Predicted acid mine drainage impacts to the Buckhannon River, WV, U.S.A.

Macroinvertebrates in streams: A review of some ecological factors

“…In macroinvertebrates, low pH has also been associated with egg failure (Willoughby and Mappin, 1988) and physiological problems because it is difficult for benthic macroinvertebrates to regulate ions within their bodies and to absorb the calcium needed for exoskeletons (Hall et al, 1980). A decrease in the pH of stream water can trigger the release of heavy metals, which are toxic to benthic macroinvertebrates (Ramsey and Brannon, 1988;Clements, 1994;Peiffer et al, 1997). Amphipods, isopods, crayfish, snails, and bivalves are more common in hard than in soft waters, as has been reported by several workers (Shoup, 1943;Slack, 1955;Reynoldson, 1961;Hynes, 1970;Allan, 1995).…”

A GIS Methodology for Assessing the Safety Hazards of Abandoned Mine Lands (AMLs)

“…Pennsylvania has the most deaths with 23 (Figure 1). Environmentally, the most significant impact of AMLs is the untreated discharge of acid mine drainage (AMD) (Bilek, 2004;Brake, Connors, & Romberger, 2001;Correa, Costa, & Koppe, 2003;Equeenuddin, Tripathy, Sahoo, & Panigrahi, 2010;Hammarstrom, Belkin, & Sibrell, 2003;Hawkins, 1994;Herman & Baumgartner, 1992;Jaynes & Pionke, 1984;Kim & Chon, 2001;Kimmel, 1983;Kumar-Vadapalli et al, 2008;Mayo, Petersen, & Kravits, 2000;O'Bara & Estes, 1985;Rahn, 1992;Rahmatian, 1990;Ramsey & Brannon, 1998;Saria, Shimaoka, & Miyawaki, 2006;Siriwardane, Kannan, & Ziemkiewicz, 2003;Smith & Skema, 2001;Stevens, McCarthy, & Vis, 2001;Wielder, 1993;Wu et al, 2009;Zalack, Smucker, & Vis, 2010). Untreated discharge entering streams can degrade both the habitat and water quality leaving an environment unsuitable for desired uses and void of aquatic life.…”