Wildfire effects on extractable elements in ash from a Pinus pinaster forest in Portugal

The aim of this work is to study the effects of a wildfire on water‐extractable elements in ash from a Pinus pinaster forest located in Portugal. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), sodium and potassium adsorption ratio (SPAR), aluminium (Al³⁺), manganese (Mn²⁺), iron (Fe²⁺), zinc (Zn²⁺), sulphur (S), silica (Si) and phosphorous (P) were analysed in ash sampled from a sloped area burned in a wildfire and from litter from a contiguous unburned area, with similar morphological conditions. The results showed that ash leachates had higher pH and EC, and were significantly richer in water‐extractable Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, SPAR, S and Si and significantly poorer in water‐extractable Al³⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺ than litter solutions. No significant differences were observed in water‐extractable P. The fire changed the ash solute chemistry compared with the unburned litter and increased the sample variability of nutrient distribution with potential implications for plant recovery. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Water and nutrient fluxes in a cool temperate rainforest at the Cordillera de la Costa in southern Chile

Water and nutrient fluxes were studied during a 12-month period in an alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) forest, located in a remote site at the Cordillera de la Costa (40°05′S) in southern Chile. Measurements of precipitation, throughfall, stemflow, effective precipitation, soil infiltration and stream flow were carried out in an experimental, small watershed. Simultaneously, monthly water samples were collected to determine the concentrations and transport of organic-N, NO₃-N, total-P, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ in all levels of forest. Concentration of organic-N, NO₃-N, total-P and K⁺ showed a clear pattern of enrichment in the throughfall, stemflow, effective precipitation and soil infiltration. For Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, enrichment was observed in the effective precipitation, soil infiltration and stream flow. Annual transport of K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ showed that the amounts exported from the forest via stream flow (K⁺=0·95, Na⁺=32·44, Ca²⁺=8·76 and Mg²⁺=7·16 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) are less than the inputs via precipitation (K⁺=6·39, Na⁺=40·99, Ca²⁺=15·13 and Mg²⁺=7·61 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). The amounts of organic-N and NO₃-N exported via stream flow (organic-N=1·04 and No₃-N=3·06 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) were relatively small; however, they represented greater amounts than the inputs via precipitation (organic-N=0·74 and NO₃-N=0·97 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), because of the great contribution of this element in the superficial soil horizon, where the processes of decomposition of organic material, mineralization and immobilization of the nutrients occurs. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Water quality and hydrogeochemical characteristics of the River Buyukmelen,Duzce, Turkey

The River Buyukmelen is located in the province of Duzce in northwest Turkey and its water basin is approximately 470 km². The Aksu, Kucukmelen and Ugursuyu streams flow into the River Buyukmelen. It flows into the Black Sea with an output of 44 m³ s⁻¹. The geological succession in the basin comprises limestone and dolomitic limestone of the Yılanlı formation, sandstone, clayey limestone and marls of the Akveren formation, clastics and volcano‐clastics of the Caycuma formation, and cover units comprised of river alluvium, lacutrine sediments and beach sands. The River Buyukmelen is expected to be a water source that can supply the drinking water needs of Istanbul until 2040; therefore, it is imperative that its water quality be preserved. The samples of rock, soil, stream water, suspended, bed and stream sediments and beach sand were collected from the Buyukmelen river basin. They were examined using mineralogical and geochemical methods. The chemical constituents most commonly found in the stream waters are Na⁺, Mg²⁺, SO²⁻₄, Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ in the Guz stream water, Ca²⁺ in the Abaza stream water, and K⁺ in the Kuplu stream water. The concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO²⁻₄, HCO⁻₃, Cl⁻, As, Pb, Ni, Mn, Cr, Zn, Fe and U in the Kuplu and Guz stream waters were much higher than the world average values. The Dilaver, Gubi, Tepekoy, Maden, Celik and Abaza streams interact with sedimentary rocks, and the Kuplu and Guz streams interact with volcanic rocks. The amount of suspended sediment in the River Buyukmelen in December 2002 was 120 mg l⁻¹. The suspended and bed sediments in the muddy stream waters are formed of quartz, calcite, plagioclase, clay (kaolinite, illite and smectite), muscovite and amphibole minerals. As, Co, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn and U have all accumulated in the Buyukmelen river‐bed sediments. The muddy feature of the waters is related to the petrographic features of the rocks in the basin and their mineralogical compositions, as most of the sandstones and volcanic rocks (basalt, tuffite and agglomerate) are decomposed to a clay‐rich composition at the surface. Thus, the suspended sediment in stream waters increases by physical weathering of the rocks and water–rock interaction. Owing to the growing population and industrialization, water demand is increasing. The plan is to bring water from the River Buyukmelen to Istanbul's drinking‐water reservoirs. According to the Water Pollution Regulations, the River Buyukmelen belongs to quality class 1 based on Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn, Se, Ba, Na⁺, Cl⁻, and SO²⁻₄; and to quality class 3 based on Fe concentration. The concentration of Fe in the River Buyukmelen exceeds the limit values permitted by the World Health Organization and the Turkish Standard. Because water from the River Buyukmelen will be used as drinking water, it will have an adverse effect on water quality and humans if not treated in advance. In addition, the inclusion of Mn and Zn in the Elmali drinking‐water reservoir of Istanbul and Fe in the River Buyukmelen water indicates natural inorganic contamination. Mn, Zn and Fe contents in the waters are related to geological origin. Moreover, the River Buyukmelen flow is very muddy in the rainy seasons and it is inevitable that this will pose problems during the purification process. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Acidification recovery in a changing climate: Observations from thirty-five years of stream chemistry monitoring in forested headwater catchments at the Turkey Lakes watershed,Ontario

