Chloride model for polluted onondaga lake
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1994
Department
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
Abstract
The validation of a mass balance chloride (Cl) model for enriched Onondaga Lake is documented for the period 1973-1991. The history of loading of Cl to the lake, extending from the mining of NaCl brines adjoining the lake in the late 1700s, through the 102 year period of operation and discharges of an adjoining soda ash/chlor-alkali facility, is reviewed. Loads are estimated for the 1973-1991 interval based on a program of continuous flow measurements and bi-weekly monitoring of Cl concentration for the major inflows. The model performs well in matching the substantial seasonal variations in lake Cl concentration and the major reduction in concentration observed since closure of the facility in 1986 (from about 1585 to 430 mg l-1). Projections with the validated model demonstrate the Cl concentration in the lake would be about 230 mg l-1, nearly 50% lower than the present concentration, without the continuing waste input from the soda ash/chlor-alkali facility.
Publication Title
Water Research
Recommended Citation
Doerr, S.,
Effler, S.,
Whitehead, K.,
Auer, M.,
Perkins, M.,
&
Heidtke, T.
(1994).
Chloride model for polluted onondaga lake.
Water Research,
28(4), 849-861.
http://doi.org/10.1016/0043-1354(94)90091-4
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/5534