Masters Theses

Abstract

"The continuous discharge of lead-zinc mine and mill wastewater into some streams in southeastern Missouri may alter the ecology of those streams. A field and laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the potential pollution problem. Bee Fork Creek, the first stream in that area to receive tailings from mining operations, was selected for this study and periodically surveyed. Laboratory tests included static bioassays of lead, zinc, and copper, and the mode of action of the metals was investigated through post-mortem examination of the experimental fish. The test animals used in the bioassays were bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus, Rafinesque). The heavy metals were found to be more toxic in water of low pH and alkalinity. Bluegills which died in the test solutions assayed showed destruction of the gill epithelium and penetration of the metals with gill cells. Analyses on the stream water revealed that noticeable changes in water quality have occurred, but although there was a rise in the concentrations of the heavy metals, these concentrations are still below the limits of acute toxicity. Significant ecological changes were observed downstream from the tailings discharge by the development of a profuse bacterial and algal growth. Recommendations fur future study were made with respect to the various observed pollution effects"--Abstract, page ii.

Advisor(s)

Wixson, Bobby G.

Committee Member(s)

Huang, Ju-Chang, 1941-2018

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Sponsor(s)

United States. Office of Water Resources Research
United States. Agency for International Development

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

1969

Pagination

viii, 82 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 76-77).

Geographic Coverage

Missouri

Rights

© 1969 Anthony Ralph de Alonso Handler, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Missouri
Water quality bioassay -- Missouri
Aquatic organisms -- Effect of water pollution on
Tailings (Metallurgy) -- Environmental aspects
Heavy metals -- Environmental aspects

Thesis Number

T 2198

Print OCLC #

6008393

Electronic OCLC #

832378333

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