Author(s): S. Beltaos; B. C. Burrell

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Abstract: During the breakup of ice on rivers, suspended sediment concentrations can exceed those occurring under open-water conditions of comparable discharge. As metals are often transported on sediment, water quality can be affected by the increased sediment transport. This was confurned for a set of selected metals by samples taken in the spring of 1997, mostly from the Saint John River. Large percentages of most of the metals were transported in particulate form, especially when the concentration of suspended sediment was large. Linear relationships between the concentrations of particulate metals and suspended sediment were found, enabling derivation of a simple method to predict metal loads in terms of sediment loads. Because sediment concentration changes rapidly during breakup, sediment and, thence, metal loads cannot be determined with any confidence using conventional sampling methods. Total metal concentrations occwring during the breakup period can exceed toxic levels and safe limits for aquatic life, human consumption, and agricultural purposes, though related impacts may be moderated by brevity of exposure and relatively small dissolved amounts.

DOI:

Year: 1998