Abstract
612 lakes in Northern Ireland between 1 and 100 hectares surface area were sampled in the summers of 1988–1990. Water analyses for major ions and nutrients are presented in summary form and demonstrate the wide range of lake chemistry in the region. Altitude was the main determinant of water chemistry, which varied from near rain water to greater than 100 mg Ca l−1 faithfully reflecting the underlying geology, even in regions of diverse geology. ‘Rainfall’ lakes were commonly depleted of potassium but enriched in calcium and bicarbonate compared to average rainfall composition in the area. Major ion chemistry in general plotted as expected on a diagram of Na/(Na + Ca) ratio against total dissolved solids, with major deviations only found in lakes on an offshore island or which were known to be polluted.
Nutrient enrichment was widespread, 27% of lakes contained more than 100 µg TP l−1 enriched lakes were commonest in lowland areas but also occurred in upland lakes with afforested catchments.
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Gibson, C.E., Wu, Y., Smith, S.J. et al. Synoptic limnology of a diverse geological region: catchment and water chemistry. Hydrobiologia 306, 213–227 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00017692
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00017692