i‘m doing a science project and i know that the color comes from iron ore, but i can‘t find anywhere on here how the iron ore gets up to the surface and makes everything gross and ugly. does it have something to do with drilling or mining?
Water becomes red/orange when iron dissolves in to it. it could be that the creek has natural iron deposits, or has been effected by an artificial factor such as a mining.
If you are in an area with old coal mines it is a sulfuric acid compound from acid mine drainage. It turns the stream and rocks the ugly orange-red you mentioned. Very little to nothing will be alive in the water. You may get a rotten egg odor. It is a common pollutant here in western Pa. One of many problems associated with using coal.
It does not have to be from any man made activity. The color might be tannin in the water from pine needles or decaying leaves.
It does not have to be from any man made activity. The color might be tannin in the water from pine needles or decaying leaves.
Water becomes red/orange when iron dissolves in to it. it could be that the creek has natural iron deposits, or has been effected by an artificial factor such as a mining.
If you are in an area with old coal mines it is a sulfuric acid compound from acid mine drainage. It turns the stream and rocks the ugly orange-red you mentioned. Very little to nothing will be alive in the water. You may get a rotten egg odor. It is a common pollutant here in western Pa. One of many problems associated with using coal.
