Metal Content of Klebsormidium-Dominated (Chlorophyta) Algal Mats from Acid Mine Drainage Waters in Southeastern Ohio

Abstract

STEVENS, A. E., B. C. MCCARTHY, AND M. L. VIs (Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701). Metal content of Klebsormidium-dominated (Chlorophyta) algal mats from acid mine drainage waters in southeastern Ohio. J. Torrey Bot. Soc. 128:226-233. 2001.-Mats of the green alga, Klebsormidium rivulare (Kuetz.) Morison et Sheath, were collected from five acid mine drainage (AMD) seeps and streams in southeastern Ohio on two separate occasions. In order to better understand the relationship of metals in algae, ambient water and soil samples, samples were analyzed for concentrations of aluminum, iron, zinc and manganese. For each of the tested metals, there was a significant difference among the concentrations in algal mats, water, and sediments. For aluminum, iron and manganese, the median concentration of metals in the algal samples was highest, but whether water or sediment had more, varied among metals. The median concentration of zinc in sediment was greatest followed by the algal samples and water. The median iron content of the algal samples and water were positively correlated but aluminum contents in the algal samples and water were negatively correlated. The metal accumulating capacity of algal mats from AMD generated by coal mining is similar to results obtained for algae from other types of mining operations. Results of this study suggest that snapshot studies of Klebsormidium-dominated algal mats may be a good indicator for iron concentration in water but not for content of aluminum, zinc or manganese.