Changes in Chemical Properties of Surface Waters in Dunn County

Abstract

The chemical properties of surface water are some of the indicators used to assess the health of lakes and rivers. They provide valuable information that can be used to understand how natural and man-made activities affect the aquatic ecosystem. Monitoring the changes in chemical properties can assist local communities and environmentalists on how to respond to any developing or on-going problems in the body of water. The chemical properties of rivers and lakes are influenced by numerous factors which include hydrological processes, climate and anthropogenic activities. Parameters including pH, conductivity and concentrations of compounds containing sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) are used to assess water quality. pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of water and conductivity is an indicator of the concentrations of dissolved ions in the sample. The concentrations of compounds of Na, K, Ca, and Mg are used to assess the suitability of the use of a given body of water.