HR: 0830h
AN: H51C-1063    [PDF]
TI: Analysis of Biogeochemistry of Acid-Mine Drainage at Rowe, Massachusetts
AU: * Ahlfeld, D P
EM: ahlfeld@ecs.umass.edu
AF: Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
AU: Yuretich, R
EM: yuretich@geo.umass.edu
AF: Dept. of Geosciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
AU: Ergas, S
EM: ergas@ecs.umass.edu
AF: Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
AU: Nusslein, K
EM: nusslein@microbio.umass.edu
AF: Dept. of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
AU: Feldman, A
EM: afeldman@educ.umass.edu
AF: TECS Department School of Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
AB: Acid waters rich in iron and sulfate can support a wide variety of microorganisms that catalyze the oxidation-reduction reactions of these bioactive elements, exemplified by acid-mine drainage (AMD). In order to study the biogeochemistry of natural attenuation a field site has been established at Davis Mine, an abandoned pyrite mine in rural Rowe Massachusetts. This site is of particular interest because of the apparent dynamic equilibrium that has restricted the extent of the AMD in this area since the mine was closed nearly 100 years ago. Initial evidence suggests that sulfate reduction is occurring at the fringes of the site. Multi-level monitoring wells and surface water sampling points have been installed. Soil samples collected from the drilled wells are being used to provide inoculums for cultivating bacteria and identifying DNA. Preliminary data indicate a restricted lens of impacted groundwater that moves rapidly through the mine tailings and shallow bedrock fractures, but is contained by ambient groundwater from uncontaminated recharge areas. Sulfate reduction has been documented at the margins of the acid-generating area, and this has been reproduced in laboratory experiments. Current research is now examining the processes of Fe(III) and SO4 reduction and the roles of acidophilic and acid-tolerant anaerobic microorganisms. K12 teachers are part of the research teams and the effects of research experiences on their higher-level understanding of science are being evaluated.
UR: http://www.umass.edu/biocomplexity/
DE: 0400 Biogeosciences
DE: 1099 General or miscellaneous
DE: 1831 Groundwater quality
DE: 1860 Runoff and streamflow
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting