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Physical and Chemical Parameters Determining Bacterial Growth of Acid Mine Drainage Sites in Southeast Ohio

Barkett, Sebastian Dominic
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1597070953554645

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Geological Sciences.
This study focused on highlighting the connection between the physical, chemical, sedimentary, and microbial aspects of various acid mine drainage settings of contrasting chemistry. In addition, a comprehensive thesis model was suggested to explain the interconnected relationships of this data set. The first 30 meters were evaluated for Pine Run (Fe), Esco No. 40 (Fe and Al), York Clay No. 4 (Mn), and Sines No. 2 (Al) coal mines. The acidophilic microbial taxa evaluated were Thiothrix sp.(any), Gallionella ferruginea, and Leptothrix discophora. Through principal component analysis (PCA) and a Spearman correlation matrix (n=20) a number of correlations were found to describe our model. The results of this study indicate a strong relationship between distribution of total Fe, and SO4, in the sediment due to physics of flow. Statistical analyses suggest precipitation of Mn into the sediments could occur at the medium-coarse sand (0.5-0.99 mm) grain size fraction and Fe likely precipitates as a larger grain size fraction than this. Both Thiothrix and G. ferruginea taxa shared a positive correlation with velocity, and L. discophora shared a negative correlation to flow velocity. Variable flow conditions within the first 30-meters of the mine opening can alter distribution of precipitates to deposit medium to coarse sand grain size fractions, reoxygenate waters, and alter pH to create supersaturated conditions for the minerals 4 basaluminite, amorphous Fe(OH)3, gibbsite, barite, and goethite. Results from this study also indicate G. ferruginea is likely favored in Fe contaminated systems, L. discophora could be the more abundant in Mn and Al contaminated mines, and SO4 contaminated drainage favors Thiothrix. Geochemical modeling results agree with water quality tests and field observations for each site.
Dina López (Advisor)
Gregory Nadon (Committee Member)
Natalie Kruse Daniels (Committee Member)
Kieth Milam (Committee Member)
228 p.
Environmental Geology; Geology; Microbiology
Barkett; acid mine drainage; geomicrobiology; environmental geochemistry; geochemistry; Ohio; Southeast Ohio; multifaceted interactions acid mine drainage; biology acid mine drainage; Thiothrix; Gallionella ferruginea; leptothrix discophora; Dina Lopez

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Barkett, S. D. (2020). Physical and Chemical Parameters Determining Bacterial Growth of Acid Mine Drainage Sites in Southeast Ohio [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1597070953554645

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Barkett, Sebastian. Physical and Chemical Parameters Determining Bacterial Growth of Acid Mine Drainage Sites in Southeast Ohio. 2020. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1597070953554645.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Barkett, Sebastian. "Physical and Chemical Parameters Determining Bacterial Growth of Acid Mine Drainage Sites in Southeast Ohio." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1597070953554645

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1597070953554645
488
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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.