Comparative Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Particle Composition through the Critical Zone in the Investigation of Groundwater and Stream Chemistry

Abstract:

Investigation into particle composition and flux of weathered material transported by rivers to the ocean basins provides insight into seasonal dynamics in chemical weathering of stream environments and on the delivery of micronutrient elements such as Fe and Mn to the coastal zone. At the headwaters of the South Fork Eel River in Northern California, the site of the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory, the temporal and spatial variability of groundwater and effects of depth and speed of water movement on stream chemistry dynamics have been examined by Kim et al. (2014). Through automated ISCO Gravity Filtration System (GFS; Kim et al. 2012, EST), samples of groundwater and stream water have been collected at frequency of one to three days since 2009 from three wells (Well 1 down-slope, Well 3 mid-slope, Well 10 up-slope) and Elder Creek and filtered through 0.45 μm diameter Supor filters. Preliminary analysis of the filters via measurements of optical density (from sample photography under controlled lighting) have served as selection aid for identifying relevant environmental phenomena such as rainstorms and wildfires in the study of reactive particulate phases. Here we investigate solubilization strategies (e.g. strong acid leaching or total digest) for sample pretreatment prior to ICP-MS analysis and the sample time series. Results from ICP analysis of particles are compared with the same temporal points taken of water samples, such as with Mn and Fe. Previous research into the fate and transport of these metals suggest that Mn exists primarily in a dissolved phase while Fe exists in colloidal phases, produced by chemical weathering in the vadose zone, which may be tested with the compositional analysis of the filter particulates. Overall, compositional analyses of filter particles and comparison with water chemistry data will complete the picture of temporal and spatial dynamics of chemical weathering.