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Metal binding capacity of selected maine surface waters

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

Concentrations of Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Pb and binding capacities for Cd, Cu, and Pb were determined for water samples collected from 12 lakes in southwestern Maine using atomic absorption and ion-selective electrodes, respectively. Surface waters in this area are soft and characterized by low pH. Some lakes were highly colored with refractory organics, whereas others had very low organic carbon concentrations. Both Cu and Pb concentrations were positively correlated with organic carbon content. Copper and Pb binding capacities were significantly correlated with organic carbon content, whereas Cd binding capacity was positively correlated with pH, but not with organic carbon. Surface water binding capacity for Pb was greater than that for Cu or Cd. More than 99% of the Ca from all waters studied was removed onto cationic exchange resins. Less than 1% of the total Cu existed as cationic species in highly humic waters, whereas as much as 65% existed as cationic species in less huic waters. Conversely, more than 99% of the Cd present in humic waters existed as cationic species, whereas as little as 50% existed as cationic species in less humic, more alkaline waters. These correlative studies indicate that binding by organic carbon is important for both Cu and Pb in this area and must be considered in models of trace metal speciation. However, Cd binding in the same waters is not correlated with organic carbon, which does not need to be considered in speciation models for Cd.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Drawer E, 29801, Aiken, South Carolina

    John P. Giesy Jr. & Linda A. Briese

  2. Department of Biology, Nasson College, 04083, Springvale, Maine

    Gordon J. Leversee

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  1. John P. Giesy Jr.
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  2. Linda A. Briese
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  3. Gordon J. Leversee
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Giesy, J.P., Briese, L.A. & Leversee, G.J. Metal binding capacity of selected maine surface waters. Geo 2, 257–268 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02430672

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