Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Algal bioassays with leachates and distillates from western coal

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6865849
The objective of this research was to assess the effects on freshwater algae of materials derived from coal storage piles. Coal leachates and distillates were prepared in the laboratory from low-sulfur Montana coal. Three types of algal bioassays were conducted: (1) A laboratory stream facility was constructed which supported periphyton communities of 50-80 species growing on artificial substrates. These communities generally showed stimulation of growth and some species composition changes in response to coal leachates. Coal distillates inhibited growth. Periphyton exposed to distillates accumulated aliphatic hydrocarbons. (2) Short-term laboratory bottle tests with test species of algae generally showed growth inhibition in response to leachates and distillates. When distillates were bubbled to remove volatile organic compounds, growth stimulation was observed. (3) Three in-situ experiments in a small lake were conducted with coal distillates. Increases in algal biomass and bacterial populations in distillate-treated enclosures were observed in each of these tests.
Research Organization:
Minnesota Univ., Duluth (USA). Dept. of Biology
OSTI ID:
6865849
Report Number(s):
PB-80-205834
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English