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Trace Elements and Consequent Ecological Risks in Mining-Influenced Streams of Appalachia.
Elyse V Clark1, David J Soucek2, Stephen H Schoenholtz3
1Department of Earth & Geographic Sciences, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, USA.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
|August 17, 2023
Summary
Coal mining in Appalachia releases trace elements into streams, potentially harming aquatic life. This study found elevated nickel (Ni) and other metals in sediment and macroinvertebrates, with some levels approaching ecological risk thresholds.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Geochemistry
- Ecology
Background:
- Appalachian coal surface mining accelerates weathering, releasing major ions and trace elements into streams.
- Elevated trace elements in streams can harm aquatic biota through direct exposure and dietary intake.
- Previous studies noted elevated trace elements in Appalachian mining-influenced streams, but data on abiotic and biotic media (except Se) were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze eight trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Sr, V, Zn) in various environmental media of Appalachian headwater streams.
- To assess potential ecological risks associated with elevated trace element concentrations from coal mining.
- To compare trace element levels in mining-influenced streams with reference streams.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of streamwater, sediment, biofilm, leaf detritus, and benthic macroinvertebrates from six mining-influenced and three reference streams.
- Analysis of eight trace elements in collected environmental media during low-flow conditions across two seasons.
- Comparison of trace element concentrations between mining-influenced and reference streams, and assessment against established risk thresholds.
Main Results:
- Dissolved copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and strontium (Sr) were higher in mining-influenced streams.
- Fine sediments and macroinvertebrates showed elevated Ni, Sr, and zinc (Zn) concentrations in mining-influenced streams.
- While dissolved concentrations were below protective levels, fine sediment Ni approached or exceeded threshold-effect concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Coal mining significantly impacts trace element concentrations in Appalachian streams, affecting sediment and biota.
- Nickel concentrations in sediments pose a potential ecological risk, warranting further investigation.
- Further research is needed for cadmium (Cd), Ni, Zn in biofilms, and vanadium (V) in macroinvertebrates due to dietary risk concerns.
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