Post-mining neutralization of acidic surface mine lakes

Brugam, Richard B.; Carlson, Mark A.; Chakraverty, Sumitra; Lusk, Mark

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/90362 Copy

Description

Title

Post-mining neutralization of acidic surface mine lakes

Author(s)

• Brugam, Richard B.
• Carlson, Mark A.
• Chakraverty, Sumitra
• Lusk, Mark

Contributor(s)

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

Issue Date

1983-04

Keyword(s)

• Water resource development--Illinois
• Water resource development
• Water quality
• Acid mine drainage
• Strip mine lakes
• Lake sediments
• Paleolimnology
• Diatoms
• Lead radioisotopes
• Sedimentation rates
• Chemical composition
• Sulfides

Geographic Coverage

Illinois (state)

Abstract

Twenty core samples and 54 surface sediment samples were taken from surface mine lakes in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana to determine the rates of neutralization of acid mine lakes. Sediment samples were analyzed for diatom microfossils, selected chemical elements, and the radionuclide, lead-210. The surface samples showed that there were strong differences in diatom microfossils between acidic and neutral lakes but there was no strong difference in sediment chemical composition between acidic and neutral lakes. Of 20 lakes from which cores were examined, 9 showed diatom evidence of neutralization and one of acidification over time. Cores from 5 of these were dated using lead-210 analysis. Diatom microfossils showed that neutralization took from less than 3 years to 30 years to occur. Comparisons between lake sediment and water column chemistry indicated that neither sulfide deposition nor H2S outgasing is likely to play a major role in the neutralization process. Chemical analyses of lake sediment showed that the sediment is a sink for heavy metals. These metals are held as sulfides. There is also a considerable fraction of metal ions strongly bound to clays. This research demonstrates that acid lake neutralization is common, that it occurs over moderate time spans and that the rate is controlled by rates of acid supply from the watershed.

Publisher

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Water Resources Center

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/90362

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

• U.S. Department of the Interior
• U.S. Geological Survey

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 1983 held by the authors

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