Long-term ecosystem studies are valuable for understanding integrated ecosystem response to global changes in atmospheric deposition and climate. We examined trends for a 35-year period (1982/83–2017/18) in concentrations of a range of solutes in precipitation and stream water from nine headwater catchments spanning elevation and surficial geology gradients at the Turkey Lakes watershed (TLW) in northeastern Ontario, Canada. Average annual water year (WY, October to September) concentrations in precipitation significantly declined over the period for sulphate (SO₄²⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻) and chloride (Cl⁻), while calcium (Ca²⁺) and potassium (K⁺) concentrations increased, resulting in a significant pH increase from 4.2 to 5.7. Trends in stream chemistry through time are generally consistent with expectations associated with acidification recovery. Concentration of many stream water solutes (SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻, calcium [Ca²⁺], magnesium [Mg²⁺] and NH₄⁺ generally decreased, while others (silica [SiO₂] and dissolved organic carbon [DOC]) generally increased. Increases were also observed for alkalinity (six of nine catchments), acid neutralizing capacity ([ANC]; six of nine catchments) and pH (eight of nine catchments), while conductivity declined (six of nine catchments). Variability in trends among catchments are associated with differences in surficial geology and wetland cover. While absolute solute concentrations were generally lower at bedrock dominated high-elevation catchments compared to till dominated lower elevation catchments, the rate of change of concentration was often greater for high elevation catchments. This study confirms continued, but non-linear stream chemistry recovery from acidification, particularly at the less buffered high and moderate elevation sites. The heterogeneity of responses among catchments highlights our incomplete understanding of the relative importance of different mechanisms influencing stream chemistry and the consequences for downstream ecosystems.     

Chemical Composition of Dew Resulting from Radiative Cooling at a Semi-arid Site in Agra, India

Dew samples were collected between October 2007 and February 2008 from a suburban site in Agra. pH, conductivity, major inorganic ions (F^?, Cl^?, NO ₃ ^? , SO ₄ ^2? , Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and NH ₄ ⁺ ), and some trace metals (Cr, Sn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, Fe, Si, Al, V, and Cu) were determined to study the chemistry of dew water. The mean pH was 7.3, and the samples exhibited high ionic concentrations. Dew chemistry suggested both natural and anthropogenic influences, with acidity being neutralized by atmospheric ammonia and soil constituents. Ion deposition flux varied from 0.25 to 3.0?neq?m^?2?s^?1, with maximum values for Ca²⁺ followed by NH ₄ ⁺ , Mg²⁺, SO ₄ ^2? , Cl^?, NO ₃ ^? , Na⁺, K⁺, and F^?. Concentrations of trace metals varied from 0.13 to 48?μg?l^?1 with maximum concentrations of Si and minimum concentration of Cd. Correlation analysis suggested their contributions from both crustal and anthropogenic sources.     

