Identifying environmental issues and remediation techniques for coal-mining affected surface water

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There are concerns about potential impacts of coal mining on aquatic environments. In the Eastern Slopes of Alberta, leachate from mining landscapes can be rich in selenium (Se) and have high concentrations of major ions, especially calcium, resulting in extreme water hardness in aquatic systems. Effects of selenium on aquatic environments, including aquatic organisms such as fish, are well studied. However, few methods have been developed to treat mine drainage and lessen effects of Se on aquatic systems, and those that have been developed are expensive. Extreme water hardness results in the deposition of calcite (a concretious layer of calcium carbonate), and alters water chemistry which can have adverse effects on the heath of aquatic organisms. With support from our industry partner, CST Canada Coal Limited, this research will explore a novel in situ method to reduce Se in mine drainage by applying the fundamental principles of microbial bioreactors. In addition, this work aims to generate a greater understanding of the effects of extreme water hardness on the health of aquatic ecosystems that receive mine drainage, especially populations of fish that use these ecosystems. The overall objective is to provide an inexpensive, large-scale remediation method for aquatic Se contamination, and to understand effects of water hardness on aquatic ecosystems in order to develop strategies to mitigate any adverse effects.