| The objective of this study was to determine the technical feasibility of using the effluent of an active mine water treatment facility to rear Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) by performing an extensive water quality analysis, and monitoring and analyzing bioassays.; Although dissolved AMD metals concentrations in the water exceeded recommended limits; there were no physiological signs of stress detected in the bioassays. It was believed the high ionic strength of the treated waters played a major factor in reducing the active concentrations of metal ions. In addition, complex formation resulted in the presence of metal-ligand complexes and was also a significant factor in the reduced bioavailibility of dissolved metals. Thus, while the dissolved concentration of a metal may have exceeded the prescribed limits, only a fraction of the metal may have been bioavailable. Recommendations were made to proceed with the construction of a demonstration facility for further research. |