The distribution of solute processes on an acid hillslope and the delivery of solutes to a stream: I. Exchangeable bases

This paper aims to identify the spatial distribution of exchangeable base cations in soils on an acid hillslope and to investigate possible cation release processes from slope soils to the stream. The basic assumption underlying this research is that the amount of exchangeable cations in soils reflects the nutrient stores and cation leaching processes across the slope where vegetation and parent materials are similar. The distribution of exchangeable Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺ and Na⁺ has been investigated on a three-dimensional hillslope on the Quantock Hills, Somerset, UK. A two-way ANOVA shows that soil depth is predominant in explaining the total variance of exchangeable bases, despite the steep slope gradient and clear podzolic catena development. Major nutrient base cations, such as Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺, display homogeneous topsoil storage right across the slope. This spatial pattern may indicate that the spatial distribution of major nutrient cations is tightly controlled by the soil–vegetation system in nutrient-poor heathland environments. Na⁺ is an exception to this vegetation-controlled spatial distribution, because of its small involvement in the soil–vegetation and soil exchangeable systems. In subsurface soils, cations liberated from the soil–vegetation system are subject to redistribution over the slope according to the hydrological flowpaths operating on the slope, with some eventually released into the stream. The saturated wedge developed at the base of the slope plays a key role in the storage and release processes of base cations from slope soils to the stream. Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Na⁺ carried by throughflow are stored in the saturated wedge and gradually released into the stream at times of high flow. K⁺, however, shows an apparently different spatial behaviour, being deficient in the saturated wedge. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of CCA for study on modern lake diatoms and environment in the Tibetan Plateau

The relations between lake surface sediment diatoms and water environmental variables were revealed effectively by use of a new multivariate canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) based on 45 lakes in the Tibetan Plateau. Water depth, conductivity, Cl^?, Mg²⁺, K⁺ and pH, identified from 12 contemporary water environmental variables, can significantly and independently explain the diatom distributions (p<0.05). The first two axes (λ1=0.34, λ2=0.27) capture 16.1% of the variance in the species data, and account for 57.4% of the variance in diatom-environment relationship. The deletion of redundant environmental variables and unusual samples do not influence the explanation to diatom data. The final CCA result indicates that the water depth and the salinity are the two important environmental gradients and influence the diatom distribution in the plateau lakes. The water depth correlates with axis 1, while conductivity, Cl^?, Mg²⁺ and K⁺, indicating the direction of salinity changes, correlate with both of the first two axes. The definition of diatom-environment model may provide a basis for further quantitative inference on diatom-environment transfer function.     

Transformations of runoff chemistry in the Arctic tundra,Northwest Territories,Canada

The transformation of snowmelt water chemical composition during melt, elution and runoff in an Arctic tundra basin is investigated. The chemistry of the water flowing along pathways from the surface of melting snow to the 95·5 ha basin outlet is related to relevant hydrological processes. In so doing, this paper offers physically based explanations for the transformation of major ion concentrations and loads of runoff water associated with snowmelt and rainfall along hydrological pathways to the stream outlet. Late‐lying snowdrifts were found to influence the ion chemistry in adjacent reaches of the stream channel greatly. As the initial pulse of ion‐rich melt water drained from the snowdrift and was conveyed through hillslope flowpaths, the concentrations of most ions increased, and the duration of the peak ionic pulse lengthened. Over the first 3 m of overland flow, the concentrations of all ions except for NO increased by one to two orders of magnitude, with the largest increase for K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. This was roughly equivalent to the concentration increase that resulted from percolation of relatively dilute water through 0·25 m of unsaturated soil. The Na⁺ and Cl^? were the dominant ions in snowmelt water, whereas Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ dominated the hillslope runoff. On slopes below a large melting snowdrift, ion concentrations of melt water flowing in the saturated layer of the soil were very similar to the relatively dilute concentrations found in surface runoff. However, once the snowdrift ablated, ion concentrations of subsurface flow increased above parent melt‐water concentrations. Three seasonally characteristic hydrochemical regimes were identified in a stream reach adjacent to late‐lying snowdrifts. In the first two stages, the water chemistry in the stream channel strongly resembled the hillslope drainage water. In the third stage, in‐stream geochemical processes, including the weathering/ion exchange of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, were the main control of streamwater chemistry. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrochemical characteristics and salinization processes of groundwater in the shallow aquifer of Eastern Laizhou Bay,China

