Feb. 17, 2009 -- The water supply in the American west could become more toxic as a result of climate change, according to a new study, thanks in large part to run-off from thousands of abandoned mine sites that pepper the region. Global climate predictions call for conditions similar to the Dust Bowl of the 1930's to set in by the year 2050. With a burgeoning population and ever increasing need for clean water, the situation is already grim. But it's going to get worse, according to Kirk Nordstrom of the U.S. Geological Survey in Boulder, Col. Expanding dry spells and worsening storms will flush large amounts of acid out of mine tailings and into the water supply, dragging along a suite of poisonous heavy metals in the process. Related Content:
In an examination of three sites across the United States, he found that acidity and dissolved metals in water skyrocket after rain hits an area that had been dry for months. Much of that water runs off into streams and rivers. A small fraction also seeps into the ground, though, where it often remains for decades before trickling back out into surface waters. Over time, continuous precipitation will dilute the 'first flush' of surface contaminants. And as the trickle of acidic ground water meets fresh rain and snow melts, it can dilute that, too. The problems come as rain fails to materialize. "Think of two spigots feeding the water supply," Nordstrom said. "One spigot is slightly open, a continuous supply of acid water from the ground. The other is a spigot of rain and snow. When it comes down it dilutes acid and metals in a river or lake. But if it's lessening, there's going to be relatively more acid water coming in from the groundwater." Get More NewsSpiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates.Oldest Hebrew Writing Possibly FoundAncient inscriptions on a 3,000-year-old pottery shard could make history.Rare, Prehistoric-Age Reptile Found in N.Z.A tuatara has been spotted on the New Zealand mainland for the first time in 200 years.Iceman Has No Living RelativesOetzi, the 5,300 year-old frozen mummy, left no living genetic legacy.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.It's Official: People Are Warming the PolesHumans are conclusively to blame for polar warming, say scientists.Eight-Armed Animal Preceded DinosaursWhat may be one of Earth's first animals was no bigger than a coaster and had eight arms.Phoenicians Live on in People's GenesOne in 17 Mediterranean men may be descended from ancient Phoenicians.Pesticides, Fertilizers Linked to Frog DeclineA pesticide is found to promote parasites among amphibians.Hubble Telescope Taking Photos AgainThe Hubble Space Telescope is once again snapping stunning photos of the universe.Andean Mummy Hairs Show Hallucinogen UseScientists find direct evidence of hallucinogenic drug use among ancient Andeans.Opals on Mars Reveal Planet's Long Wet PastOpals found on Mars suggest the planet has been wet for much longer. |
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