No abstract

The ability to predict export of algal nutrients from forested stream catchments is essential to estimate background levels of nutrients in lakes and therefore gauge the effects of anthropogenic activities on the trophic status of Ontario lakes. Data from 32 forested stream catchments in the Muskoka‐Haliburton area of central Ontario collected during the 8‐yr period 1976–1977 to 1983–1984 were used to develop empirical regression models of long‐term average NH4, NO–3, TON, and TP export employing mathematical transformations of geology, physiography, hydrology, and annual meteorological data. At least 6 consecutive years of sampling were necessary to avoid poor fits due to anomalous years and to produce regression models able to make reliable (R2 > 0.70) long‐term average predictions of TP export. Atmospheric deposition of algal nutrients typically exceeded catchment export. Total annual phosphorus (TP) export was variable with outputs from two catchments exceeding atmospheric inputs. Total organic nitrogen (TON) export was also variable with annual export from 22 catchments exceeding atmospheric inputs, although total N (TN) export never exceeded input. Peat deposits or beaver (Castor canadensis Kuhl) ponds in most of these catchments were the likely sources of the high TP and TON export. Nitrate retention (defined as the fraction of annual deposition retained by the catchment) was high in most catchments, exceeding 0.74 in 26 of the 32 catchments. Low NO–3 retention was observed primarily in those catchments with steep grades (>5.9%). Ammonium retention was very high (>0.87) in all catchments.

Concentrations of mercury in dorsal muscle tissue of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) from Ontario lakes were positively correlated with variables indicating lake dystrophy (dissolved organic carbon, colour, iron, transparency) and were also correlated with watershed area and lake area. Stepwise multiple regression selected dissolved organic carbon as the only variable which explained a significant amount of variation (37%) in mercury concentrations in lake trout. The relationship between dissolved organic carbon and mercury appeared to be strongest in the group of lakes with values of dissolved organic carbon less than 4.0 mg∙L−1. In contrast, mercury concentrations in smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) were correlated with variables reflecting both water hardness (magnesium, calcium, conductivity) and acidity (pH, alkalinity). The relationship was inverse for the water hardness variables and positive for acidity. Stepwise regression identified three variables significant in explaining variation in mercury in smallmouth bass: calcium, dissolved organic carbon, and latitude. Mechanisms that may explain the effects of organic matter, water hardness, and acidity on mercury accumulation by fish are discussed.

We used long-term (20+ yr) datasets to determine how the sum of 209 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

We examined the relation between mercury levels in walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) and northern pike (Esox lucius) in Ontario lakes. Walleye and northern pike occurred together in 79 of the 346 study lakes. The length-standardized mercury concentrations in coexisting walleye and northern pike in the 79 lakes were highly correlated (r2 = 0.60). The mean mercury concentrations in walleye and northern pike of standardized length from these lakes were 0.65 and 0.52 μg/g, respectively. Lacustrine characteristics associated with lake dystrophy (dissolved organic carbon and iron) were positively correlated with mercury levels in both species. Variables associated with acidity (pH and alkalinity) and hardness (calcium, conductivity, and magnesium) were negatively correlated with mercury concentrations in northern pike but not walleye.