Spatial Variability of Heavy-Metal Storage in the Floodplain of the Alamosa River, Colorado

Abstract

Beginning in 1986, heavy metals were released from Summitville Mine into the headwaters of the Alamosa River, Colorado. Shortly thereafter, adverse effects on irrigation sprinklers and other metal components were noted downstream in the San Luis Valley, and elevated concentrations of heavy metals were measured in the river. We determined the spatial extent and degree of heavy-metal storage through sampling of the Alamosa River floodplain. Downstream from Terrace Reservoir, which was built in 1912, concentrations were more variable. No systematic trends in peak concentrations with distance downstream were discerned. Heavy metals found below the reservoir may have been released to the watershed and deposited before 1912 during a period of earlier mining activity, or during flooding in 1970 and 1971 when water overtopped the dam. The results of this study suggest the complex fashion in which heavy metals move through the fluvial system. [

Spatial distribution of trace elements in floodplain alluvium of the upper Blackfoot River, Montana

“…Similar increases have been reported in other studies (e.g. Lecce et al 2008;Csiki and Martin 2008).…”

Levels of Arsenic and Other Trace Elements in Southern Libyan Agricultural Irrigated Soil and Non-irrigated Soil Projects

“…4); As levels increased with distance towards the source of irrigation and were concentrated during irrigation application, leading to leaching of As to the soil profile. Csiki and Martin (2008) and Lindberg et al (1999) reported that intensive irrigation by using sprinkler systems at high temperatures and low humidity conditions, such as those prevalent in Libya, may increase the concentration of salinity, e.g. sodium and chloride, which are usually absorbed by the roots.…”

Sediment Entrainment Potential in Modified Alluvial Streams: Implications for Re-Mobilization of Stored In-Channel Sediment

“…It also suggests that channel aggradation has not occurred to an extent that it has compensated for the oversteepened channel gradients, which exist due to the historic channelization, and which also contribute to stream power for sediment entrainment. The findings suggest that historic aggradation related to historic land use change and channelization can serve as a secondary aggradation source long after human disturbance, as has been found in mined river basins (James 1999;Csiki and Martin, 2008). It should be emphasized that the τ bf /τ cr ratios are based on measurements of bankfull stage estimated from field indicators, and that this method of measurement of bankfull stage is prone to error, especially in incised and geomorphologically complex (adjusting) systems (USDA, 2003), such as the tributaries of the Lower Hatchie River.…”

“…Historic alluvium in mined watersheds has also been shown to persistently affect sediment loads and flooding long after its initial deposition, by altering stage/discharge relationships (James, 1999). It can remain a long-term pollution threat due to re-working of historic floodplain deposits contaminated with heavy metals, because heavy metals do not chemically degrade over time (Csiki and Martin, 2008). Channel aggradation occurs, not only in response to the introduction of sediment, but also from alteration of flow hydrology, such as in regulated rivers (Changxing et al, 1999), and in drought-prone locations (Erskine and Livingstone, 1999).…”