Mine drainage precipitates attenuate and conceal wastewater-derived phosphate pollution in stream water
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Abstract
Hydrous ferric-oxide (HFO) coatings on streambed sediments may attenuate dissolved phosphate (PO4) concentrations at acidic to neutral pH conditions, limiting phosphorus (P) transport and availability in aquatic ecosystems. Mesh-covered tiles on which “natural” HFO from abandoned mine drainage (AMD) had precipitated were exposed to treated municipal wastewater (MWW) effluent or a mixture of stream water and effluent. Between 42 and 99% of the dissolved P in effluent was removed from the water to a thin coating (~2 μm) of HFO on the mesh. Geochemical equilibrium model results predicted the removal of 76 to 99% of PO4 from the water by adsorption to the HFO, depending on the HFO quantity, initial PO4 concentration, and pH. The measurements and model results indicated the capacity for P removal decreased as the concentration of P associated with the HFO increased. Continuing accumulation of HFO from upstream AMD sources replenish the in-stream capacity for P attenuation below the MWW discharge. This indicates AMD pollution may conceal P inputs and limit the amount of dissolved P transported to downstream ecosystems. However, HFO-rich sediments also represent a potential source of “legacy” P that could confound management practices intended to decrease nutrient and metal loadings.
Suggested Citation
Smyntek, P.M., Lamagna, N., Cravotta, C., and Strosnider, W., 2022, Mine drainage precipitates attenuate and conceal wastewater-derived phosphate pollution in stream water: Science of the Total Environment, v. 815, 152672, 8 p., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152672.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Mine drainage precipitates attenuate and conceal wastewater-derived phosphate pollution in stream water |
| Series title | Science of the Total Environment |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152672 |
| Volume | 815 |
| Year Published | 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Contributing office(s) | Pennsylvania Water Science Center |
| Description | 152672, 8 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Other Geospatial | Four Mile Run |