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Classification and description of some northeastern Ontario lakes influenced by acid precipitation

Journal Article · · J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States)
Statistical analysis of water chemistry data (23 variables for 187 lakes in the Sudbury, Ontario, area) showed that most of the chemical variability was attributable to 4 components: nutrient status, buffering status, atmospheric deposition status, and sodium chloride status. Seven distinct groups of lakes were obvious. Group 1 lakes, scattered throughout the study area, were high in nutrients and chlorophyll, reflecting cultural eutrophication. Groups 2 and 3, characteristic, dilute lakes of the Precambrian shield, had an inverse relationship to the atmospheric deposition status and buffering status dimensions, and were low in smelter-produced ions. They differed in nutrient and chlorophyll a status, group 2 having the higher values. Groups 4, 5, and 6 reflected the impact of airborne pollutants from smelting operations in Sudbury. Group 5 lakes, closest to the smelters had high acidity, low buffering capacity, and high concentrations of smelter-related metals. Group 6 lakes showed a lesser impact, and group 4, limited impact, being more buffered and productive. Group 7, a group of anomalous lakes sharing high pH and high ionic strength, were influenced by limestone bedrock or surficial material as well as urban runoff. 21 references, 7 figures, 3 tables.
Research Organization:
Laurentian Univ., Sudbury, Ontario
OSTI ID:
5882993
Journal Information:
J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States) Vol. 6:3; ISSN JGLRD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English