Variation in nitrate and calcium as indicators of recharge pathways in Nolte Spring, PA |
| |
| Authors: | L Toran W B White |
| |
| Institution: | (1) Dept of Geology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122,;(2) Pennsylvania State University, Material Research Laboratory, University Park, PA, 16802 , |
| |
| Abstract: | This study documents variations in calcium and nitrate concentrations that suggest changes in recharge pathways in a karst
spring. The nitrate concentrations increased at the end of the growing season, showing the importance of the soil zone in
the recharge pathway. The increase occurred over just a few days, which may be indicative of a change in contribution of baseflow
in different seasons from deep to shallow groundwater. The calcium concentrations decreased several days after storm events.
A change in the carbonate equilibrium is hypothesized because chloride was not diluted during these events. The decrease in
calcium could be due to outgassing and calcite precipitation in the recharge area when older, higher ionic strength matrix
water mixes with stormwater in open conduits. The use of geochemical indicators to better understand recharge pathways benefited
from long-term monitoring and periods of daily sampling. |
| |
| Keywords: | Karst Nitrate Infiltration Recharge |
| 本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ |
|
