The physical and chemical properties of inland waters necessary to support life are rapidly changing across continental and regional scales. Widespread increases in water temperatures, salinity, alkalinity, and pH have been documented in inland waters influencing ion exchange, chemical weathering rates, and contaminant toxicity. In particular, salinization with different ions causes concurrent changes in acid-base properties, contaminant mobilization, and can exacerbate water quality issues. These emerging environmental symptoms and consequences of salinization are known as the Freshwater Salinization Syndrome. In this presentation, we explore and illustrate different ways in which the Freshwater Salinization Syndrome impacts water quality. We analyze long-term trends in fresh waters draining world region, and we also analyze high-frequency sensor data along with experimental data.
Results/Conclusions
Our results show seasonal interactions between salt mixtures and nutrients and metals, which increase watershed chemical transport. Our results from experimental and sensor data illustrate the interactive effects of salts on influencing mobilization of nutrients, base cations, and metals. Ultimately, we propose a new conceptual model on how the Freshwater Salinization Syndrome can influence hydrologic transport of different 'chemical cocktails' or distinct chemical mixtures from watersheds.