Through this project I deepened my understanding around water quality and how it is affected by acid mine runoff. I was able to explore how acid mine drainage is created by the oxidizing of heavy metals in the water the builds up in mines. In addition to this, I also got the chance to research how it is treated, using a lime neutralization process. This process pumps the acid water out of the mine, mixes it with lime to neutralize the pH then allows it to settle and have the heavy metals precipitate out. The water is then released back into the watershed. And finally, I deepened my knowledge on the effects that this toxic water has on the ecosystem when it goes untreated. I was also able to explore how fish and aquatic plants are affected by the acidity and heavy metals in the water when the untreated water is released into the rivers and streams. When the water is released untreated, there isn’t enough oxygen left in the water because of the oxidation of heavy metals. This essentially suffocates all aquatic life. Additionally, the heavy metals are toxic to most fish in such high concentrations and can cause organ failure.
This project allowed me dial in and expand my digital design skills. Since my project was presented as an infographic, this forced me to really examine the elements of art and design. More specifically, balance, color and contrast. I had to make sure the both posters were set up evenly with the same color schemes so that they wouldn’t contrast and distract the viewer from the information being presented. I also had to work around unforeseen obstacles. I got sick and missed two days of class time, which meant that I had to complete my project in less time than many of my peers. This helped me to grow by making making me think about time management and prioritization of tasks.
Water quality is important to study because it affects everyone and everything. Without water, we cannot survive. We need to take care of what we are given and not take it for granted. Without education around our water, we become citizen without an investment to our future. Water quality is also a great way to get an intro into chemistry because there are so many things you can learn through it. You can explore chemical compounds, molecules, and pH.
Artist Statement/Research(Possibility of change from final project)
How ecosystems are affected by AMD and ARD(acid rock drainage{naturally occurring}. More specifically fish and plants.
Chemistry Content
Chemical make up of the water that comes out of mines
Size of the molecules
Water Quality Content
How chemicals affect fish and why it affects them.
How and why chemicals affect plants
How we can help.
Chemical Content:
Acid drainage can happen naturally but is often sped up by mining
Formed by sulfides being exposed to air and water, causing them to oxidize and become acidic.
My exhibit is about the effects that acid mine drainage has on aquatic life in the watershed. More specifically, the effects it has on fish and aquatic plants if it goes untreated. My goal for this project is to bring light to an ecological issue that not many people are aware of. I’m aiming for simplicity in my project to hopefully not overwhelm my audience but to spark curiosity for the topic.
My target audience for this project is people with some background information in ecology and chemistry, due to the fact that there is some terminology that I don’t expect everyone in the community to know.
Research: Going into the treatment plant, there is water, dissolved iron sulfide(iron pyrite) in the form of sulfuric acid, other dissolved metals and sometimes, leftover chemicals from the mining operation. These then go into a large tank or pond, depending on the size of the operation. The water flowing into these tanks or ponds is then mixed with lime and allowed to settle in a separate pond or tank. The lime helps to neutralize the sulfuric acid and the particulates are allowed to settle out of the water. Once the water has been neutralized and allowed to settle, it is then released back into the watershed. This water will still have some lime left in it from treatment. This will help it to resist further metal pollution.
When the water comes out of the mine without being processed, the heavy metals, sulfuric acid and other chemicals are also released into the watershed. This then wrecks havoc on the local ecosystem. Many fish and plants cannot survive these conditions. There is not enough oxygen in the water for aquatic life due to the oxidation of heavy metals.