The Role of narrow-leaved cotton grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) in the removal of copper in a sedge fen receiving acid mine drainage
Date
1997
Authors
Coombes, David Mark Victor
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Abstract
A sedge fen on Mount Washington, 23 km west-northwest of Courtenay, British Columbia, was identified as removing copper, iron, aluminum, arsenic and sulphate from a stream, Pyrrhotite Creek, flowing through it.
Samples of the Narrow-Leaved Cotton Grass, Eriophorum angustifolium, a sedge, contained over 1000 ppm. copper.
Production of cotton grass leaf mass was -109 gm/square metre/summer. Harvesting cotton grass was not feasible as a means of removing copper. Copper into the plants was insignificant compared to the copper being removed from the copper-rich water and retained in the sedge peat soil of the fen.
Processes removing copper from the water of Pyrrhotite Creek appeared to be: Adsorption by organic soil components. Adsorption onto iron oxyhydroxides. Formation of copper and/or copper and iron sulphides (chalcocite, covellite, chalcopyrite, etc.).
Narrow-Leaved Cotton Grass has the potential of being used as cover in contaminated sites as it is extremely adaptable.