Time Series of Electrical Conductivity Fluctuations Give Insights Into Long‐Term Solute Transport Dynamics of an Urban Stream

Abstract

Tracing solute transport is fundamental to improve the understanding of hydrodynamic, chemical and biological processes in rivers and their catchments. In particular, understanding the solute exchange between the main stream channel and retention zones with increased biochemical activity are of high importance to comprehend stream ecosystem mechanisms (Bencala, 1983). The transient storage concept combines all areas of stagnant flow where residence times are higher than in the main channel into a lumped compartment called the transient storage zone. It includes for example, the hyporheic zone, stillwater, zones behind obstacles and vegetation and near-shore pools. These zones can be hotspots of metabolic activity, they play a crucial role for a river's capacity of nutrient retention and removal of micropollutants and provide diverse habitats for aquatic organisms (Blaen