Committee Chair

Manning-Berg, Ashley R.

Committee Member

DeVries, Stephanie L.; Klug, Hope M.

Department

Dept. of Biological and Environmental Sciences

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a major pollutant from abandoned coal mines, like those located on Signal Mountain, in Chattanooga, TN. The construction of wetlands is a commonly used remediation technique for streams affected by AMD. This study documents the changes in water quality before, during, and after wetland construction at two sites that flow into Freudenberg Creek. Samples were collected over the course of a year, which also allowed for seasonal factors to be observed. The construction of wetlands at these contaminated sites demonstrated an immediate decrease in acidity, alkalinity, and conductivity values. Concentrations of expected ions like iron and sulfate decreased at one site; however, ion concentrations were unchanged at the second location. This study focused on the immediate response to wetland construction; however, it is likely that with time efficiency will increase for both areas. Ultimately, long-term benefits will be dependent on wetland upkeep through human intervention.

Acknowledgments

Gratitude to the faculty and staff at UTC. My committee board Dr. Manning-Berg, Dr. DeVries, and Dr. Klug. The advice and insight of professors Dr. Wilson, Dr. Spratt, and Dr. Tucker. The University of Tennessee Chemistry department for the use of their labs and equipment. Waterways, led by Mary Beth Sutton, for their efforts and involvement in this continuing project. This cooperative project has been funded, in part, by an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Nonpoint Source Program, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Degree

M. S.; A thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science.

Date

5-2025

Subject

Acid mine drainage--Tennessee--Chattanooga; Acid pollution of rivers, lakes, etc.; Constructed wetlands--Tennessee--Chattanooga; Water quality management

Keyword

Acid Mine Drainage; Remediation; Pollution Control; Heavy Metal Pollution

Document Type

Masters theses

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

xiv, 117 leaves

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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