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Fate of Oxygen and Refractory Organics in Marmot Basin Streams: Seasonal Variations¹

ABSTRACT

A conceptual process reactor model with input-output functions developed for the mountain streams of the Marmot Basin (Alberta, Canada) showed seasonal trends in the conversion of organic matter. Based on mass balance data, organic compounds (e.g., tannins and lignins), and total organic C showed net gains in the stream waters in winter; in spring, the compounds tend to be depleted in waters; in the fall, humics and tannins and lignins underwent net depletion. The indicated changes of accumulation and depletion ranged from +95 to –42% of incoming mass. The chemical O₂ demand showed gains in the stream waters throughout the season. The biological O₂ demand showed little change throughout the seasons. Photochemical processes appeared to be important processes in the conversion of organic matter in clear, cold mountain streams of the Marmot Basin. Biological uptake of refractory compounds appeared to be a minor process.

Key Words: total organic carbon • chemical oxygen demand • biological oxygen demand • dissolved oxygen • humic-fulvic acids • tannins and lignins

¹ Research was funded by the office of Research Subvention, Inland Waters Directorate, Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and Research Secretariat, Alberta Environment, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

² Professional Associate, Kananaskis Centre for Environ. Res., The University of Calgary, and Professor, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4.

Received for publication January 14, 1983.