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SPATIAL, TEMPORAL AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ANALYSIS OF TRACE METAL ENRICHMENT IN A CENTRAL APPALACHIAN COAL MINING WATERSHED

Session: 37th Annual Undergraduate Research Exhibition Sponsored by Sigma Gamma Epsilon (Posters)

Presenting Author:

Eric Torres

Authors:

Torres, Eric¹, Odhiambo, Ben Kisila², Frankel, Tyler K³, Giancarlo, Leanna⁴

(1) Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA, (2) Earth and Environmental Science, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA, (3) Earth and Enviornmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA, (4) Chemistry, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA,

Abstract:

This study investigates the spatial distribution of toxic trace metals in the Levisa Fork and its primary tributaries across Buchanan County, VA, and Pike County, KY; regions with extensive coal mining histories. Coal mining is known to mobilize trace metals into surrounding waterways. Trace metals have been associated with adverse health outcomes and thus should be monitored where exposure is possible. To assess trace metal exposure, we analyzed 31 sediment grab samples, 2 sediment cores, 33 surface water samples, and 1 groundwater sample using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for As, Al, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. 5 Environmental DNA samples were also collected to evaluate aquatic biodiversity.

Results indicate widespread anthropogenic enrichment in all elements, ranging from enrichment factors of 1.85 to 48.37. As, Cd, Cu, Mg, Ni, and Zn were particularly enriched with the highest sediment enrichments found at downstream river bends and near the town of Grundy. Manganese in surface water was strongly correlated with proximity to slurry impoundments. Groundwater sampling indicated concerning levels of As (5.44ppb), Mn (1,319.23ppb), and Pb (11.31ppb); which suggests increased risk for residents using well water. Many sites showed Ecological Risk Factors above 40 for As and Pb, indicating moderate ecological risk; several exceeded 80, indicating considerable risk in relation to these elements. These findings suggest the anthropogenic redistribution of trace metals may be contributing to an increased public and environmental health risk. eDNA will confirm potential impacts to biodiversity in the fluvial environment.