Disruption of nutrient pools and transport of heavy metals in a forested watershed near a lead smelter

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · J. Environ. Qual.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1977.00472425000600040001x· OSTI ID:5110356

Jackson, D R ^[1]; Watson, A P

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1. Oak Ridge Associated Univ., TN

A 1-year study was initiated in March 1974 to measure the distribution and investigate the effects of the heavy metals Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu on a forested ecosystem (Crooked Creek Watershed) located near a Pb smelter in southeastern Missouri. Atmospheric discharges of heavy metal particulates have impacted the watershed since 1968. Recent annual deposition rates of particulate Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu measured within 0.4 km from the smelter were 103, 0.72, 6.4, and 2.1 g/m/sup 2/, respectively. Sampling stations were established at 0.4-, 0.8-, 1.2-, and 2.0-km intervals along a centrally located transect on the watershed. The transect was located on the leeward side of the smelter stack and in line with the prevailing wind direction. Extremely high metal concentrations in soil and vegetation along the transfer reflected the long-term impact of emissions on the watershed. Two stages of ecosystem disruption on Crooked Creek Watershed were found: (i) an initial stage (1.2 to 2.0 km from the stack) characterized by an accumulation of O2 litter with no measurable effects on soil-litter biota, and (ii) an advanced stage (0.4 to 0.8 km from the stack) characterized by depletion of soil and litter nutrient pools with evidence of depressed decomposer communities and nutrient translocation. This study indicates that disruption of nutrient cycling mechanisms may serve as an early indicator of ecosystem stress in response to chemical contamination.

• OSTI ID: 5110356
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States) Vol. 6:4; ISSN JEVQA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
BIOMASS
CADMIUM
COPPER
ECOSYSTEMS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FORESTS
GASEOUS WASTES
LEAD
MASS TRANSFER
METALS
MISSOURI
NORTH AMERICA
NUTRIENTS
PLANTS
POLLUTION
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SMELTING
SOILS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
USA
WASTES
WATERSHEDS
ZINC