Gregory, S. V.; Lamberti, G. A.; D'Angelo, D. J. 1990. Concepts and methods for assessing solute dynamics in stream ecosystems. Journal of the North American Benthological Society. 9(2): 95-119.
A stream solute workshop was held February 1-5, 1989, at The University of Mississippiwith the goals of 1) suggesting a conceptual model for stream solute studies that integrates physical,chemical, and biological processes, and 2) identifying advantages and limitations of various methodsfor studying solute transport and exchanges. Solute dynamics refers to the spatial and temporalpatterns of transport and transfers of materials that are chemically dissolved in water. Solute trans-port and exchange processes can be described by solute transport equations that relate soluteconcentration to advection, dispersion, groundwater and tributary inputs, transient storage zones,and biotic and abiotic transformations. Studies can be based on these model equations even if a fullsimulation of a particular system is not attempted. Although no common methodological approachcan serve every investigation of solute dynamics, experimental approaches represent a range fromgreatest control and least realism to least control and greatest realism. The model parameters describeprocesses that can be investigated in laboratory, chamber, and flume experiments designed to reduceconfounding experimental variables. Whole-stream studies, particularly solute injection experi-ments, provide estimates of solute transfer to and from the water column and can be used to calibratethe simulation models. Transport and transfer models can link experimental results obtained atdifferent scales and increase the opportunity for inter-site comparisons and the extrapolation ofresults between laboratory, chamber, flume, and whole-stream studies.
Key words: solute, stream, retention, model, nutrient, solute injection, conservative tracer, scaling.