The fate of aluminum in Cochnewagan Lake, Monmouth, Maine

Conference · Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1993 · Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States)

OSTI ID:5815500

Talbot, M ^[1]

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1. Bates Coll., Lewiston, ME (United States). Geology Dept.

Aluminum salts are commonly used to improve lake water quality. The primary goal of this study is to determine the fate of the aluminum in a lake system. In June, 1986, Cochnewagan Lake was treated with aluminum sulfate and sodium aluminate to remove phosphorus from the water. As a result of this treatment, phosphorus concentrations in the lake decreased from about 20[mu]g/1 to about 10[mu]g/1, algal blooms were eliminated and the water clarity improved. Water and sediment samples were taken in the fall of 1992. The water was analyzed for pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, aluminum, and total phosphate. Only trace amounts of aluminum and phosphate were found in the water column. The sediment samples that were recovered by box coring were highly bioturbated and dark brown-gray in color. After the removal of water and total organic matter, the cores showed a color gradation from light red-gray at the surface to dark gray at 8 cm. depth. The lack of aluminum in the water column and the color gradation in the cores indicates that aluminum concentrations in the sediments have increased. SEM-EDX studies will be performed on the cores to verify the presence of aluminum in the sediments.

• OSTI ID: 5815500
• Report Number(s): CONF-9303211-; CODEN: GAAPBC
• Journal Information: Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States), Vol. 25:2; Conference: 28. annual Geological Society of America (GSA) Northeastern Section meeting, Burlington, VT (United States), 22-24 Mar 1993; ISSN 0016-7592
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
LAKES
SEDIMENTS
WATER QUALITY
MAINE
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
PH VALUE
WATER CHEMISTRY
WATER POLLUTION
CHEMISTRY
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
MASS TRANSFER
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION
SURFACE WATERS
USA
540350* - Environment
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