Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Barite; Lead; Mining; Water; Zinc

Abstract

”There are rising concerns pertaining to water contamination produced by toxic heavy metal contaminants such as lead and zinc. For this study, lead, zinc, and barite are three identified contaminants currently threatening Missouri water supplies. A microanalysis of the amounts of lead, zinc, and barite in the water of Mineral Fork Creek was conducted, involving both field and laboratory work. The purpose of the study was to determine the levels of lead, zinc, and barite contaminants, contributing to Big River, by Mineral Fork Creek, in Potosi Missouri, Washington County.

This research study uses a quantitative micro-analysis approach to determine the levels of contamination of lead, zinc, and barite found in the Mineral Fork Creek watershed. A total of 95 suspended sediment samples were collected and analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to identify the amounts of lead, zinc, and barite minerals. A total of 72 sediment samples were collected from streambanks. Over the duration of the study, water levels were recorded at 20 minute intervals. A total of 167 soil samples were collected July 7, 2020 to September 26, 2020.

The results of this study indicate that there are no direct relationships between rainfall events and the amounts of metal and clay minerals present in Mineral Fork Creek. The results also suggest that there is no relationship between the water discharge and amounts of metal and clay minerals present in Mineral Fork Creek. The analysis suggests a possible relationship between the amounts of metal and clay minerals present, the pH level of the water, and the water discharge”--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Grote, Katherine R.

Committee Member(s)

Rogers, J. David
Wronkiewicz, David J.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geological Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Fall 2020

Pagination

xi, 64 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographic references (pages 59-63).

Geographic Coverage

Potosi, Missouri

Rights

© 2020 William Joseph Miller, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 11794

Electronic OCLC #

1240361929

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Thesis Location

 
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