Release of aluminum following whole-tree harvesting at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire

Journal Article · · J. Environ. Qual.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5404612

Lawrence, G B; Fuller, R D; Driscoll, C T

From fall, 1983, through spring, 1984, an experimental watershed at the Hubbard Brook Experimental forest in New Hampshire was commercially whole-tree harvested. Stream chemistry was monitored along an elevational gradient for approximately 1 yr prior to and 2 yr following the treatment in both the experimental watershed and adjacent reference watershed. Whole-tree harvesting initially resulted in a large increase in stream NO/sub 3//sup -/ and basic cation (Ca/sup 2 +/, Mg/sup 2 +/, Na/sup +/, and K/sup +/) concentrations and a decrease in stream sulfate concentrations. A decrease in pH and increase in Al concentrations followed. Elevational trends in stream chemistry were qualitatively similar before and after the cut, although the absolute concentrations of solutes changed markedly. These responses are explained by increased soil nitrification coupled with decreased vegetative uptake following the whole-tree harvest. Acidity generated by nitrification facilitated the mobilization of basic cations and increased anion adsorption. When NO/sub 3//sup -/ production exceeded the release of basic cations, stream pH declined and Al concentrations increased. Aluminum was released in an entirely inorganic form resulting in potentially toxic concentrations in stream water.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Maine, Orono
• OSTI ID: 5404612
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States) Vol. 16:4; ISSN JEVQA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACIDIFICATION
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM
ANIONS
CALCIUM COMPOUNDS
CATIONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FEDERAL REGION I
FORESTS
HARVESTING
IONS
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS
METALS
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NITRATES
NITRIFICATION
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
STREAMS
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SURFACE WATERS
TREES
USA
WATER QUALITY
WATERSHEDS