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Effects of Precipitation Patterns on Sediment, Nutrient, and Biofilm Dynamics in an Acid Mine Drainage Stream

Brancho, Jennie
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0368-6824
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou155439364661881

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Environmental Studies (Voinovich).
Although acid mine drainage (AMD) in the Appalachian Coal Basin has been studied for decades, the effects of climate change on these streams are not well documented. Climate change predictions for this area include increased storm frequency and intensity, which may alter AMD generation, iron hydroxide precipitation, and fate and transport of contaminants and sediments. These processes substantially affect nutrient availability and the biological communities inhabiting these streams. This study investigates the potential effects of climate change on a treated AMD stream, Hewett Fork, by quantifying changes in nutrient concentrations, sediment transport, and algal biofilm biomass during normal and storm conditions. Nitrate, sulfate, and total reactive phosphorous concentrations were measured during each sampling event. Sediment transport was measured by quantifying sediment deposition and total suspended solids (TSS). The biological response to these conditions was measured by comparing algal biofilm biomass, quantified as chlorophyll a concentration, on stream rocks. Coupled with long-term meteorological, discharge, and chemistry data, the results of this study were used to create two conceptual models of Hewett Fork’s behavior during normal and storm conditions, respectively. Antecedent precipitation index (API) was used as an indicator of runoff potential to analyze the effects of recurring storm events on stream behavior. As API increased during normal and storm events, TSS concentrations increased, while chlorophyll a, conductivity, and sulfate concentrations decreased. TSS, nitrate concentration, and sediment deposition were higher overall during storm events. Total reactive phosphorous concentration remained low at all sites during the sample period, indicating that Hewett Fork may be phosphorous-limited. The results of this study indicate land use, mining, and treatment systems may contribute to lasting negative impacts on the biological community of Hewett Fork, if storms become more frequent and intense. Additionally, the inverse relationship between chlorophyll a values and sediment transport suggests water velocity may also exert significant control on the system.
Natalie Kruse, PhD (Advisor)
Morgan Vis, PhD (Committee Chair)
Dina Lopez, PhD (Committee Chair)
119 p.
Biology; Ecology; Environmental Management; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geochemistry; Hydrologic Sciences; Water Resource Management
precipitation; climate change; algae; biofilm; sediment; nutrients; Appalachian; acid mine drainage; storm patterns; stream; freshwater; total suspended solids; antecedent precipitation index; doser; treatment system

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Brancho, J. (2019). Effects of Precipitation Patterns on Sediment, Nutrient, and Biofilm Dynamics in an Acid Mine Drainage Stream [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou155439364661881

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Brancho, Jennie. Effects of Precipitation Patterns on Sediment, Nutrient, and Biofilm Dynamics in an Acid Mine Drainage Stream. 2019. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou155439364661881.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Brancho, Jennie. "Effects of Precipitation Patterns on Sediment, Nutrient, and Biofilm Dynamics in an Acid Mine Drainage Stream." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou155439364661881

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou155439364661881
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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.