Mark Twain National Forest: Investigation of Elemental Bioaccumulation in Springs, Streams, and Rivers of the Due to Mining Impacts
Funding Program: Contaminant Biology
Statement of Problem: Mining in the "New Lead Belt" area of Missouri began in the 1960's and continues today mostly on lands within the Mark Twain National Forest (MTNF) in Missouri. In addition, current exploration and prospecting in new areas of the MTNF indicate the potential for a future expansion of mining operations. Resources within these new areas of the MTNF that could be affected by expanded mining operations include the obvious surface waters of springs, rivers, and streams, but also the groundwater recharge area of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways of the National Park Service. In addition to present mining and exploration in the New Lead Belt, site remediation is being conducted in several areas in the Old Lead Belt area of the MTNF. The work presented in this study will focus on metals in fish tissues and food web organisms that, in conjunction with other data, will help to establish baseline data for the prospecting and exploration areas and to document the effects of past and present mining activities on the accumulation and transfer of target metals in food-chain aquatic biota inhabiting the MTNF.
Objectives: The objectives of the Contaminants Biology Program are: (1) Toxicology and Chemistry - Determine the causes, fate, exposure and effects (including sub-lethal effects) of environmental contaminants. Develop and standardize biomarkers, molecular biology methods and techniques and other analytical and toxicological methods. Areas of Special Emphasis: Emerging chemicals, toxicological techniques, toxic responses of species underrepresented in toxicological literature and species of special concern. (2) Contaminated Habitats - Develop the scientific basis for assessment, restoration and monitoring of habitats that are contaminated by mining, agriculture, urban wastewater, industry, and chemical control agents. Develop the toxicological basis to remediate and prevent contamination effects of chemical controls for invasive species, fire, and other hazards. Areas of Special Emphasis: Hazardous waste sites, energy and energy development activities and mercury. The objective is to receive and analyze samples from CERC MTNF