Pre-Galactic concentrations

Table 2. Pre-Galactic concentrations in the Alamosa River below the mouth of Wightman Fork (AR 45.4)...

The pre-Galactic water quality for copper and zinc during 11 (Figures 6-7) likely represent the worst-case seasonal values in the Alamosa downstream of Wightman Fork. Chopper concentrations show a pronounced effect of the iron oxide partitioning in the water column and well as reduced transport of ct per due to retention by stream sediments. 

Concentrations of dissolved and total zinc were nearly identical and indicated the limited partitioning of zinc to the iron oxides at pH conditions in the Alamosa River (<7.0) for the pre-Galactic scenario. While the concentration of total copper is reduced by 82% firom Wightman Fork to Terrace Reservoir through combined adsorption (to bed sediments) and dilution, the zinc concentration is reduced 1 47%. Zinc and copper are both removed to the bed sediments, although zinc is removed less efficiently. If pH were in the range of 7.S-8.0 in the system, both zinc and copper adsorption would be enhanced and the associated dissolved metal in the water column would be decreased further. 

Figure 6. Simulated Pre-Galactic copper concentrations during fall.

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