Sorption potential of Pb, Cd, Zn, and As to selected Paleozoic strata from Carter and Shannon Counties, Missouri

Author

Joseph Daniel Drew

Abstract

"Current and potential mining exploration activities in Carter and Shannon Counties, Missouri, have elevated public fear concerning toxic metal contamination in both the Ozark and St. Francois regional aquifers. Data from the present study indicate that selected Paleozoic formations are natural sinks for Pb, Cd, Zn, and As dissolved in groundwater.

Rock samples from cores and/or surface outcrops were collected from the Lamotte Sandstone, Bonneterre Dolomite, Davis Formation (shale and limestone), Derby-Doerun Dolomite, Potosi Dolomite, and Eminence Dolomite (sandstone and dolomite). The samples were powdered and reacted (2 g each) with 50 mL of leachate solution containing 10-4 M Pb, Cd, Zn, or As. Leachate solutions were then analyzed using ICP-MS.

Results indicate a reduction of lead from solution in all tests by three orders of magnitude. The Eminence Dolomite and Potosi Dolomite 3-day tests were reduced below the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standard (0.015 ppm for lead). Cadmium results indicate a strong correlation between rock type and sorption. In both 3 and 21-day tests, dolomite samples exhibit the highest sorption capacity, while sandstone and shale rock types demonstrate low sorption capacity for Cd. Potosi Dolomite and Derby-Doerun Dolomite 21 -day tests reduced Cd in solution to below the EPA standard of 0.005 ppm. Results from 3 and 21-day tests indicate that arsenic levels were only lowered slightly, with the exception of the Eminence Formation sandstone which lowered arsenic levels by one order of magnitude. Zinc concentrations in all tests were reduced to below the national secondary drinking water regulation of 5 ppm. This study suggests that there is minimal risk of metal ion contamination in the Ozark and St. Francois regional aquifers due to exploration activity"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Wronkiewicz, David J.

Committee Member(s)

Gregg, Jay M.
Fisher, Emory D.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geology and Geophysics

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 2002

Pagination

x, 81 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 77-80).

Geographic Coverage

Carter County, Missouri
Shannon County, Missouri

Time Period

Paleozoic

Rights

© 2002 Joseph Daniel Drew, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Soil absorption and adsorptionGeology, Stratigraphic -- PaleozoicMetals -- Environmental aspects -- Missouri -- Carter CountyMetals -- Environmental aspects -- Missouri -- Shannon County

Thesis Number

T 8104

Print OCLC #

52734643

Electronic OCLC #

971891745

Recommended Citation

Drew, Joseph Daniel, "Sorption potential of Pb, Cd, Zn, and As to selected Paleozoic strata from Carter and Shannon Counties, Missouri" (2002). Masters Theses. 2262.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/2262