Groundwater salinization has become a crucial environmental problem worldwide and is considered the most widespread form of groundwater contamination in the coastal zone. In this study, a hydrochemical investigation was conducted in the eastern coastal shallow aquifer of Laizhou Bay to identify the hydrochemical characteristics and the salinity of groundwater using ionic ratios, deficit or excess of each ions, saturation indices and factor analysis. The results indicate that groundwater in the study area showed wide ranges and high standard deviations for most of hydrochemical parameters and can be classified into two hydrochemical facies, Ca²⁺‐Mg²⁺‐Cl^‐ facies and Na⁺‐Cl^‐ facies. The ionic ratio, deficit or excess of each ions and SI were applied to evaluate hydrochemical processes. The results obtained indicate that the salinization processes in the coastal zones were inverse cation exchange, dissolution of calcite and dolomite, and intensive agricultural practices. Factor analysis shows that three factors were determined (Factor 1: TDS, EC, Cl^‐, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and SO₄^2‐; Factor 2: HCO₃^‐ and pH; Factor 3: NO₃^‐ and pH), representing the signature of seawater intrusion in the coastal zone, weathering of water–soil/rock interaction, and nitrate contamination, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrogeochemical characteristics of surface water and groundwater in the karst basin,southwest China

Groundwater is a very significant water source used for irrigation and drinking purposes in the karst region, and therefore understanding the hydrogeochemistry of karst water is extremely important. Surface water and groundwater were collected, and major chemical compositions and environmental isotopes in the water were measured in order to reveal the geochemical processes affecting water quality in the Gaoping karst basin, southwest China. Dominated by Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃^? and SO₄^2?, the groundwater is typically characterized by Ca? Mg? HCO₃ type in a shallow aquifer, and Ca? Mg? SO₄ type in a deeper aquifer. Dissolution of dolomite aquifer with gypsiferous rocks and dedolomitization in karst aquifers are important processes for chemical compositions of water in the study basin, and produce water with increased Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and SO₄^2? concentrations, and also increased TDS in surface water and groundwater. Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ molar ratios in groundwater decrease slightly due to dedolomitization, while the mixing of discharge of groundwater with high Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios may be responsible for Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios obviously increasing in surface water, and Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios in both surface water and groundwater finally tending to a constant. In combination with environmental isotopic analyses, the major mechanism responsible for the water chemistry and its geochemical evolution in the study basin can be revealed as being mainly from the water–rock interaction in karst aquifers, the agricultural irrigation and its infiltration, the mixing of surface water and groundwater and the water movement along faults and joints in the karst basin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of catastrophic flooding on stream biogeochemistry in a headwater stream in Shenandoah National Park,USA

This study examined the stream chemistry changes in Staunton River (a second‐order headwater stream with an average annual discharge 704 m³ ha^?1 yr^?1, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia) resulting from a catastrophic flood in June 1995. This flood, which followed after 800 mm of rain in a 4‐day period, caused large‐scale debris flows and complete scouring of riparian soils down to bedrock in the lower 2 km of the stream, and has been estimated to be a 1000‐year flood. The flood affected stream chemistry on both short‐ and long‐term time scales. The primary short‐term response was elevations in stream concentration of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺ by 59%, 87%, and 49%, respectively, for 6 months immediately following the flood. The long‐term impact of decreased concentration of all base cations and SiO₂ during summer months (8% average) lasted about 2 years. At the episodic time scale, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺ flushed from soil sources during pre‐flood storms while Na⁺ and SiO₂ diluted; these trends generally reversed during post‐flood storms for 2 years. Short‐term effects are attributed to the leaching of unconsolidated soil and upturned organic matter that clogged the streambed after the flood. The long‐term and superimposed episodic impacts may have resulted from the loss of riparian soils and vegetation in the flood. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The solute budget of a forest catchment and solute fluxes within a Pinus radiata and a secondary native forest site,southern Chile

