Spatiotemporal variability in stream chemistry in a high-elevation catchment affected by mine drainage

摘要: Abstract This study examined solute dynamics on both spatial and temporal (seasonal, 24 h) scales in a high-elevation stream affected by drainage from abandoned metal mines. Peru Creek is located along the Continental Divide US Rocky Mountains, hydrologic cycle dominated melting of snow. Spatially, tributary inflows produced order-of-magnitude concentration changes Creek; these were due to dilution concentration, also precipitation solids. Seasonally, most solutes increased as snowmelt diminished. Concentrations Al, Fe, Cu Zn, at times instream processes, most, factors 2.1–12.8. Ca, Mg, SO 4 2− , which approximated conservative behavior, 1.7–2.2. Si, Na K, unaffected mine drainage, less, 1.1–1.6. NO 3 − decreased slightly during season. Hydrologic, photochemical biological processes active 24 h timescale daily variations up 40%. Accurate predictions concentrations, rely knowledge that produce natural cycling, are crucial developing models toxicity pollutant loading.