Effects of Liming on Water Quality of Two Streams in West Virginia

Abstract

In an effort to improve the fisheries potential of many West Virginia mountain streams by increasing the alkalinity and pH, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is conducting research into the feasibility of a point source limestone application technique. This research was to provide data that would assist in the design of future projects and the selection of appropriate methodology. Thirteen metric t and 33.3 t of 0.64 cm crusher run ground limestone aggregate were applied as a single deposition to Crouch and Yokum Runs, respectively. Limestone was applied to Crouch Run a year prior to treatment of Yokum Run. The point source treatment produced discharge dependent changes in the downstream water chemistry. The pH increased from an average of 4.73 above the application point to 5.70 below. At high stream discharges, the pH dropped, but never to the pretreatment background level. Increases in Ca concentrations and ANC were also observed downstream of the limestone application site. Sediment analysis was performed to determine the calcite concentration within the stream bed by both an instrumental technique (x-ray fluorescence (XRF)) and an HCl leach technique to indicate the extent of downstream movement and distribution of limestone. The analysis showed both a limited downstream transport and a variable spread of limestone across the stream channel. The XRF and wet laboratory methods of quantifying the calcite content of the sediments were compared. Although statistical analysis indicated a difference in precision between the x-ray fluorescence and HCl leach methods, the acid leach method can be considered an economical alternative to x-ray fluorescence. Recommendations are made on methods to increase the effectiveness of the point source treatment and the design of future research.