262 Advances in Ecohydrogeology (Posters)

Ecohydrogeology is the unifying, synthetic field of study integrating the approaches from the ecological and hydrogeological sciences in the study of groundwater-related ecosystems, habitats, and organisms. We encourage submissions of research that advances the science, stewardship, and policy at the intersection of ecology and hydrogeology.

Wednesday, 22 October 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, Hall 1

Evaluating Sulfate-Reducing Potential of Native Wetland Plant Species in a Coal Ash Disposal Area, Panola County, Texas, USA

Paper number: 262-8
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

The Martin Lake Steam Electric Station (MLSES) A-1 Disposal Area in Panola County, Texas, is a designated site where coal combustion residues (CCR) from the Martin Lake Steam Electric Station are stored and managed after combustion. Trace elements, including sulfates, found in coal ash leach into holding ponds and must be treated before release into the environment. Treatment of coal ash can create chemical byproducts, which also must be managed. At the MLSES A-1 Disposal Area, prior combustion and treatment have created an excess of sulfate in the effluent water. This site is exceeding its regulatory limit of sulfate concentrations in its effluent and is in need of a cost-effective and sustainable solution to this problem.

This study proposes to model treatment wetland cells using native plant species in a system of 20-quart plastic tubs placed outdoors. The modeled wetland cells will be used to investigate sulfate removal potential of East Texas native plant species. Three species will be utilized: Juncus effusus (soft rush), Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (softstem bulrush), and Scirpus divaricatus (spreading bulrush). Each individual species, as well as each possible combination of species, will be tested by using a system of three plastic tubs and 1,000 ppm sulfate water to measure the efficacy of sulfate reduction. The first tubs in the wetland cell model will contain mud from a barren holding pond at the ash disposal facility. The last two tubs will contain mud from the site’s wetland area with native plant species. Each week, water will be circulated to mimic water movement through the effluent pond system at the disposal facility. Sulfate concentration, pH, electroconductivity, and dissolved oxygen will be analyzed in situ weekly before the water is circulated. This study will highlight the efficacy of these East Texas native wetland plant species for reducing sulfate concentration in effluent water in hopes of developing a sustainable strategy for mitigating the environmental impacts of CCR.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414130

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