In this video, environmental scientists measure the pH of water to detect acid mine drainage. They also demonstrate how metals present in the acid drainage fall out of solution as precipitates when baking soda (a basic substance) is added to the water and raises its pH. The scientists are testing water that has pooled near an abandoned coal mine in Eastern Kentucky. Although the water appears clear and clean, the tests reveal that it is too acidic to support life and that it contains metals that will harm aquatic organisms further down stream.

This resource is part of the Water Solutions collection.