Eastern lake survey: regional estimates of lake chemistry (journal version)

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6293376

Landers, D H; Overton, W S; Linthurst, R A; Brakke, D F

The Eastern Lake Survey was conducted by the US EPA in the fall of 1984. Lakes were selected at random, based on a rigorous statistical design that permits estimates of the chemical and physical status of lake populations in specified regions of the survey. Complete chemical characterization was performed on water samples from each lake and a detailed-quality assurance and quality-control program was an integral part of the study and resulting data base. Three regions of the Eastern U.S. were defined (Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Southeast) in which a total of 1612 lakes was sampled. In the Northeast, 4.6% (326 lakes) were estimated to be acidic (i.e., acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) < or = to 0.0 micro eq/l), while 60% (4258 lakes) had ANC < or = to 200 micro equiv/l. In the Upper Midwest, 1.7% (148 lakes) were estimated to be acidic, with 41.4% (3518 lakes) having ANC < or = to 200 micro equiv/l. The unique survey design provides a framework for interpreting current and future aquatic research on a regional basis.

• Research Organization: Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR (USA). Environmental Research Lab.
• OSTI ID: 6293376
• Report Number(s): PB-89-144661/XAB; EPA-600/J-88/241
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACID NEUTRALIZING CAPACITY
ACID RAIN
ACIDIFICATION
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CHEMISTRY
CONTROL
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
LAKES
NAPAP
PRECIPITATION SCAVENGING
QUALITY ASSURANCE
QUALITY CONTROL
RAIN
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SURFACE WATERS
WASHOUT
WATER CHEMISTRY
WATER QUALITY