Concentration and distribution of major macro- and microelements in surface waters in the Altai

Abstract

The macroelement (HCO3−, SO42−, Cl−, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ + K+, as well as NO3−, NO2−, and PO43−) and microelement (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and V) composition of natural waters in different physiographical provinces of the Altai have been studied and characterized. It has been found that the concentrations of dissolved forms of metals in the waters of the examined rivers generally do not exceed the MACwm, though in some cases, they exceed the world averages and depend on the features of water nourishment of rivers and the concentrations of mineral salts in water. A considerable portion of metals in Altai surface waters has been found to be transported as a component of suspension, though the specific concentration of metals in suspension decreases with increasing water turbidity. The effect of the structure and properties of the soil cover on the drainage basins of various physiographic provinces of the Altai on surface water chemistry is most distinct in the case of macrocomponents and typomorphic elements (Fe, Mn, Ca), as well as under anthropogenic impact on the watershed.