Ct. Driscoll et al., CHANGES IN INORGANIC CARBON-CHEMISTRY AND DEPOSITION OF ONONDAGA LAKE, NEW-YORK, Environmental science & technology, 28(7), 1994, pp. 1211-1218
Changes in Ca2+, alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and pH h
ave occurred in the epilimnion of Onondaga Lake over a 10-yr period, i
n response to a major reduction in external Ca2+ loading that resulted
from the closure of an adjoining soda ash manufacturer. These changes
included reduced Ca2+ Concentrations, diminished depletion of DIC and
alkalinity in the upper waters in the summer, and a shift to higher p
H values. Results of analyses from sediment trap collections before an
d after closure of the facility indicate approximately 3-fold reductio
ns in particulate inorganic carbon (PIC), and suspended solids deposit
ion have occurred as a result of the closure. Despite these changes, t
he water column remains oversaturated with respect to the solubility o
f CaCO3. Moreover, there was no apparent relationship between the degr
ee of CaCO3 saturation and PIC deposition. Changes in the extent of Ca
CO3 precipitation have altered the acid-base chemistry of the lake whi
ch, in turn, affects prevailing pollution problems associated with inp
uts of domestic waste, such as NH3 toxicity.