scholarly journals Groundwater–Stream Connectivity Mediates Metal(loid) Geochemistry in the Hyporheic Zone of Streams Impacted by Historic Mining and Acid Rock Drainage

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Hoagland ◽  
Alexis Navarre-Sitchler ◽  
Rory Cowie ◽  
Kamini Singha
Keyword(s):  
Iron Oxides ◽  
Hyporheic Zone ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Acid Rock Drainage ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Mining District ◽  
Tracer Injection ◽  
Groundwater System ◽  
Acid Rock ◽  
Hyporheic Zones

High concentrations of trace metal(loid)s exported from abandoned mine wastes and acid rock drainage pose a risk to the health of aquatic ecosystems. To determine if and when the hyporheic zone mediates metal(loid) export, we investigated the relationship between streamflow, groundwater–stream connectivity, and subsurface metal(loid) concentrations in two ~1-km stream reaches within the Bonita Peak Mining District, a US Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site located near Silverton, Colorado, USA. The hyporheic zones of reaches in two streams—Mineral Creek and Cement Creek—were characterized using a combination of salt-tracer injection tests, transient-storage modeling, and geochemical sampling of the shallow streambed (<0.7 m). Based on these data, we present two conceptual models for subsurface metal(loid) behavior in the hyporheic zones, including (1) well-connected systems characterized by strong hyporheic mixing of infiltrating stream water and upwelling groundwater and (2) poorly connected systems delineated by physical barriers that limit hyporheic mixing. The comparatively large hyporheic zone and high hydraulic conductivities of Mineral Creek created a connected stream–groundwater system, where mixing of oxygen-rich stream water and metal-rich groundwater facilitated the precipitation of metal colloids in the shallow subsurface. In Cement Creek, the precipitation of iron oxides at depth (~0.4 m) created a low-hydraulic-conductivity barrier between surface water and groundwater. Cemented iron oxides were an important regulator of metal(loid) concentrations in this poorly connected stream–groundwater system due to the formation of strong redox gradients induced by a relatively small hyporheic zone and high fluid residence times. A comparison of conceptual models to stream concentration–discharge relationships exhibited a clear link between geochemical processes occurring within the hyporheic zone of the well-connected system and export of particulate Al, Cu, Fe, and Mn, while the poorly connected system did not have a notable influence on metal concentration–discharge trends. Mineral Creek is an example of a hyporheic system that serves as a natural dissolved metal(loid) sink, whereas poorly connected systems such as Cement Creek may require a combination of subsurface remediation of sediments and mitigation of upstream, iron-rich mine drainages to reduce metal export.

Effects of riffle–step restoration on hyporheic zone chemistry in N-rich lowland streams

2006 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamao Kasahara ◽  
Alan R Hill
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Hyporheic Zone ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Hyporheic Exchange ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Exchange Flow ◽  
Nutrient Inputs ◽  
Lowland Streams ◽  
Hyporheic Zones

Stream restoration projects that aim to rehabilitate ecosystem health have not considered surface–subsurface linkages, although stream water and groundwater interaction has an important role in sustaining stream ecosystem functions. The present study examined the effect of constructed riffles and a step on hyporheic exchange flow and chemistry in restored reaches of several N-rich agricultural and urban streams in southern Ontario. Hydrometric data collected from a network of piezometers and conservative tracer releases indicated that the constructed riffles and steps were effective in inducing hyporheic exchange. However, despite the use of cobbles and boulders in the riffle construction, high stream dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations were depleted rapidly with depth into the hyporheic zones. Differences between observed and predicted nitrate concentrations based on conservative ion concentration patterns indicated that these hyporheic zones were also nitrate sinks. Zones of low hydraulic conductivity and the occurrence of interstitial fines in the restored cobble-boulder layers suggest that siltation and clogging of the streambed may reduce the downwelling of oxygen- and nitrate-rich stream water. Increases in streambed DO levels and enhancement of habitat for hyporheic fauna that result from riffle–step construction projects may only be temporary in streams that receive increased sediment and nutrient inputs from urban areas and croplands.

Identifying flow transience in the hyporheic zone by Electric Resistivity Tomography

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joakim Riml ◽  
Liwen Wu ◽  
Robert Earon ◽  
Stefan Krause ◽  
Theresa Blume
Keyword(s):  
Hyporheic Zone ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Hyporheic Exchange ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Tracer Injection ◽  
Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Flood Hydrograph

