ISSN:
1573-2932
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
Notes:
Abstract Data defining the major ion chemistry of lakes located in eastern Canada have been compiled for the purpose of evaluating the current status of surface water quality in relation to acidic deposition. A companion paper for lakes in the eastern United States (i.e. Part II, Linthurst et al., 1986) has been prepared also. Data sources in Canada included the National Inventory Survey, the Ontario Lake Sensitivity data set, and the National Aquatic Data base which provided an overall data base of approximately 5700 lakes. Only recently collected data (largely 1980 or later) were used in the analysis. Frequency distribution statistics were obtained for pH, acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), SO4 and organic anion (A−) concentrations. Acidic and low ANC waters in eastern Canada occur in a pattern explained by a combination of biogeochemical factors and atmospheric deposition. Nova Scotia contained the highest proportion of acidic and ultralow ANC lakes of any region surveyed in eastern North America; since this region receives approximately 20 kg.ha−1.yr−1 wet SO4 deposition, the proposed target loading may be too high to protect the highly sensitive waters of Maritime Canada. Compared to the rest of eastern Canada, lakes in Ontario have relatively high ANCs due to the influence of CaCO3 contained in the glacial till of the area. Variation in the SO4 concentration of lakes approximately follows expected gradients in wet SO4 deposition. Naturally occurring organic acids do not play a dominating role in the acidification of eastern Canadian lakes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00284212
