| The sources and processes influencing solutes in surface waters and groundwaters in the Kettle River Basin, British Columbia, were investigated using major ion concentrations, stable isotope abundance ratios and geochemical modeling. The atmosphere, biosphere, pedosphere, lithosphere and anthropogenic activities were identified as sources of solutes in surface water and groundwater. A mass balance approach was used to quantify the proportion of ions derived from weathering of silicate bedrock. Results indicated that bedrock weathering primarily releases calcium, magnesium and sulfate, and lesser amounts of sodium and potassium. Ion exchange reactions between clay minerals and solution were investigated and found to exhibit controls on major ion chemistry. Consumption of CO2 during silicate weathering, storage and subsequent export of carbon out of the Kettle River Basin was quantified and compared to major global carbon reservoir and flux estimates suggesting that terrestrial silicate weathering is an important component of the carbon cycle. |
