Dissolved Solids‐Discharge Relationships: 2. Applications to Field Data

Abstract

Six mixing models and a number of equations derived from them have been proposed for some possible dissolved solids‐discharge relationships in streams. The equations can be put in a form suitable for statistical analysis by digital computer. In actual application, however, a major problem arises in determining which equation or model is most applicable because the data tend to fit two or more equations equally well. A particular difficulty is encountered in deciding whether a constant component of dissolved solids is present. This decision is most critical when only total dissolved solids or electrical conductivity is used for concentration. An examination of other chemical data, if available, along with knowledge of the stream help decide which model is most suitable. Other problems may arise from factors such as nonrandom trends and variations in the storage volume‐discharge relationship. Under these circumstances, an extension of the equations beyond the range of actual data or inferences about physical or chemical significance of the equations or constant terms should be made with caution.

Concentration–discharge relationships reflect chemostatic characteristics of US catchments

“…Typical concentration-discharge analyses have centered on mixing models of different source waters (e.g. event and pre-event water; old and new water; or soil water, groundwater and precipitation) inferred from the shape of the concentration-discharge relationship for different solutes (Johnson et al, 1969;Hall, 1970Hall, , 1971. In other studies, researchers have inferred the relative timing of mixing from hysteresis loops observed in concentration-discharge plots (Evans and Davies, 1998;Evans et al, 1999;House and Warwick, 1998;Hornberger et al, 2001;Chanat et al, 2002).…”

Hysteresis in relationships between discharge and water chemistry in the Fraser River basin, British Columbia

“…Within the overall loop a secondary loop system is evident; this is most likely caused by individual storms, a phenomenon which forms hysteresis (Hall 1971).…”

A BIVARIATE-REGRESSION MODEL FOR ESTIMATING CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF STREAMFLOW OR GROUNDWATER / Modèle de régression bivarié pour l'évaluation de la composition chimique de l'écoulement total ou des eaux souterraines

“…Various adaptations of this latter model have been investigated (Hall, 1970(Hall, , 1971, and estimates ot me various contributions to streamtlow chemical quality from distinct flow components (storm runoff and baseflow) can be evaluated (Steele, 1968). With either of the above models, nonlinear relations can be approximated by use of segmented linear functions.…”