STUDY OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND INTERACTION OF HEAVY METALS, SULFUR, AND ORGANIC MATTER THROUGHOUT THE SOIL PROFILE IN AN ACID MINE DRAINAGE-IMPACTED ECOSYSTEM

Contrary Creek, is a well-known stream in Louisa County, Virginia, that has been adversely affected by acid mine drainage (AMD) since several pyrite mines and their tailings were abandoned along the streambed in the early 1900s. The effects of AMD are noticeable in both the appearance of the stream and in several qualities of the stream and surrounding soils, especially pH levels and heavy metal concentrations. Reclamation attempts in the 1970s included the application of sewage sludge and lime, stabilizing stream banks with riprap, and constructing stream diversions. The stream showed little improvement in terms of pH, acidity, and sulfate content, although there was a small reduction in heavy metal concentrations. Our research examines the current impact of this legacy AMD contamination on the stream and nearby soils which remain heavily contaminated. This study investigated the concentrations and distributions of heavy metals both among various soil fractions and throughout the soil profile to determine correlations with sulfur concentrations, organic matter content, and other soil characteristics. Remediation attempts at Contrary Creek have mostly failed in the past, but without further attempts, the abandoned mines and tailings will continue to leach heavy metals into the stream and surrounding soil, negatively impacting local ecosystems both in the surrounding area and further downstream.