University of Alaska, Institute of Water Resources
Abstract
The harmful effects of heavy metal contamination of
surface waters impacted by gold mining activity are well
documented. An examination was conducted on the effects of
surface disturbances in Wade Creek on the concentrations
of heavy metals in solution, and whether Thiobacillus
ferrooxidans, a bacteria found in heavy metal contaminated
drainages from placer mines, is found in the drainage.
Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was not detected in this
particular setting. The effects of mining activity and relandscaping
of stockpiled tailings showed in a short
distance, a net increase of dissolved arsenic, copper,
zinc, and iron. However, the long distance impact of
dissolved metals was minimal. Generally, it seems that the
dampening of the total suspended solids had a direct
effect on the removal of metals dissolved in solution.The research on which the report is based was financed in part by the
United States Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, through
grant number 14-08-0001-61313 to the Water Research Center
