Predicted acid mine drainage impacts to the Buckhannon River, WV, U.S.A

Acid and metal loads (aluminium, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc) arising from four coal mines in the Buckhannon river catchment, were assessed, and their impact, should they enter the river unneutralized, was predicted. The estimated decrease in pH was such as to preclude the survival of warm water fish species in the affected study area. The impacts of aluminium and zinc were assessed as major, although that of iron was uncertain. The effects of cadmium and copper would not be significant, whereas manganese would constitute a water treatment problem.