Characterization of Water Chemistry of Anakeesta Pyrite Affected Streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Maas RP. 1976. Characterization of Water Chemistry of Anakeesta Pyrite Affected Streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Western Carolina University
Anakeesta formations, prevalent geologic deposits in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, when exposed to air and water release an acid and heavy metal containing leachate into Beech Flats Creek, Alum Cave Creek and Walker Prong. Anakeesta pyrite affecting Beech Flats Creek was exposed during the construction of U. S. 441, while exposures affecting Alum Cave Creek and Walker Prong are naturally occurring. The mechanism of stream recovery is primarily through dilution for sulfuric acid and zinc while loss to stream bed is a contributing mechanism for iron and manganese. The extent of leaching was found to be dependent on the amount of exposed surface area, and the composition of the anakeesta pyrite ore. Lead was found to concentrate to high levels in the bottom sediments of the Oconaluftee River presumably due to automobile exhaust. Lower lead concentrations were observed at points where trees acted as a buffer zone between highway and river. Differential pulsed anodic stripping voltammetry was employed for the determination of heavy metals in water samples, leachates, bottom sediments, and soils, and was found to be well suited for the determination of heavy metals at natural environmental levels in these mediums.
- Type
- Academic
- Authors
- Maas, Richard
- Date of Issue
- 1976-08-06
- Publisher
- Western Carolina University
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Alum Cave Creek, Beech Flats Prong, GRSM-01971, leachate, manganese, Oconaluftee River, Sediments, sulfuric acid, thesis, Walker Prong. Anakeesta pyrite, Zinc
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Water | Water Quality | Water Chemistry