ABSTRACT
Many species of algae are known to tolerate acid mine drainage (AMD) resulting from coal mining. The authors have observed several filamentous algae in the division Chlorophyta (green algae) in AMD with rust-colored or dark brown encrustations on their cell walls. Algae were collected from wetlands and sediment ponds receiving coal mine drainage, and if metals are significantly accumulated by these algae, they may play a role in water improvement. ilaments of algae were prepared one of two ways, depending on whether they were to be analyzed for metal content by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) or analyzed and photographed with the scanning electron microscope. Those algae from AMD with observable encrustations are listed along with collection dates, sites, and the general water quality of the site. Of these, several have been studied by EDS, and one has been subjected to both EDS and scanning electron microscope.
