Associations between benthic flora and diel changes in dissolved arsenic, phosphorus, and related physico-chemical parameters
Diel relationships between physical and chemical parameters and biomass were examined along a 57-km reach of Whitewood Creek, South Dakota, between 29 August and 2 September 1988. A time lag of ∼3-6 h for fluctuations in soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations (ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 μM at the downstream sites) relative to dissolved arsenic (ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 μM as arsenate (pentavalent arsenic)) was consistent with our laboratory studies (reported elsewhere) showing preferential cell sorption of orthophosphate over arsenate by creek periphyton. The potential biological effects on SRP diel fluctuations contrasts with abiotic sorption controls for dissolved arsenate (a chemically similar anion). Cycles for pH, like water temperature cycles, lagged irradiance cycles by 1-3 h. Like pH, the amplitude of dissolved arsenic diel cycles was greatest at the site with most abundant biomass. Diel fluctuations in specific conductance (an indicator of groundwater inputs at elevated conductivity relative to the water column) were out of phase with both SRP and dissolved arsenic concentrations suggesting that groundwater was not the direct source of these solutes.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1992 |
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Title | Associations between benthic flora and diel changes in dissolved arsenic, phosphorus, and related physico-chemical parameters |
DOI | 10.2307/1467387 |
Authors | James S. Kuwabara |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Freshwater Science |
Index ID | 70185779 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Toxic Substances Hydrology Program; Western Ecological Research Center |