Solute concentrations and fluxes in rainfall, throughfall and stemflow in two forest types, and stream flow in a 90 ha catchment in southern Chile (39°44′S, 73°10′W) were measured. Bulk precipitation pH was 6·1 and conductivity was low. Cation concentrations in rainfall were low (0·58 mg Ca²⁺ l^?1, 0·13 mg K⁺ l^?1, 0·11 mg Mg²⁺ l^?1 and <0·08 mg NH₄–N l^?1), except for sodium (1·10 mg l^?1). Unexpected high levels of nitrate deposition in rainfall (mean concentration 0·38 mg NO₃–N l^?1, total flux 6·3 kg NO₃–N ha^?1) were measured. Concentrations of soluble phosphorous in bulk precipitation and stream flow were below detection limits (<0·09 mg l^?1) for all events. Stream‐flow pH was 6·3 and conductivity was 28·3 μs. Stream‐water chemistry was also dominated by sodium (2·70 mg l^?1) followed by Ca, Mg and K (1·31, 0·70 and 0·36 mg l^?1). The solute budget indicated a net loss of 3·8 kg Na⁺ ha^?1 year^?1, 5·4 kg Mg²⁺ ha^?1 year^?1, 1·5 kg Ca²⁺ ha^?1 year^?1 and 0·9 kg K⁺ ha^?1 year^?1, while 4·9 kg NO₃–N ha^?1 year^?1 was retained by the ecosystem. Stream water is not suitable for domestic use owing to high manganese and, especially, iron concentrations. Throughfall and stemflow chemistry at a pine stand (Pinus radiata D. Don) and a native forest site (Siempreverde type), both located within the catchment, were compared. Nitrate fluxes within both forest sites were similar (1·3 kg NO₃–N ha^?1 year^?1 as throughfall). Cation fluxes in net rainfall (throughfall plus stemflow) at the pine stand generally were higher (34·8 kg Na⁺ ha^?1 year^?1, 21·5 kg K⁺ ha^?1 year^?1, 5·1 kg Mg²⁺ ha^?1 year^?1) compared with the secondary native forest site (24·7 kg Na⁺ ha^?1 year^?1, 18·9 kg K⁺ ha^?1 year^?1 and 4·4 kg Mg²⁺ ha^?1 year^?1). However, calcium deposition beneath the native forest stand was higher (15·9 kg Ca²⁺ ha^?1 year^?1) compared with the pine stand (12·6 kg Ca²⁺ ha^?1 year^?1). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mineral Content of Bottled and Desalinated Household Drinking Water in Kuwait

Three hundred and twenty‐two samples of desalinated household water were collected from 99 sampling locations that covered 95% of Kuwaiti's residential areas. Seventy‐one brands of bottled water were collected from Kuwaiti markets. The water quality parameters that were studied included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), F^?, Cl^?, Br^?, , , , , , , , and the major macronutrients Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺. The analysis yielded a large range of results for most of these parameters, with differences in some cases exceeding 10‐fold. With a few exceptions, the results were found to comply with US‐EPA and WHO standards. Only the water in two brands of bottled water was acidic (pH < 6.5). The TDS was found to be higher than the US‐EPA regulated value in 4 and 3% of the household samples and bottled water brands, respectively. The fluoride levels were generally higher in bottled water than in household water. However, the household water that was produced by the Doha desalination plant and some of the European brands of bottled water were the best samples studied in terms of their quantity of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Na⁺ compared with the DRI values for those substances. EC and TDS were positively correlated with , , Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ for household water but only with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ for bottled water.     

Fifty-year variations in water ionic composition in small tributaries of the Southern Baikal

Concentrations of major ions in surface waters of the rivers of Khara-Murin and Snezhnaya are compared based on data of many-year observations carried out in the 1950s and 2000s. The concentrations of HCO ₃ ^? , Cl^?, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ + K⁺ are shown to be stable. A considerable increase in SO ₄ ^?2 concentration was revealed.     

