| Abstract: |
The surface waters of Moon Creek and the lower Coeur d'Alene River were sampled to investigate the fate of metals from mine waste. Most metals entering Moon Creek originate from a seep discharging acidic, metal-laden ground water. A mass balance constructed for the seep area was solved using a conservative-nonconservative pair of elements (Al-Zn). Concurrent with the precipitation of Al and Fe hydroxides, transition metals are scavenged in the following order: Pb much greater than Cu greater than Mn greater than Zn equal to Cd. Geochemical modeling indicates that this scavenging is not a result of transition metal precipitation. Adsorption modeling onto Al and Fe hydroxides is consistent with observed trends. |
