Rainfall salt accessions in the Queensland Murray–Darling Basin
A. J. W. BiggsDepartment of Natural Resources, Mines and Water, PO Box 318, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Austalia.
School of Land and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.
Email: Andrew.Biggs@nrm.qld.gov.au
Australian Journal of Soil Research 44(6) 637-645 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR06006
Submitted: 11 January 2006 Accepted: 23 June 2006 Published: 15 September 2006
Abstract
Two east–west transects were established in southern Queensland to quantify rainfall inputs of chloride and associated ions. Electrical conductivity, pH, and major and minor ions were measured at 9 sites within the Queensland Murray–Darling Basin and 1 site to the east. Variability at some sites was high, possibly a function of the sample collection method. Ionic concentrations decreased with distance inland, a trend similar to that observed elsewhere in Australia, although values closer to the coast were higher than observed in southern and western Australia. Equations to predict both annual average rainfall chloride mass deposition and total salt deposition were derived.
Additional keywords: chloride, total dissolved ions, ionic ratios.
Acknowledgments
The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance of Mr Eric Mills (formerly Observations Manager, Bureau of Meteorology) for his assistance in the establishment of the monitoring network, and the volunteers at each rainfall station for their collection efforts. Mr Ross Lobegeiger, DPI aquaculture centre, Woorim is thanked for providing seawater chemistry. The analytical support of Dr John Standley of NR&M and Mr Gerry Denaro of QHSS is also acknowledged, as is the assistance of Dr Richard Cresswell (CSIRO) and Ms Jenny Foley.
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