Hydraulic and geochemical interactions between surface water and sediment pore water in seasonal hypersaline Maharlu Lake,Iran

Study of interactions between surface-water and pore-water in lakes is complicated due to spatio-temporal heterogeneities in flow condition across the sediment–water interface. In this study, seasonal hypersaline Maharlu Lake was investigated by collecting surface-water and pore-water samples from four nests of multilevel piezometers installed at different distances from the inflow of rivers to the lake. The hydraulic heads in the piezometers as well as vertical profiles of Mg⁺², Na/Cl, and Br/Cl were used to investigate both hydraulic and geochemical interactions between surface-water and pore-water in the lake. Depletion of lake surface water and pore water with respect to B, Br, Li⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and the absence of Mg-K chlorides and sulphates in the lake bed sediments is probably due to leakage of highly evaporated residual brine from the lake. Hydraulic gradients in the multilevel piezometric nests indicate that a general downward flow from surface-water to pore-water occurs across sediment–water interface. Vertical profiles of Br/Cl, Mg²⁺, and Na/Cl showed that the maximum flow rate was more than 1 m/yr close to the mouth of the inflowing rivers. The downward vertical flow was limited in the area far from the inflowing rivers due to the presence of an impermeable confining halite layer which interrupts the hydraulic connection between shallow pore water (less than 50 cm deep) and deeper zones. The hydraulic and geochemical interactions between surface-water and pore-water across sediment–water interface in the Maharlu Lake are of interest to find out the fate of pollutants and their distribution in the lake.     

Switch in chemical weathering caused by the mass balance variability in a Himalayan glacierized basin: a case of Chhota Shigri Glacier

Long-term data (2003–2015) on meltwater chemistry, mass balance and discharge of a benchmark glacier (Chhota Shigri Glacier, India) were studied to determine any association between these variables. To infer the factors governing the alteration of chemical weathering processes in glacierized basins, multi-annual records of the hydrochemical indices (Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺/Na⁺+K⁺) and the C-ratio were also examined. A succession of negative mass balance years has resulted in a decline in solute concentrations in the runoff, as discharge has increased. The (Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺/Na⁺+K⁺) and C-ratio are highest during periods of negative annual mass balance, when the spatial extent of the channelized drainage system increases. Conversely, these ratios are lowest in positive mass balance years, when the spatial extent of the channelized drainage system decreases, and chemical weathering in the distributed drainage system becomes more dominant. This paper is the first to show the inter-annual linkages between meltwater chemistry, mass balance and discharge for a valley glacier.     

Groundwater mineralisation processes in Mediterranean semi‐arid systems (Cap‐Bon,North east of Tunisia): hydrogeological and geochemical approaches

The groundwater of the Korba plain represents major water resources in Tunisia. The Plio‐Quaternary unconfined aquifer of the Cap‐Bon (north‐east Tunisia) is subject to the intensive agricultural activities and high groundwater pumping rates due to the increasing of the groundwater extraction. The degradation of the groundwater quality is characterized by the salinization phenomena. Groundwater were sampled and analysed for physic‐chemical parameters: Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^‐, SO₄^2‐, HCO₃^‐, NO₃^‐, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and the temperature (T°). The hydrochemical analysis is coupled with the calculation of the saturation indexes (SI gypsum, SI halite, SI calcite and SI dolomite), ionic derivation and with the ion correlations compared to chloride concentrations: Na⁺/ Cl^‐, Ca²⁺/ Cl^‐ and Mg²⁺/ Cl^‐ ratios. Seawater fractions in the groundwater were calculated using the chloride concentration. Those processes can be used as indicators of seawater intrusion progression. EC methods were also conducted to obtain new informations on the spatial scales and dynamics of the fresh water–seawater interface of coastal groundwater exchange. The mixing zone between freshwater and saltwater was clearly observed from the EC profile in the investigated area where a strong increase in EC with depth was observed, corresponding to the freshwater and saltwater interface. Results of hydrochemical study revealed the presence of direct cation exchange linked to seawater intrusion and dissolution processes associated with cations exchange. These results, together with EC investigation, indicated that the groundwater is affected by seawater intrusion and is still major actor as a source of salinization of the groundwater in Korba coastal plain. Further isotopic and hydrological investigations will be necessary to identify and more understood the underlying mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of beech stemflow on spatial patterns of soil solution chemistry and seepage fluxes in a mixed beech/oak stand

