23 Geologic frameworks and conceptual site models for investigating hydrogeologic conditions in overburden and bedrock aquifers at remediation sites (Posters)

This session will include talks on investigation of impacted groundwater aquifers in a variety of overburden & bedrock lithologies, subsurface architecture controlling flow & transport, and associated remedial solutions.

Monday, 23 March 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CCC, Ballroom C

Testing the Efficacy of Multiple Biochar Types for Treating Acid Mine Drainage

Paper number: 23-4
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is produced when sulfate-bearing rocks and minerals are exposed to oxygen, and their byproducts are converted to sulfuric acid and dissolved iron. This process of water contamination represents a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems, as the increased acidity and toxicity of the water can lead to lower diversity and a reduction in taxa abundance. With this project, we are testing the efficacy of two different types of biochar in the remediation of AMD water from Shamokin Creek, Pennsylvania. Eight water samples were collected from a transect across Shamokin Creek in northeastern Pennsylvania. A portion of these water samples were treated with spent coffee ground and hardwood biochars through a filter apparatus, and the pH of the effluent was continuously monitored to determine the sorption capacity of each biochar. Heavy metal abundances in the water samples were assessed by quantifying their concentrations via ICP-OES prior to and after biochar treatment. Separately, we evaluated treated water samples with 16S rRNA gene sequencing to provide genus-level identification of bacterial communities and to measure changes in community structure in response to biochar treatment. We argue that biochar represents an effective, low-cost treatment option for AMD remediation.    

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 2

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026NE-411236

© Copyright 2026 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.