Neutralization of acidified streams in West Virginia

Journal Article · · Fisheries; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1577/1548-8446(1984)009<0042:NOASIW>2.0.CO;2· OSTI ID:6811745

Zurbuch, P E

The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources has 25 years of experience in neutralization of acidified streams. Early efforts were on lightly buffered waters that gained most of their acid content from watershed geologic conditions. Research led to a method of treating acid stream flow with limestone aggregate contained in water powered rotating drums (Limestone Drum System). Increased acidification of West Virginia streams by acid precipitation and acid mine drainage has rekindled research efforts on a problem of larger proportions than that experienced in the late 1950s and 1960s. This paper reviews work on treatment of acidity in natural streams - particularly that dealing with use of the Limestone Drum System. It reports on recent development of a second generation drum that is self-feeding from streamside stored aggregate. The new system's efficiency may permit its application to large streams affected by acid precipitation.

• Research Organization: West Virginia Dept. of Natural Resources, Elkins
• OSTI ID: 6811745
• Journal Information: Fisheries; (United States), Journal Name: Fisheries; (United States) Vol. 9:1; ISSN FISHD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACID MINE DRAINAGE
ACID RAIN
ACIDIFICATION
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FEDERAL REGION III
LIMING
NORTH AMERICA
RAIN
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
USA
WATER QUALITY
WEST VIRGINIA