Date of Graduation

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Roger C., Jr. Viadero

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the technical feasibility of using the effluent of an active mine water treatment facility to rear Oncorhynchus Mykiss (rainbow trout) by performing an extensive water quality analysis, and monitoring and analyzing bioassays. Monthly grab samples were taken and analyzed for dissolved concentrations of typical acid mine drainage (AMD) metals (e.g., iron, manganese, aluminum, magnesium, and calcium). Additionally, sulfate concentrations, alkalinity, acidity, and hardness were measured. Further, a grab sample for analysis of trace heavy metal concentrations in the treated effluent was taken as a baseline measurement. Finally, fifty trout were raised in treated mine water effluent to assess their viability and the potential for bioaccumulation of trace heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Se, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Sb, Ni, Ag, Be, Tl, and Hg). Although dissolved AMD metals concentrations in the water exceeded recommended limits; there were no detectable concentrations of trace metals. Due to the physiologically normal behavior of the bioassays and the undetectable concentrations of trace metals in the fish flesh, it was believed the high ionic strength of the treated waters played a major factor in reducing the active concentrations of metal ions. In addition, complex formation resulted in the presence of metal-ligand complexes and was also a significant factor in the reduced bioavailibility of dissolved metals. Thus, while the dissolved concentration of a metal may have exceeded the prescribed limits, only a fraction of the metal may have been bioavailable. Recommendations were made to proceed with the construction of a demonstration facility for further research.

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