Publication Date |
1990 |
Personal Author |
Brooks, R. P.; Unz, R. F.; Davis, L. K.; Tarutis, W. J.; Yanchunas, J. |
Page Count |
154 |
Abstract |
A promising low-technology solution for treating acidic mine drainage (AMD) emanating from coal mined lands involves the use of constructed wetlands. The research was directed at addressing questions about retention mechanisms for the long-term storage of iron and manganese in constructed wetlands dominated by broad-leaved cattails (Typha latifolia). Three sites in central Pennsylvania spanning the range of water chemistry parameters found in AMD were investigated. When the AMD was circumneutral, and metal loadings were low, 79% of the iron, and 48% of the manganese were retained on average. In the highly acidic site (pH approx. = 3), < 10% of the metal loadings were retained. The primary retention mechanism appears to be the formation of metal oxides in the aerobic zones of the sediments. Although most microbial isolates extracted from sediment cores originated in the aerobic portions of the sediments, there was no evidence that they were transforming metals. When AMD is circumneutral and metal loadings are low, constructed wetlands can be an effective approach to treating mine drainage. At sites with highly acidic waters and high metal loadings, the use of constructed wetlands to treat AMD may be ineffectual, and should be implemented with caution. |
Keywords |
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Source Agency |
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NTIS Subject Category |
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Corporate Authors |
Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park. Environmental Resources Research Inst.; Bureau of Mines, Washington, DC. |
Supplemental Notes |
See also Volume 2, PB90-229907. Sponsored by Bureau of Mines, Washington, DC. |
Document Type |
Technical Report |
Title Note |
Final rept. Jul 87-Jan 90. |
NTIS Issue Number |
199018 |
Contract Number |
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