Soil and water characteristics of a young surface mine wetland |
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Authors: | C Andrew Cole Eugene A Lefebvre |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, 62901 Carbondale, Illinois, USA;(2) Present address: Cooperative Park Study Unit, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Box 8004, 27695-8004 Raleigh, North Carolina |
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Abstract: | Coal companies are reluctant to include wetland development in reclamation plans partly due to a lack of information on the
resulting characteristics of such sites. It is easier for coal companies to recreate terrestrial habitats than to attempt
experimental methods and possibly face significant regulatory disapproval. Therefore, we studied a young (10 years) wetland
on a reclaimed surface coal mine in southern Illinois so as to ascertain soil and water characteristics such that the site
might serve as a model for wetland development on surface mines. Water pH was not measured because of equipment problems,
but evidence (plant life, fish, herpetofauna) suggests suitable pH levels. Other water parameters (conductivity, salinity,
alkalinity, chloride, copper, total hardness, iron, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and sulfate) were measured, and
only copper was seen in potentially high concentrations (but with no obvious toxic effects). Soil variables measured included
pH, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, aluminum, iron, sulfate, chloride, and percent organic
matter. Soils were slightly alkaline and most parameters fell within levels reported for other studies on both natural and
manmade wetlands. Aluminum was high, but this might be indicative more of large amounts complexed with soils and therefore
unavailable, than amounts actually accessible to plants. Organic matter was moderate, somewhat surprising given the age of
the system. |
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Keywords: | Reclamation Soils Surface mines Wetlands Wetland creation Water |
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