Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals from Soils to Plants in Watersheds Contaminated by Acid Mine Drainage in SE Arizona
Author
Eddleman, KatherineIssue Date
2012Keywords
heavy metalsinorganic contaminants
Patagonia Mountains
Arizona
plant toxicity
General Biology
acid mine drainage
bioaccumulation
Advisor
Beal, Carole R.
Metadata
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The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
Current concerns about inorganic contaminants in food products have raised consumer awareness of anthropogenic sources of heavy metal contamination in ecosystems and their potential threat to human health. Mining and exploration of mineralized zones is a major source of such contamination. Mining throughout the Patagonia Mountains, Arizona, has left a legacy of surface water contamination by acid mine drainage (AMD). This study assessed the impacts of AMD on soils and plants throughout the study area. Concentrations, transport, and loading of heavy metals (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) in soils and plants was quantified using total concentrations, suggested toxic levels, and plant and soil pollution indices. Pollution indices were modified to include antimony and molybdenum. Pollution indices greater than 100 were found in areas disturbed by mining, remediation sites and beyond. Cattle grazing on grasses contaminated by metals were documented.Type
textElectronic Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.Degree Level
mastersDegree Program
Graduate CollegeGeneral Biology