Mining has an impact on the stream it comes into contact with. The mining activities in Left Hand Water District, Colorado have dumped heavy metals and acid contamination into surface and groundwater. The impact of this contamination on the stream is worth assessment both downstream and upstream. The decision to asses both points is informed by the assumption involved. The common assumption is that metal concentration will be heavy at the source than at the bottom. However, other factors come into play that ultimately affect the concentration. Lundy et al. (2017) observed that metal water-sediment interaction impacted the concentration of metal along a stream. The study collected samples of sediments along the Lower lee in London. The study found that heavy metal concentrations are higher in sediments than on the surface of rivers due to prolonged pollution. The study notes that about 30 to 90 percent of the river metal load is transported in sediment, making it richer in metal concentration rather than surface water. This shows that heavy metals accumulate in the sediments over time. In an earlier review by Hart (1982), the author concluded that there existed different mechanisms in which heavy metals become concentrated in sediment. The study outlines biological uptake by bacteria and alga, sedimentation by physical entrapment of enriched particulate matter as well as physical-chemical adsorption- as some of the mechanism responsible for the concentration. Aravinna (2015) observed that the variation of trace metal in a river depended on whether the metal was in a liquid or suspended phase. Other factors that influence the concentration of heavy metals along a river include the time the river is subjected to pollution, the natural cleansing power of the river, size and nature of the sediments. It thus follows that the metal concentrations vary at different sites intermediate between the River Watch sampling sites.
Sampling Method
Water and sediment samples will be collected from different sampling sites along River Watch. The sediment samples will be collected using scoops and spoons. Water samples will be collected using a litre plastic containers. The study will pick five sites dispersed along the river for sampling. Both water and sediment samples will be subjected to Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ASS) for detection of metal. In the analysis, the level of heavy metal in the different sites will be determined and compared. A graphical representation of heavy metal in the various sites will also be determined. When collecting the sample, other factors that directly influence concentration at the time, such as during discharge will be avoided by taking samples when water is settled. That is, 7 hours after discharge has stopped.
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When collecting the samples, safety precautions will be observed. It is recommended that researchers follow the Safety, Health and Environmental Management Program (SHEMP) procedures and policy manual or any other pertinent site-specific Healthy Safety Plans (HASPs) for guidelines on safety precautions. The researchers should be equipped with personal protective equipment such as lab coats, booties, hairnets, protective suits, among others. The samples will be kept in a tightly-closed container and stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place. When conducting the research and analysis, documentation will also be adhered to. The amount of data generated in heavy metal analysis requires a lot of documentation and should be such that easy retrieval and follow up is easy.
References
Aravinna, A. (2015). Variation of Trace Metals in Liquid and Suspended Phases of Water in Middle and Lower Catchments of River Mahaweli, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering , 8 (2), 353 - 363.
Hart, B. T. (1982). Uptake of trace metals by sediments and suspended particulates: a review. Hydrobiologia , 91-92 (1), 299-313. doi:10.1007/bf00940121
Lundy, L., Alves, L., Revitt, M., & Wildeboer, D. (2017). Metal Water-Sediment Interactions and Impacts on an Urban Ecosystem. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 14 (7), 722. doi:10.3390/ijerph14070722