Stemflow of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) represents a significant input of water and elements to the soil and might influence the spatial patterns and the rate of seepage fluxes at the stand scale. We investigated the soil solution chemistry at different depths and distances from the stem and the element fluxes with stemflow, throughfall and seepage in proximal and distal stem areas of a 130‐year‐old beech/oak forest in Steigerwald (northern Bavaria, Germany). The proximal stem area (in total 286 m² ha⁻¹) was defined as a 1 m², 60 cm deep cylinder around the beech stem. Seepage fluxes were calculated by a soil hydrological model for 1996 using measured soil matrix potentials and tree xylem flow data for calibration. Stemflow represented 6·6% of the annual soil water input. With the exception of H⁺ fluxes, less than 10% of the total element fluxes with throughfall and stemflow reached the soil via stemflow. The volume‐weighted concentrations of H⁺, K⁺ and SO₄²⁻ in stemflow were higher than those in throughfall, while other elements had similar concentrations. Soil solution K⁺ concentrations decreased with stem distance, but the Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻ concentrations increased. Gradients for other elements were not statistically significant. Stemflow had a strong influence on the spatial patterns of element fluxes with seepage. The water fluxes through the soil of the proximal stem areas at a depth of 60 cm contributed 13·5% to the total seepage at the stand scale. Proximal to the stems about 20% of total seepage for K⁺, Mn²⁺, Alⁿ⁺, dissolved organic N and dissolved organic C were concentrated, but only 8–10% for Na⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺. The loss of acid‐neutralizing capacity calculated from the flux balance was about four times higher proximal to the stems compared with distal areas, indicating high rates of soil acidification proximal to the stems. Our results confirm the concept of a microsite around beech stems, characterized by high element and water fluxes in comparison with distal stem areas. Calculations of seepage fluxes and element budgets in beech stands have to consider the spatial heterogeneity of fluxes induced by stemflow. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Monitoring of Impact of Ferti‐irrigation by Post‐methanated Distillery Effluent on Groundwater Quality

The impact assessment of molasses‐based distillery‐effluent irrigation on groundwater quality around village Gajraula in the district of Jyotiba Phule Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India was studied by sampling groundwater on monthly intervals consecutively for summer, winter and monsoon seasons during 2006–2007 and water quality parameters, viz. pH, electrical conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl^?), sulphate (SO), nitrate (NO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids (TS), total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), zinc (Zn²⁺), iron (Fe³⁺), and total coliforms (TC) were monitored. Results depicted that the values of all parameters decreased with increasing depth of water table. Sulphate, nitrate and potassium contents were maximal in agricultural site during monsoon while EC, Cl^?, TS, TDS, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn, and Fe were maximal in industrial sites during summer. Groundwater samples of residential site harboured maximum coliforms especially during monsoon, highlighting threat to groundwater. Significant positive correlation matrix between coliforms with nitrate, sulphate and potassium ions explained their survival on these nutrients. To overcome this, important measures emphasizing improvement in effluent treatment technology matching site‐specific characteristics are recommended for eco‐friendly ferti‐irrigation.     

Major ion geochemistry and nutrient behaviour in the mixing zone of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River and its tributaries in the Three Gorges Reservoir

Inorganic ions and nutrients were measured at different depths of the Xiangxi and Daninghe Rivers to explore the mixing processes of representative bays in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). HCO₃⁻ and Ca²⁺ are the dominant ions. Carbonate weathering is the most important mechanism controlling the ion water chemistry; however, important differences exist between the main channel and its tributaries. Major ion levels in the TGR bays depend on hydrological mixing. Results show that the major ions of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Sr²⁺, SO₄²⁻ and Cl⁻ show chemically conservative behaviour during transit through the bays of the TGR. This means the ions can be used as tracers in the same way that salinity is used in estuaries to explore behaviour of other non‐conservative elements and to indicate specific source waters. In contrast, nutrients are not conserved in the mixing zone. The mixing of the main channel and tributaries and biological utilization in backwater reaches were the key factor controlling nutrient distributions in Xiangxi and Daninghe Bays. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.