Mechanisms of hydrogen ion neutralization in an experimentally acidified lake

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1986.31.1.0134· OSTI ID:5885619

Cook, R B; Kelly, C A; Schindler, D W; Turner, M A

The experimental acidification of Lake 223 (Experimental Lakes Area, northwestern Ontario) with sulfuric acid in 1976-1983 allowed a detailed examination of the capacity of the lake to neutralize hydrogen ion. A whole-lake alkalinity and ion budget for Lake 223 showed that 66-81% of the added sulfuric acid was neutralized by alkalinity production in the lake. Nearly 85% of in situ alkalinity production was accounted for by net loss of sulfate through bacterial sulfate reduction, coupled with iron reduction and iron sulfide formation, in littoral sediments (60%) and in the hypolimnion (25%). Exchange of hydrogen ion for calcium and manganese in the sediments accounted for 19% of the alkalinity generated, while other cations were net sinks for alkalinity. The seasonal production of 1000 ..mu..eq liter/sup -1/ alkalinity in the anoxic hypolimnion of this soft-water lake could be attributed to bacterial sulfate reduction coupled with iron sulfide formation, ammonium production, and iron (II) production. Only the alkalinity produced from bacterial sulfate reduction coupled with iron sulfide formation remained throughout the annual cycle.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
• OSTI ID: 5885619
• Journal Information: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States), Journal Name: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States) Vol. 31:1; ISSN LIOCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACIDIFICATION
BACTERIA
CANADA
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ACIDS
LAKES
MICROORGANISMS
NORTH AMERICA
ONTARIO
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PH VALUE
REDUCTION
SEDIMENTS
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFURIC ACID
SURFACE WATERS
WATER CHEMISTRY