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Fate of Oxygen and Refractory Organics in Marmot Basin Streams: Seasonal Variations
Author(s) -
Telang S. A.,
Hodgson G. W.
Publication year - 1983
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/jeq1983.00472425001200040029x
Subject(s) - marmot , streams , organic matter , environmental chemistry , environmental science , hydrology (agriculture) , structural basin , spring (device) , chemistry , ecology , geology , biology , mechanical engineering , computer network , paleontology , geotechnical engineering , computer science , engineering
A conceptual process reactor model with input‐output functions developed for the mountain streams of the Marmot Basin (Alberta, Canada) showed seasonal trends in the conversion of organic matter. Based on mass balance data, organic compounds (e.g., tannins and lignins), and total organic C showed net gains in the stream waters in winter; in spring, the compounds tend to be depleted in waters; in the fall, humics and tannins and lignins underwent net depletion. The indicated changes of accumulation and depletion ranged from +95 to −42% of incoming mass. The chemical O 2 demand showed gains in the stream waters throughout the season. The biological O 2 demand showed little change throughout the seasons. Photochemical processes appeared to be important processes in the conversion of organic matter in clear, cold mountain streams of the Marmot Basin. Biological uptake of refractory compounds appeared to be a minor process.