<p>The importance of hydrological interactions between groundwater and surface waters and the consequential transport of mass and energy across the streambed – water interface has gained significant research attention lately. In this phenomenological study we investigated the transient nature of hyporheic exchange as a response to flood events by performing a stream manipulation experiment in a small boreal stream within the Krycklan catchment, Sweden. The stream flow was manipulated in order to create a flood event and investigate the responding dynamically changing spatial extent of the hyporheic zone. The artificial flood caused an approximately 5-fold increase in stream discharge.</p><p>The experimental set-up consisted of both geophysical and hydrological methods, including time-lapse Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) along the thalweg of a 6.3 m long stream section, with a 0.1 m longitudinal spacing of the electrodes. A constant stream water electric conductivity (EC) was obtained throughout the experiment by using a variable rate tracer injection of chloride. Additional measurements of background EC in the streambed sediments as well as streambed topography (from a total station) and subsurface structures (from Ground Penetrating Radar) were used to support the results from the ERT.</p><p>With combined experimental and numerical modeling approaches, the hyporheic response to transient hydrologic boundary conditions and small scale streambed heterogeneities were investigated. Results indicated that a quick response of the hyporheic zone to the changing pressure distribution on the streambed was strongly controlled by the shape of the flood hydrograph. Moreover, the response resulted in an alteration of the hyporheic flowpaths, which increased the hyporheic zone depth and contributed to a dynamically-changing residence time distribution within the hyporheic zone. This alteration was further complicated by the local streambed heterogeneities. The observed substantial variabilities in the hyporheic fluxes over the time span of a flood hydrograph and longitudinally over the measured stream section has direct consequences on the biogeochemical and hydro-ecological functioning of the hyporheic zone, which would be inadequately estimated using homogenous, steady-state approaches.</p>

scholarly journals Identification and Prioritisation of Mine Pollution Sources in a Temperate Watershed Using Tracer Injection and Synoptic Sampling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Byrne ◽  
Alan Yendell ◽  
Ilaria Frau ◽  
Aaron M. L. Todd
Keyword(s):  
Mine Water ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
Pollution Sources ◽  
Tracer Injection ◽  
Diffuse Sources ◽  
Synoptic Sampling ◽  
Mine Pollution ◽  
Mine Sites

AbstractIdentifying and prioritising mine sites for remediation is challenging due to inherently complex hydrological systems and multiple potential sources of mine pollution dispersed across watersheds. Understanding mine pollution dynamics in wet temperate watersheds is particularly challenging due to substantial variability in precipitation and streamflows, which increase the importance of diffuse sources. A tracer dilution and synoptic sampling experiment was conducted in a mined watershed in Scotland to identify the main sources of mine pollution, the relative importance of point and diffuse sources of pollution, and the potential benefits of mine site remediation to stream water quality. Using high spatial resolution metal loading datasets, the major Zn and Cd source areas were identified as point sources of mine water predominantly located in the upper part of the watershed. In contrast, the main sources of Pb were diffuse sources of mine tailings and wastes located in the lower part of the watershed. In the latter case, mobilisation of Pb occurred primarily from a section of braided wetland and an uncapped tailings area. Importantly, diffuse sources of mine pollution were found to be the dominant source of Pb, and an important source of Zn and Cd, even under steady-state streamflow conditions. Mass balance calculations suggest that treatment of the main mine water sources in the upper watershed and capping of the tailings deposit in the lower watershed could reduce stream trace metal concentrations by approximately 70%. These data support the development of conceptual models of mine pollution dynamics in wet temperate watersheds. These conceptual models are important as they: (1) help prioritise those mine sites and features for remediation that will deliver the most environmental and socio-economic benefit, and; (2) provide a means to quantify the importance of diffuse pollution sources that may increase in importance in the future as a result of changes in precipitation patterns in temperate watersheds.

Hyporheic zone chemistry and stream-subsurface exchange in two groundwater-fed streams

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 495-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan R Hill ◽  
Donna J Lymburner
Keyword(s):  
Stream Flow ◽  
Hyporheic Zone ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Nutrient Retention ◽  
Stream Flows ◽  
Groundwater Exchange ◽  
Chemical Mixing ◽  
Sand Bottom ◽  
Good Agreement

Data from two headwater streams in southern Ontario provide support for conceptual models that suggest that hyporheic zone influence on stream nutrient retention is determined by the extent of surface-groundwater exchange and subsurface chemical transformation rates. The hyporheic zone (>10% stream water) was delineated by a chemical mixing equation using differences in background stream and groundwater chloride concentrations and by injections of chloride to stream flow. Good agreement between the two methods confirmed that the extent of stream-groundwater exchanges can be successfully estimated using background conservative ions as a tracer technique. During low stream flows in May-October the depth of the hyporheic zone was 2-15 cm in a 12-m sand-bottom pool, debris dam, pool reach of Glen Major stream and 15-20 cm in a 16-m gravel riffle reach of Duffin Creek. Differences between observed NO3 concentrations and concentrations predicted from background chloride indicated depletion of NO3 in the hyporheic zone at a few locations in Glen Major and at 5-10 cm depth throughout the Duffin Creek reach. NO3 and NH4 injected into stream water were reactive at only a few hyporheic sites in the streams. Upstream-downstream comparisons during injections indicated that stream retention was minor.

