|   | 
Details
   web
Record
Author (up) Niyogi, D.K.; McKnight, D.M.; Lewis, W.M., Jr.; Kimball, B.A.
Title Experimental diversion of acid mine drainage and the effects on a headwater stream Type Journal Article
Year 1999 Publication Water-Resources Investigations Report Abbreviated Journal
Volume Wri 99-4018-A Issue Pages 123-130
Keywords abandoned mines acid mine drainage algae benthonic taxa biomass biota Colorado experimental studies heavy metals Lake County Colorado Leadville Colorado metals mines pH Plantae pollution remediation Saint Kevin Gulch Colorado tracers United States USGS water zinc
Abstract An experimental diversion of acid mine drainage was set up near an abandoned mine in Saint Kevin Gulch, Colorado. A mass-balance approach using natural tracers was used to estimate flows into Saint Kevin Gulch. The diversion system collected about 85 percent of the mine water during its first year of operation (1994). In the first 2 months after the diversion, benthic algae in an experimental reach (stream reach around which mine drainage was diverted) became more abundant as water quality improved (increase in pH, decrease in zinc concentrations) and substrate quality changed (decrease in rate of metal hydroxide deposition). Further increases in pH to levels above 4.6, however, led to lower algal biomass in subsequent years (1995-97). An increase in deposition of aluminum precipitates at pH greater than 4.6 may account for the suppression of algal biomass. The pH in the experimental reach was lower in 1998 and algal biomass increased. Mine drainage presents a complex, interactive set of stresses on stream ecosystems. These interactions need to be considered in remediation goals and plans.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0092-332x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Experimental diversion of acid mine drainage and the effects on a headwater stream; 2; GeoRef: 2001-017199 als Datei vorhanden 4 Abb.; VORHANDEN | AMD ISI | Wolkersdorfer Approved no
Call Number CBU @ c.wolke @ 17398 Serial 286
Permanent link to this record