West-McCauley, Christian, Department of Geography, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA, 19837, cjwm001@bucknell.edu; Oduro Appiah, Joseph, Department of Geography, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, joa004@bucknell.edu.
As groundwater interacts with rocks and minerals exposed by coal mining, it gradually generates acid mine drainage (AMD) and increases iron oxide concentrations. This process renders water unsuitable for domestic use, eliminates aquatic life, and contributes to broader environmental degradation. Creeks and other water resources surrounded by several areas of land used for coal mining are, thus, impacted by the effects of AMD. Previous studies on coal mining and AMD have focused on understanding their ecological impacts, economic implications, and effects on water quality. However, the current study assessed seasonal changes in iron oxides and turbidity using Shamokin Creek in Pennsylvania as a case study watershed. This study hypothesized that there are no significant differences in iron oxides and turbidity values in the early spring and late summer seasons. Geospatial, laboratory, and statistical analyses were utilized to analyze data collected from Shamokin Creek remote sensing and water sampling. The geospatial, laboratory, and statistical analyses all revealed a significant decrease in turbidity from spring to summer seasons and a significant increase in iron oxides. The results of this study can be used to better understand the changes in concentrations of iron oxides and turbidity levels through seasons, further aiding water treatment efforts.
Acid Mine Drainage , Remote Sensing , GIS , Water Quality