PREDICTING ACID ROCK DRAINAGE FROM A NICKEL MINE WASTE PILE AND METAL LEVELS IN SURROUNDING SOILS

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 2089-2096
Author(s):  
Artwell Kanda ◽  
George Nyamadzawo ◽  
Jephita Gotosa ◽  
Nathan Nyamutora ◽  
Willis Gwenzi
Keyword(s):  
Acid Rock Drainage ◽  
Mine Waste ◽  
Acid Rock ◽  
Metal Levels

Small-scale field evaluation of geochemical blending of waste rock to mitigate acid rock drainage potential

2021 ◽  
pp. geochem2021-066
Author(s):  
S.J. Day
Keyword(s):  
Acid Rock Drainage ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Waste Rock ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Acidic Water ◽  
Acid Rock ◽  
Acid Generation ◽  
Acidic Waters ◽  
Critical Consideration

Blending of potentially acid generating (PAG) waste rock with non-PAG waste rock to create a rock mixture which performs as non-PAG is a possible approach to permanent prevention of acid rock drainage (ARD) for PAG waste rock. In 2012, a field weathering study using 300 kg samples was implemented at Teck Coal's Quintette Project located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada to test the prevention of acid generation in the PAG waste rock by dissolved carbonate leached from overlying non-PAG waste rock and direct neutralization of acidic water from PAG waste rock by contact with non-PAG waste rock.After eight years of monitoring the experiments, the layered non-PAG on PAG barrels provided proof-of-concept that as the thickness of the PAG layer increases relative to the thickness of the non-PAG layers, acidic waters are more likely to be produced. The PAG on non-PAG layering has resulted in non-acidic water and no indications of metal leaching despite accelerated oxidation in the PAG layer shown by sulphate loadings. The study has demonstrated that the scale of heterogeneity of PAG and non-PAG materials is a critical consideration for providing certainty that rock blends designed to be non-PAG will perform as non-PAG in perpetuity. This is contrary to the standard paradigm in which an excess of acid-consuming minerals is often considered sufficient alone to ensure ARD is not produced.

Periodic alterations of the hydrological exchange in hyporheic sediments: colmation, hyporheic fauna and abiotic parameters in a second order stream during one year 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heide Stein ◽  
Hans Jürgen Hahn
Keyword(s):  
Hyporheic Zone ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
Order Stream ◽  
Fine Sediments ◽  
Stream Discharge ◽  
One Year ◽  
Hydrological Exchange

<p>In this study, the temporal variability of the hydrological exchange between stream water (SW) and groundwater (GW), colmation, hyporheic invertebrate fauna, organic matter (OM) and physicochemical parameters were examined for the period of one year. Sampling and measuring were conducted monthly from May 2019 to April 2020 at the Guldenbach river, a second order stream in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. All hyporheic samples were extracted from a depth of 15 cm below stream bottom. Colmation was measured quantitatively in the same depth.</p><p>Following the biotic and abiotic patterns found, three temporal stages of different hydrological conditions can be described:</p><ul><li>1) Strong floods, in February and March 2020 caused hydromorphological alterations of the river bed, leading to a decolmation of the hyporheic zone, a wash out of OM and hyporheic fauna. Due to high GW tables the vertical hydrological gradient (VHG) was positive indicating upwelling GW.</li> <li>2) In the months of Mai to August 2019 and April 2020, precipitation and stream discharge were lowest. Predominantly exfiltrating conditions were observed, while the amount of fine sediments (clay and silt) increased as well as colmation. High densities of hyporheic fauna, dominated by fine sediment dwelling taxa, were assessed.</li> <li>3) From September 2019 to January 2020 stream discharge was low. The VHG became increasingly negative, indicating downwelling SW. In accordance, colmation increased continuously, while densities of hyporheic invertebrates decreased and sediment dwellers became more dominant.</li> </ul><p>Precipitation, discharge events and GW table were found to be the driving factors for the annual dynamics of the hydrological exchange as well as for colmation, fauna and hydrochemistry. Electric conductivity seems a suitable indicator for the origin of water with high values in months of low precipitation and lower values after extensive precipitation events, respectively. Hyporheic fauna displayed a significant seasonality and the community structure was correlated with colmation and changes in the VHG.</p><p>This pronounced seasonality seems to be typical of many streams and should be considered for the monitoring of sediments and hyporheic habitats: Seasons with lower stream discharge are probably the most critical periods for sediment conditions.</p><p>We assume that the basic patterns of the dynamics observed basically reflect the natural situation in the catchment. However, the strength of surface run-off and the amount of fine sediments are mainly the result of anthropogenic activities and land use in the catchment.</p><p>These findings underline the significance of dynamical processes for the assessment and implementation of the Water Framework Directive.</p>

scholarly journals The Formation of Silicate-Stabilized Passivating Layers on Pyrite for Reduced Acid Rock Drainage

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (19) ◽  
pp. 11317-11325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Fan ◽  
Michael D. Short ◽  
Sheng-Jia Zeng ◽  
Gujie Qian ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acid Rock Drainage ◽  
Acid Rock
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document