Sulfate Reduction in Freshwater Sediments Receiving Acid Mine Drainage

One arm of Lake Anna, Va., receives acid mine drainage (AMD) from Contrary Creek (SO(4) concentration = 2 to 20 mM, pH = 2.5 to 3.5). Acid-volatile sulfide concentrations, SO(4) reduction rates, and interstitial SO(4) concentrations were measured at various depths in the sediment at four stations in four seasons to assess the effects of the AMD-added SO(4) on bacterial SO(4) reduction. Acid-volatile sulfide concentrations were always an order of magnitude higher at the stations receiving AMD than at a control station in another arm of the lake that received no AMD. Summer SO(4) reduction rates were also an order of magnitude higher at stations that received AMD than at the control station (226 versus 13.5 mmol m day), but winter values were inconclusive, probably due to low sediment temperature (6 degrees C). Profiles of interstitial SO(4) concentrations at the AMD stations showed a rapid decrease with depth (from 1,270 to 6 muM in the top 6 cm) due to rapid SO(4) reduction. Bottom-water SO(4) concentrations in the AMD-receiving arm were highest in winter and lowest in summer. These data support the conclusion that there is a significant enhancement of SO(4) reduction in sediments receiving high SO(4) inputs from AMD.