Greenhouse gas, carbon isotopes, water physio-chemical properties and metal concentrations from mine water outflows in the Midland Valley, Scotland, 2022

Measurements were made across the 16 selected locations over the period June 2022 to September 2022. Water properties were analysed within the lab at UKCEH Edinburgh, metals were analysed by the University of Edinburgh and radiogenic isotopes of dissolved methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) by the National Environmental Isotope Facility (NEIF) Radiocarbon Laboratory. Data were collected as follows:
1. Mine water sources (at the location mine water reaches the surface and is accessible for measurement). This included detailed measurement of carbon stable and radiogenic isotopes of dissolved CH4 and CO2, metal concentrations, GHG (CO2, CH4 and N2O) concentrations, physio-chemical water properties including temperature, pH, conductivity, oxygen, dissolved carbon and nitrogen and a range of ionic species.
2. Mine water treatment effectiveness. This included measurements of mine water throughout the reed pools treatments systems at four of the sixteen sites. This included two sites using chemical oxidation and two sites using an aeration cascade. Measurements included metal concentrations, GHG concentrations and physio-chemical water properties. Carbon stable and radiogenic carbon isotopes of dissolved CH4 and CO2 were measured in the reed pool to enable comparison with the source.
Data were carefully quality controlled to check analytical methods data were correct including cross checking of data between surveys. Any suspect data have been removed.
Samples were collected and analysed as part of an IAPETUS 2 Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) NERC funded PHD.