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Results of aquatic studies in the McLeod and Upper Smoky River systems

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Selenium is a naturally occurring element, commonly found in rocks and soil. It is a nutrient usually required in small amounts by humans and other organisms, but it can be toxic at only slightly... More ≫

Description

Selenium is a naturally occurring element, commonly found in rocks and soil. It is a nutrient usually required in small amounts by humans and other organisms, but it can be toxic at only slightly higher levels. Concerns related to the fate and effects of selenium in aquatic ecosystems near mountain coal mines in west-central Alberta arose in the late-1990s. Mobilisation of selenium from geologic sources into surface water due to mining has occurred at three coal mines in the upper McLeod River and upper Smoky River systems. In 2000, Alberta Environment initiated various aquatic studies to: continue and establish new ambient monitoring of selenium and other metals at reference and exposed sites in streams near the three mountain mines; determine selenium levels in surface water and food web of streams, and to evaluate the data in a conceptual food web; and conduct a pilot study to determine selenium levels at old closed coal mines in the foothills of south-western Alberta. This...

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Disinfection by-products in the Wabamun Lake water treatment plant-treated water and Wabamun Lake, July 2002 To March 2003

Description

Several studies were initiated in 2002 to address concerns related to a fish kill and metal levels in sediments from Wabamun Lake. This study was conducted by Alberta Environment to determine the... More ≫

Description

Several studies were initiated in 2002 to address concerns related to a fish kill and metal levels in sediments from Wabamun Lake. This study was conducted by Alberta Environment to determine the occurrence and temporal and spatial variability of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in treated water from the Wabamun Lake Water Treatment Plant (WL-WTP), at sites in the vicinity of the treated water discharge, and at other sites further away within the lake. This report provides the findings of the sampling program.

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Concentrations of selenium in surface water, sediment and fish from the McLeod, Pembina and Smoky Rivers : results of surveys from fall 1998 to fall 1999 : interim report

Description

This report includes the initial findings of a study initiated in spring 1999 by the Water Management Division and Fisheries Management Division (Natural Resources Service). The study was designed... More ≫

Description

This report includes the initial findings of a study initiated in spring 1999 by the Water Management Division and Fisheries Management Division (Natural Resources Service). The study was designed to obtain data on the concentrations of selenium in surface water, sediment and aquatic biota at about 30 sites, including areas upstream (reference sites) and downstream of four coal mines.

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