LE3 .A278 1974

1974

Peach, Michael

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Chemistry

Chemistry

Nitrate, phosphate and heavy metal residues in the streams of the Habitant Creek were studied from May 1973 to April 1974, with reference to seasonal and climatic variations, and degree of agricultural activity in adjacent areas. Nitrate and phosphate levels in streams were related to rainfall amounts. Nitrate concentrations in the summer exhibited maxima when rainfall amounts were minimal. Variations in phosphate levels followed variations in rainfall amounts, ( Relatively high levels of nitrate and orthophosphate in water samples were found to be due to the release of these species by the freezing and thawing of soil. In general nitrate and phosphate concentrations in silt and soil samples showed a dependence on the degree of agricultural activity in the sample area. In some cases interpretation of results of silt analyses is complicated due to the mobile nature of silt banks. Heavy metal· residues showed relation to agricultural activity and, were relatively constant throughout the year.

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