Stability of nitrate-ion concentrations in simulated deposition samples used for quality-assurance activities by the U.S. Geological Survey

Willoughby, T. C.; See, R. B.; Schroder, L. J.

Abstract:

Three experiments were conducted to determine the stability of nitrate-ion concentrations in simulated deposition samples. In the four experiment-A solutions, nitric acid provided nitrate-ion concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 10.0 mg/L and that had pH values ranging from 3.8 to 5.0. In the five experiment-B solutions, sodium nitrate provided nitrate-ion concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 mg/L. The pH was adjusted to about 4.5 for each of the solutions by addition of sulfuric acid. In the four experiment-C solutions, nitric acid provided nitrate-ion concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 mg/L. Major cation and anion concentrations were added to each solution to simulate natural deposition. Aliquots were removed from the 13 original solutions and analyzed by ion chromatography about once a week for 100 days to determine if any changes occurred in nitrate-ion concentrations throughout the study period. No substantial changes were observed in the nitrate-ion concentrations in solutions that had initial concentrations below 4.0 mg/L in experiments A and B, although most of the measured nitrate-ion concentrations for the 100-day study were below the initial concentrations. In experiment C, changes in nitrate-ion concentrations were much more pronounced; the measured nitrate-ion concentrations for the study period were less than the initial concentrations for 62 of the 67 analyses. (USGS)

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USGS Numbered Series

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30529

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Willoughby, T. C.; See, R. B.; Schroder, L. J.

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ENGLISH

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v, 15 p. :ill. ;28 cm.

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U.S. Geological Survey ; Copies can be purchased from U.S. Geological Survey Books and Open-File Reports Section,

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Water-Resources Investigations Report

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WRI

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89-4042

Citation Search Results Text:

Stability of nitrate-ion concentrations in simulated deposition samples used for quality-assurance activities by the U.S. Geological Survey; 1989; WRI; 89-4042; Willoughby, T. C.; See, R. B.; Schroder, L. J.