Der Kohlendioxid-Gehalt und die Kalzitsättigung der Ilm, einschließlich einiger Vergleichsuntersuchungen im Thüringer Raum

The CO₂ content, air saturation and calcite equilibrium of the River Ilm and some of its tributaries were analysed. CO₂ content was measured by degasing the CO₂ from water. The CO₂ level is a very sensitive indicator for a low pollution in oxygen saturated waters. Clean running waters have a CO₂ content close to the air saturation of 0.1–0.3 mg C l^?1. Ground water and springs are rich in CO₂. Polluted waters are characterised by higher CO₂ contents, also organic pollution can result in high values of CO₂. Carbon dioxide concentration of streams and brooks is limited by re-aeration.

The headwater region (softwater) of the River Ilm is unsaturated, the hard water in the middle- and underflow is oversaturated. In summer and autumn high saturation could be found, but without autochthonous calcite precipitation like in hard water lakes.