Effect of Flow Rate on Acidity Concentration from Above-Drainage Underground Mines (original) (raw)

High flows during spring runoff and snowmelt can increase the concentrations of contaminants in the discharge or dilute them. In the Appalachian region, March tends to be a time of high flows from underground mines, May has moderate flow rates, and July has low flows. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of flow rate on water quality from five acid-producing, above-drainage underground mines in West Virginia. We measured flow rates and acidity twice a week for 3 weeks in March, May, and July 2007. As expected, flow rates in March (average of five sites) were significantly higher at 32 L s-1 than flows in May and July at 18 and 6 L s-1. Flows during weeks within months were not significantly different. Acidity concentrations for March and May (high and moderate flow months) were significantly lower at 342 and 400 mg L-1 (as CaCO 3) than those in July at 524 mg L-1 (as CaCO 3). Similar to flow, acidity concentrations during weeks within the same month were not significantly different. In general, this data supported the 'dilution' concept, where higher flow rates resulted in lower acidity concentrations from above-drainage underground mine discharges.

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