Major influences on lake water chemistry in Maine
Norton SA, Brakke DF, Kahl JS, Haines TA. 1989. Major influences on lake water chemistry in Maine. Maine Geological Survey : Studies in Maine Geology. 5:109-124
WATER QUALITY: Upper Hadlock Pond and Long Pond on Isle au Haut were used in the analysis. Table in report lists for these two ponds, pH, H+ Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4, NO3, HCO3, DOC, ANC, and F. 'The chemistry of Maine lakes is highly variable, both on a regional and local scale. The chemistry of lake water depends on both natural and anthropogenic factors. Bedrock lithology is the most important controlling variable. The presence of only small amounts of free carbonate-bearing minerals results in relatively high values for pH, dissolved Ca+2, and HCO3- alkalinity. However, proportions of base cations (Ca+2, Mg+2, K+, Na+) may vary appreciably even within a terrain dominated by a single mapped lithic unit. Increasing soil thickness or decreasing soil particle size generally results in higher alkalinity, pH, and concentrations of base cations for drainage lakes. Seepage lakes have lower concentrations of base cations and typically are more acidic than drainage lakes. Dissolved organic matter from the decay of vegetation contributes to the acidity of all lakes, but is particularly important in lakes with short water residence times. Marine aerosols significantly affect the chemistry of all lakes within about 50 km of the coast, resulting in elevated Na+, Mg+2, and Cl- concentrations. Acidic precipitation and dry deposition of acidic aerosols affects all lakes in differing ways including (1) increasing base cations - especially Ca+2 and Mg+2, (2) decreasing alkalinity and pH, (3) increasing Al, and (4) increasing SO4-2. Lakes are affected by acidic deposition in the order high elevation lakes > lowland seepage lakes > lowland drainage lakes. The impact of non-agricultural watershed activities on water quality are poorly known except for road salting which has increased the concentration of Na+ and Cl- appreciably in many lakes.' /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/Upper Hadlock Pond/ISLE AU HAUT/Long Pond/
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Norton, Stephen; Brakke, David; Kahl, Jeffrey; Haines, Terry
- Units
- ACAD
- Keywords
- Acid Neutralizing Capacity, Acid Rain, Aerosols, Bicarbonate (HCO3-), Calcium (Ca), Calcium (Ca), Chlorine (Cl), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), Dry Deposition, Fluorine (F), Hydrogen (H), Isle Au Haut, Lakes & Ponds, Long Pond, Magnesium (Mg), Mount Desert Island, NOx, pH, Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), SOx, Upper Hadlock Pond, Water Quality