Element transport in regulated and non‐regulated rivers in northern Sweden

• Published in: Regulated Rivers: Research & Management
• Main Authors: Brydsten, Lars, Jansson, Mats, Andersson, Tord, Nilsson, Åke
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1990
• Subjects: Northern Sweden
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/rrr.3450050207; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Frrr.3450050207; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/rrr.3450050207

Abstract The transport of HCO 3 − , SO 4 2− , Cl − , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + , K + , Tot‐P, MRP, Tot‐N, NO 3 ‐N, NO 2 ‐N, NH 4 ‐N, Fe, Mn, silica, particulate material, and organic material (total and dissolved) were compared in three rivers regulated for the expoitation of hydroelectric power and in three unregulated rivers in northern Sweden. This evaluation was done by statistical analysis of data derived from monthly sampling near the outlets of the rivers during the period 1972–1986. Significant differences due to regulation were found for particulate matter, total‐P, Fe, and silica. Regulation decreased the transport by 10–50 per cent depending on the parameter and the river. The explanations for this effect are sedimentation of particles in impoundments and decreased erosion of the river bed due to the elimination of runoff during the snow melt period. The reduced transport of phosphorus may affect the productivity of the coastal zone of Bothnian Bay into which the rivers discharge.