PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS DETERMINING BACTERIAL GROWTH OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE SITES IN SOUTHEAST OHIO

The generation of AMD products from underground mines is the result of atmospheric oxidation of sulfide minerals when in contact with water throughout biogeochemical processes where bacteria play an important role. The main products of AMD are acidic pH, elevated sulfuric acid levels, and high concentrations of metal contaminants. AMD yields products that are harmful to biological life, negatively influencing the water chemistry, and altering sediments. This project investigates and expands on the overall model proposed by Lopez et al. (1999) through comparing interactions of water chemistry, sediment analysis, physics of flow, and biological presence of three systems with elevated levels of the elements Fe, Al, and Mn and one with average concentrations. Few studies to date incorporate an evaluation of microbial presence within AMD in a comprehensive way considering the biology, chemistry, and physics of flow. Four streams with contrasting chemistry will be studied analyzing the chemistry of water and sediments, the fluid velocities, and the bacterial population. In this way we expect to gain more insight into the connection between the different parameters in AMD and use that information to improve existing remediation technologies.