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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Overview of surface water quality in Ohio's coal region

Book ·
OSTI ID:5827466
Statistical analysis of surface water quality data in coal mining areas from unmined, abandoned-mine and reclaimed sites in Ohio showed that there were significant differences in stream flow pH, specific conductance, alkalinity, and concentrations of sulfate and aluminum between abandoned-mine and unmined sites. Streams at reclaimed sites had average pH values and aluminum concentrations similar to those in unmined sites. Average specific conductance and sulfate concentrations of stream water were about the same for reclaimed and abandoned-mine sites, but were significantly lower at unmined sites; specific conductance and sulfate concentration, in fact, proved to be reliable indicators of basins that had been disturbed by mining. Alkalinity in streams was significantly different for all three land uses, the highest values being found at reclaimed sites. 25 refs., 25 figs., 5 tabs.
OSTI ID:
5827466
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English