Catchment and in-stream influences on metal concentration and ochre deposit density in upland streams, Northern Ireland

Katrina A Macintosh, David Griffiths

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    6 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Metal concentrations from stream waters in two geological blocks in Northern Ireland were compared to determine the contributions of catchment characteristics and in-stream conditions. One block is composed of metamorphosed schist and unconsolidated glacial drift with peat or peaty podzol (mainly humic) soils, while the other block consists of tertiary basalt with brown earth and gley soils. Water samples were collected from 52 stream sites and analysed for Fe, Mn and Al as well as a range of other chemical determinands known to affect metal solubility. Densities of metal-rich ochre deposit were determined for stream bed stone samples. Higher conductivities and concentrations of bicarbonate, alkalinity, Ca and Mg occurred on basalt than on schist. Despite higher Fe and Mn oxide concentrations in basalt-derived non-humic soils, stream water concentrations were much lower and ochre deposit densities only one third of those on schist overlain by humic soils. Neither rock nor soil type predicted Al concentrations, but pH and dissolved oxygen did. Peat-generated acidity and the limited acid neutralising capacity of base-poor metamorphosed schist have resulted in elevated concentrations of metals and ochre deposit in surface waters.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)3023-3030
    JournalEnvironmental Earth Sciences
    Volume70
    Issue number7
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 28 Feb 2013

    Keywords

    • Metals • Ochre deposits • Geology • Soil • pH • Dissolved oxygen

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