『Abstract
Elemental size distributions, from truly dissolved through colloidal
to particulate, have been studied in a subarctic boreal river.
The measurements, carried out during 2002, ranged from winter
to summer conditions, including an intense spring flood event.
Results are reported for a total of 42 elements. Size distributions
were characterized using a combination of cross-flow (ultra) filtration
(CFF), flow field-flow fractionation (FlFFF), and diffusive gradients
in thin-films (DGT). The three techniques showed similar trends,
but quantitative comparisons reveal some important differences
that warrant further investigation.
Previous work has identified two colloidal carrier phases in
fresh waters, dominated by iron and carbon, respectively. The
majority of the elements studied are associated with one or both
of these colloidal carrier phases. The exceptions are the alkali
metals and several anions that are only very weakly associated
with colloidal material, and which therefore occur mainly as truly
dissolved material (<1 kDa in molecular weight). We discuss the
likely origin for the two colloidal carrier phases and consider
how associated trace elements fit into the geochemical framework.
The relative affinities of the elements for iron and carbon colloidal
carrier phases are related to their chemistries, and are compared
with earlier data from the Delsjo(oの頭に¨)
Creek in southern Sweden.
Elemental colloidal concentrations show strong seasonal variations
related to changes in the colloidal carrier phase(s) with which
they associate. In particular, many elements show a strong spring
maximum in colloidal concentrations associated with the strong
maximum in colloidal carbon concentration during the spring flood.』
1. Introduction
2. Methods
2.1. Sampling area
2.2. Water sampling
2.3. DGT-sampling
2.4. CFF
2.5. FlFFF-ICP-MS
2.6. TOC
3. Results
3.1. Seasonal cycle of master variables
3.2. Seasonal cycle of small colloidal concentrations
3.3. Size fractionation of selected elements
3.4. DGT
4. Discussion
4.1. Association with colloidal carrier phases
4.1.1. Strong association with Fe carrier phase
4.1.2. Strong association with C carrier phase
4.1.3. Association with both carrier phases
4.2. Truly dissolved elements
5. Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References