SEDIMENTOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF EAST POND, BELGRADE LAKES WATERSHED, CENTRAL MAINE

摘要: An interdisciplinary research program (Geology and Chemistry) at Colby College, Waterville, Maine, is developing a model for surface groundwater interactions in the Belgrade Lakes watershed. The watershed system of seven glacially formed, interconnected lakes central Maine. Surface discharges from area to Kennebec River, which empties into Gulf present study focuses on East Pond, head lake-chain system. Pond roughly oval shape with several coves along margins; it has an average depth 4.5 m, maximum 7.3 total volume 26.35 x 10 m. lake surrounded by North temperate hardwood forest marshy outlet other exists northwest corner. suffered severe yearly algal blooms during late summer fall since 1993. This project aims develop baseline geological, geochemical, hydrochemical parameters through spatial temporal scales better understand lake’s dynamics. It suspected that changes water chemistry over may prohibit or promote phosphorus release bottom, leading observed bloom. Analyses included: characterization lake-bottom sediments, measurement water-chemistry parameters, water-quality monitoring throughout summer. Sediment analysis revealed substrate characterized as organic rich (mean TOC = 5.42%), moderately well sorted silt grain-size 4.51 Φ). Total concentration sediments was elevated mean 0.048%.