Temporal and Spatial Variations in Sediment Trace Metal Concentrations in Streams, Rivers, and a Reservoir near a Derelict Lead-Zinc Mining District

Simple item page
dc.contributor.advisorNairn, Robert
dc.contributor.authorFolz, Carlton
dc.contributor.committeeMemberKnox, Robert
dc.contributor.committeeMemberDee, Kato
dc.date.accessioned2021-05-13T18:29:23Z
dc.date.available2021-05-13T18:29:23Z
dc.date.issued2021-05
dc.date.manuscript2021-05
dc.description.abstractHistoric lead and zinc mining in the Tri-State Mining District has ceased, but the legacy of trace metal contamination (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) throughout the region still exists. This thesis focuses on stream sediments in and downstream from contaminated areas. This study evaluated temporal changes of trace metal concentrations over 35-years in Tar Creek sediments. The spatial distribution of trace metal concentrations was subject to analyses between Tar Creek, the Neosho River, the Spring River, and Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. The last study focused on the bioavailability of trace metals in sediments and what factors may influence it. The watershed of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees drains multiple National Priority List Superfund sites from miningrelated activities. Sources of trace metals entering the surface water systems include artesian flowing mine drainage, mining waste pile leachate, and mine waste in the active channels. When evaluating temporal changes in Tar Creek sediments, Cd, Mn, Ni, and Zn concentrations and organic carbon content increased. At the same time, Fe, Pb, and S decreased from 1985 to 2020. Spatially, Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations decreased with increasing distance from mining impaired areas. Lastly, evaluating the impact of sediment pH, sediment organic carbon, and total Fe concentrations resulted in a wide range of responses and variability. The bioavailable concentrations of trace metals were not influenced equally by these factors. Use of statistical evaluations at the 95th confidence interval for the appropriate tests allowed for the determination of significance. Sediment-bound trace metals in freshwater sediments have complex behaviors and are becoming distributed downstream of the mining district. As remediation of sediments in the Superfund sites begins, it is imperative to understand the sources, mobility, and bioavailability of the trace metals to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of remediation while minimizing potential human and environmental risks.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/11244/329556
dc.languageen_USen_US
dc.subjectTrace metalsen_US
dc.subjectTri-State Mining Districten_US
dc.subjectBioavailabilityen_US
dc.subjectSpatial variabilityen_US
dc.subjectSedimentsen_US
dc.thesis.degreeMaster of Environmental Scienceen_US
dc.titleTemporal and Spatial Variations in Sediment Trace Metal Concentrations in Streams, Rivers, and a Reservoir near a Derelict Lead-Zinc Mining Districten_US
ou.groupGallogly College of Engineering::School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Scienceen_US
shareok.orcid0000-0001-6287-0990en_US

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Thumbnail Image
Name:
2021_Folz_Carlton_Thesis.pdf
Size:
9.64 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
2021_Folz_Carlton_Thesis.docx
Size:
14.68 MB
Format:
Microsoft Word XML
Description:
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.71 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download

Collections

OU - Theses