southeastern Ohio are being studied; Hewett Fork, an AMD impacted stream remediated with calcium oxide in the Raccoon Creek watershed, the Majestic Mine AMD discharge in the Monday Creek watershed, without chemical remediation, Dunkle Creek, a stream that is unaffected by acid mine drainage and Rockcamp Creek an non-impacted tributary to Hewett Fork. Based on the health of aquatic life, Hewett Fork is characterized by three Zones of Recovery: Impaired, Transition and Improved. The acidity concentration in Hewett Fork decreases after treatment, but is affected by other acidic inputs downstream. The sulfate concentrations are seen to decrease downstream as alkalinity concentrations increase and acidity concentrations decrease. At the mine seeps before treatment, nitrate and phosphate concentrations are low but higher than downstream. The phosphate concentrations remain low continually downstream with some minor variations. Nitrate concentrations are seen to increase mildly along the flow path of Hewett Fork. Increased concentrations of phosphate in the sediments in Hewett Fork are correlated with increased concentrations of iron in the sediments, indicating that phosphate in the water column is sorbing or co-precipitating with metal hydroxides with the highest concentrations of iron and phosphate in the Transition Zone. In conclusion, alkalinity addition into Hewett Fork is a major element in controlling the metal precipitation reactions that are removing phosphate from the water column, and therefore its ability to be available for aquatic life.
Dina Lopez (Advisor)
105 p.
Geochemistry; Geology
Geochemistry; Acid Mine Drainage; Geology

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Maj, S. K. (2016). The Fate of Nutrients in Streams Affected by Acid Mine Drainage [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1469655137

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Maj, Sarah. The Fate of Nutrients in Streams Affected by Acid Mine Drainage. 2016. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1469655137.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Maj, Sarah. "The Fate of Nutrients in Streams Affected by Acid Mine Drainage." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1469655137

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1469655137
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© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.