A column evaluation of Appalachian coal mine spoils' temporal leaching behavior.
Appalachian surface coal mine overburden affects water quality as drainage percolates through spoil disposal fills. This study evaluated leaching potentials of 15 spoils from south-central Appalachia. Most bulk samples were non acid-forming, all were low in total-S, (≤0.34%), and initial saturated paste specific conductance (SC) ranged from 264 to 3560 μS cm(-1). Samples were leached unsaturated (40 cycles) and leachates analyzed for pH, SC, and ion composition. Overall, leachates from unweathered spoils were higher in pH and SC than leachates from weathered spoils. Fine-textured spoils generally produced higher SCs than more coarsely textured spoils. Mean SC for all spoils decreased rapidly from an initial peak of 1468 μS cm(-1) (±150) to 247 μS cm(-1) (±23). Release patterns for most major ions reflected declining SC. Bicarbonate typically increased with successive leaches, replacing sulfate as the dominant anion. Column SC values were comparable to relevant published field data.
Virginia Tech. Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, 330 Smyth Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States. Electronic address: zenah@vt.edu.
Zenah W
ZW
Orndorff
Virginia Tech. Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, 330 Smyth Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States. Electronic address: wdaniels@vt.edu.
W Lee
WL
Daniels
Virginia Tech. Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, 330 Smyth Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States. Electronic address: czip@vt.edu.
Carl E
CE
Zipper
Virginia Tech. Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, 330 Smyth Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States. Electronic address: eick@vt.edu.
Matt
M
Eick
Virginia Tech. Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, 330 Smyth Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States. Electronic address: mikebeck@vt.edu.
Mike
M
Beck
D001061:Appalachian Region; D003032:Coal Mining; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007220:Industrial Waste; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry; D060753:Water Quality
D007220:Industrial Waste; D014867:Water
Conductivity; Mine drainage; Salinity; Surface mining; Total dissolved solids