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In-Stream Processing of Sediment-Associated Metals in Peatland Fluvial Systems

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Abstract

The interaction between fluvially transported, metal contaminated peat particulates and acidic waters draining peatland catchments has received limited attention. Potential in-stream processing of sediment-associated metals in acidic stream water was investigated in laboratory based mixing experiments, designed to represent conditions of fluvial sediment transport in a highly contaminated and severely eroding peatland catchment in the Peak District (UK). Over the initial 20 min of the first experiment, stream water Cr and Zn concentrations increased by at least an order-of-magnitude and remained elevated for the full duration (24 h) of the experiment. Stream water As, Mo, Pb, Ti and V concentrations increased between 43% (As) and 440% (V) over the first hour of the experiment. After 24 h most of the metals appeared to have reached equilibrium in the water column. Results of the second experiment revealed that when the concentration of metal contaminated peat particulates is increased, there is an associated increase in the stream water As, Cr, Mo, Pb, Ti, V and Zn concentrations. The experimental data suggest that As, Cr, Mo, Pb, Ti, V and Zn are liable to desorption from metal contaminated peat into acidic stream water. The solubilisation of contaminated peat particulates may also contribute to elevated stream water metal concentrations. The laboratory based approach used in this study may indicate that when there is erosion of metal contaminated peat into acidic fluvial systems there is a concomitant increase in dissolved metal levels, especially when suspended sediment concentrations are high. Further laboratory and field based experiments are required to evaluate the relative importance of physical and chemical processes in the interaction between contaminated peat particulates and stream water in peatland fluvial systems.

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Acknowledgements

Thanks go to The University of Manchester and Moors for the Future for funding, John Moore and Michael Clark for laboratory assistance, Paul Warren for ICP-AES analysis and Paul Lythgoe for ICP-MS analysis. We would also like to thank Elizabeth Young and an anonymous reviewer for helpful comments on an earlier draft of the manuscript.

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  1. Upland Environments Research Unit, School of Environment and Development, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

    J. J. Rothwell, M. G. Evans & T. E. H. Allott

  2. Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK

    J. J. Rothwell

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  1. J. J. Rothwell
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Rothwell, J.J., Evans, M.G. & Allott, T.E.H. In-Stream Processing of Sediment-Associated Metals in Peatland Fluvial Systems. Water Air Soil Pollut 187, 53–64 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-007-9496-8

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