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Use of Diatom Assemblages and Biofilm Enzyme Activities for Assessment of Acid Mine Remediated Streams in Southeastern Ohio

Pool, Justin R.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1280508985

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Environmental and Plant Biology (Arts and Sciences).
Coal is the primary energy source for the United States and is obtained through either surface or underground mining. Prior to the 1970s there were few regulations regarding the operation and subsequent reclamation of mines and the operators were not mandated to prevent acidic mine drainage (AMD) from leaching into the local watershed. This AMD is characterized by low pH, sulfate-rich water, and high levels of dissolved metal cations. Two alkaline doser remediation projects, Monday Creek and Hewett Fork, were assessed for effectiveness by sampling the diatom assemblage structure, biofilm extra-cellular enzyme activities, and water chemistry. The diatom assemblages were examined upstream of the remediation site and at 9 locations downstream. Biofilm enzyme activities, water chemistry, and total chlorophyll a were measured at 6 locations on each stream. Based on the diatom community composition, water quality improved greatly in Hewett Fork 16.5 kilometers downstream from the remediation site, while Monday Creek remained impacted over the 41.5 kilometers sampled. The biofilm enzyme activites supported the findings of the diatom community composition in both streams studied. The Monday Creek watershed has multiple sources of AMD downstream of the remediation project, thus the effectiveness appears to be counteracted by these inputs; whereas, Hewett Fork does not have substantial downstream AMD inputs and the remediation project seems to be more effective in restoring the diatom assemblage and stream functioning further downstream.
Morgan L. Vis, PhD (Advisor)
Kelly S. Johnson, PhD (Committee Member)
Jared L. DeForest, PhD (Committee Member)
68 p.
Biology; Ecology; Mining
Acid mine drainage; AMD; diatom index of biointegrity; mining reclamation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Pool, J. R. (2010). Use of Diatom Assemblages and Biofilm Enzyme Activities for Assessment of Acid Mine Remediated Streams in Southeastern Ohio [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1280508985

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Pool, Justin. Use of Diatom Assemblages and Biofilm Enzyme Activities for Assessment of Acid Mine Remediated Streams in Southeastern Ohio. 2010. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1280508985.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Pool, Justin. "Use of Diatom Assemblages and Biofilm Enzyme Activities for Assessment of Acid Mine Remediated Streams in Southeastern Ohio." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1280508985

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1280508985
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© 2010, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.
Release 3.2.12