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Occurrence and Stability of Calcite in the Maumee River
Author(s) -
Green Dan B.,
Smeck Neil E.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1979.00472425000800020010x
Subject(s) - calcite , precipitation , geology , mineralogy , dolomite , calcium carbonate , dissolution , environmental chemistry , chemistry , meteorology , physics , organic chemistry
The occurrence of secondary (precipitated) calcite and the concentrations of parameters controlling calcite dissolution‐precipitation were monitored at six sites in the Maumee River drainage system during 1975–76. Secondary calcite was identified on the basis of calcite/dolomite ratios as determined by X‐ray diffraction and a volumetric procedure employing the Chittick apparatus. Additional evidence for the occurrence of secondary calcite as well as crystal morphology was obtained by optical microscopy. A positive correlation between nigh calcium concentrations and the occurrence of secondary calcite could not be established; however a relationship between algal blooms and calcite formation was noted. It is concluded that a reduction in the CO 2 content of the stream due to algal biomass production is the factor responsible for initiating calcite precipitation in the Maumee River system. Calcite equilibria in the stream is quite dynamic with secondary calcite appearing and disappearing in relatively short periods of time.