Summary #
Sulfate is a byproduct of pyrite oxidation and is commonly elevated in AMD-impacted streams. This page explains how sulfates relate to AMD, what sulfate levels indicate, and how they are measured.
Sulfates enter a stream by erosion. Areas with high concentrations of gypsum or shale are prone to high sulfate concentrations. AMD also adds large amounts of sulfates to the water. Iron pyrite (FeS2), a large element of AMD, yields both ferrous iron and sulfate when flowing into streams.
Other tests, including and/or in addition to those described above, may be appropriate for the watershed in your area. The indicators the were chosen as points of study while making your monitoring plan are a good way to decide what tests need to be performed.
Sources/Links (as provided in the source text):
Related Pages #
- Developing a Monitoring Plan — Structuring your monitoring program
- Introduction to AMD Chemistry
Source and Last Reviewed #
Source: AMR Clearinghouse (amrclearinghouse.org). Migrated to AML-Connect. Last Reviewed: 2026-03-13.
[Admin note: Some external links in this article may be outdated. Verify before relying on them. Flag dead links for removal or replacement.]
Tags: amd, monitoring, sampling
