Defense Date

4-3-2019

Graduation Date

Spring 5-10-2019

Availability

One-year Embargo

Submission Type

thesis

Degree Name

MS

Department

Environmental Science and Management (ESM)

Committee Chair

Nancy Trun

Committee Member

John Stolz

Committee Member

Plaxedes Chitiyo

Keywords

mine drainage, remediation, wetlands, manganese, sulfate, microbe

Abstract

The legacy of coal mining in Appalachia has left many watersheds impacted by abandoned mine drainage. The drainage degrades streams, groundwater and habitats with acidity and toxic heavy metals. The Lowber Passive Remediation System has been in operation since 2004 to remediate high amounts of dissolved Fe, SO4, Al, and Mn. The site consists of six settling ponds and an extensive wetlands at the finish. This study investigated the resolubilization of Fe and Mn in the wetlands and the role of bacteria in resolubilization. During three seasons, field measurements of water quality and lab analysis of Fe, Mn, and SO4 were conducted to examine correlations between the parameters. Fe levels were consistently lower than Mn. Mn spikes peaked in the fall and were predominant in more vegetated areas, and at high sulfate levels. In vitro, bacteria from Lowber could induce metal spikes that mimic what happens in the environment.

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS