Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2016, Environmental Studies (Voinovich)

Closing stream-capturing subsidences over abandoned coal mines prevents surface water from entering mine voids and reacting with sulfide materials (pyrite) and oxygen. The common assumption that closures will improve water quality in discharges and receiving streams was tested at multiple sites by comparing acid and metal loadings, pre- and post-closure, using the Stoertz Water Quality Evaluation Method. Proven an effective tool for comparing loading estimations at mean annual flow, even with small sample size, this method still required complete, accurate, and precise data that spanned all flow regimes for statistically significant results. Where adequate data existed, acid and metal loadings showed reductions after closure, in spite of measured increases in constituent concentrations, due to reduced flows attributable to subsidence closure.

Committee: Natalie Kruse Ph.D. (Advisor) Subjects: Environmental Studies