Sediment incubation experiments, parameters

Parameters Used to Model Sediment Incubation Experiments... 

The adsorption parameters Too and K used for modeling the incubation experiments were different from but similar in size to the parameters listed in the adsorption section. However, the sediments used in the adsorption experiments were taken from a different site than the sediments used in the incubations and, therefore, may have had different surface properties. 

Mesocosms placed in shallow Finnish lakes were used to evaluate changes brought about by extended incubation of biologically treated bleachery effluent from mills that used chloride dioxide. The mesocosms had a volume of ca. 2 m and were constructed of translucent polyethere or black polyethene to simulate dark reactions. The experiments were carried out at ambient temperatures throughout the year, and sum parameters were used to trace the fate of the organically bound chlorine. In view of previous studies on the molecular mass distribution of effluents (Jokela and Salkinoja-Salonen 1992), this was measured as an additional marker. Important featmes were that (a) sedimentation occurred exclusively within the water mass within the mesocosm, (b) the atmospheric input could be estimated... 

Complicated biological systems (bioassays) at trace element concentration levels typical for offshore waters, are subject to serious danger of contamination. Without extreme precautions e.g. Carpenter and Lively (1980) and Fitzwater et al. (1982) found the toxic effect (inhibition of primary production) of contamination by the incubation bottles. Effects of adsorption to walls and particulate matter (sediment) should not be underestimated. Use of clean lab techniques and regular check of the trace element concentrations throughout the (biological) experiments is necessary to get an indication of the actual concentration and possible distribution of the different elements. Depending on the type of experiments it could be possible that other parametes should be known or even controlled pE, PO2, ionic strength, temperature, DOC etc. 

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