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Mode of elemental dissipation from ash basin effluent

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Abstract

The dissipation of chemical elements from ash basin effluent was determined by use of neutron activation analysis of sediment, water, plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate samples taken from successive sites through the drainage system. Samples were tested for concentrations of 40 elements for a 12 mo period. Three different modes of dissipation were found. The major mechanism for removal of chemical elements from effluent was sedimentation into the benthic sediment. All biota had greater concentrations of chemicals than did water, with invertebrates having slightly higher levels than did plants and vertebrates. Ten elements were more concentrated in at least one biotic group than in the sediment. Concentrations of six elements in the drainage system exceeded the EPA recommended limits for surface waters. The observed modes of dissipation in this aquatic system emphasize the necessity for stable biotic communities present to permit cycling of chemical elements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Environmental Studies, Biology Department, VPI and State University, Blacksburg, VA, U.S.A.

    Donald S. Cherry

  2. School of Public Health, University of Texas, 77025, Houston, TX, U. S. A.

    Rufus K. Guthrie

Authors
  1. Donald S. Cherry
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  2. Rufus K. Guthrie
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Cherry, D.S., Guthrie, R.K. Mode of elemental dissipation from ash basin effluent. Water Air Soil Pollut 9, 403–412 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00213535

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00213535

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