Metal transport in a stream polluted by acid mine drainage—The Afon Goch, Anglesey, UK

Abstract

Sampling of the Afon Goch over a 14-month period revealed maximum dissolved Fe, Al, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations of 259, 167, 49, 60 and 42 mg dm −3, respectively, and pH as low as 2·3, making it one of the most metal- and acid-contaminated streams in the UK. The river produces particulates by precipitation of ferrihydrite, due to the entry of near-neutral tributary waters, under all discharge conditions. Consequently, metal transport in this stream is dominated by processes different from those in less contaminated streams. The stream acts as a sink for contaminants, except under high discharge, when accumulated metals are flushed from the system. The implications of these observations for the monitoring and management of streams polluted by acid mine drainage are discussed.