EVALUATING SEDIMENT AND WILDLIFE TRACE METAL CONTAMINATION AND FISH SPECIES DIVERSITY NEAR BREMO POWER STATION (NEW CANTON, VA)

This research assesses the spatio-temporal distribution and biological impacts of trace metal pollutants near Bremo Power Station. This inactive coal-fired power plant, located by the James River in Virginia, has stored 6.2 million cubic yards of coal combustion residuals (CCRs) in its adjacent North Ash Pond. Industrial coal combustion and subsequent waste disposal release toxic, persistent, and non-biodegradable trace metals into the environment. CCRs can infiltrate waterways via accidental spills, authorized discharge, or leaching from insufficiently lined impoundments. The latter remains under-examined, as existing research primarily focuses on large spills. Surficial sediments, sediment cores, and native adult panhandle pebblesnails (Somatogyrus virginicus) were sampled from the James River upstream, downstream, and adjacent to the station. All samples were analyzed for 13 CCR-associated trace elements (Al, As, B, Cd, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Se, and Zn) using ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.) In addition, eDNA (environmental DNA) samples were collected and fish species diversity was analyzed using MiFish primers. While this research is ongoing, preliminary results indicate significantly enriched Al, Cu, and Pb in surficial sediments downstream from the station. We anticipate increased concentrations of trace metals in snails sampled downstream, accompanied by diminished fish diversity. Expected findings also include a temporal correlation between the plant’s operational period and trace metal enrichment. Further results will provide crucial insight into the transport and lasting ramifications of CCR-associated trace metals, informing environmental remediation efforts and illuminating risks to ecosystem and human health.