CHARACTERIZATION OF SURFACE WATER IN A FEN IN MOUNTAIN TOP, LUZERNE CO., PA

We collected surface water in a fen near Mountain Top, PA, on 5 October, 2008 for lab analysis. At the time of collection, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO) values were obtained in situ. Water samples filtered (GFF with effective pore size of 0.8 μm ) and acidified to pH < 2, were later analyzed for Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cd, Zn, Ca, and Mg by flame atomic absorption. At all sites, the Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn concentrations were below detectable limits. Non-acidified filtered samples were kept chilled and analyzed for alkalinity and sulfate ion. Particles trapped on the GFF filters were examined using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. At the upstream end, the fen is fed both by a stream and by numerous springs and seeps, whereas the outflow is more channelized. Throughout the fen, the water in the stream channel is chemically similar to the water both upstream and downstream of the fen. Off-channel, particularly in the downstream area of the fen, there were numerous standing pools within dense stands of sphagnum moss. In the two such pools that we sampled, we found significantly higher dissolved iron and manganese; lower pH, alkalinity, and DO. Filters from these standing pools were highly clogged, and SEM analysis revealed both diatoms and very small calcareous tests of yet to be determined biological origin. There was no evidence of corrosion of the carbonate tests despite their presence in a low pH environment.