Ecological Research Series
Low Winter Dissolved
Oxygen In Some Alaskan Rivers
National Environmental Research Center
Office of Research and Development
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and
Monitoring, Environmental Protection Agency, have
been grouped into five series. These five broad
categories were established to facilitate further
development and application of environmental
technology. Elimination of traditional grouping
was consciously planned to foster technology
transfer and a maximum interface in related
fields. The five series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
This report has been assigned to the ECOLOGICAL
RESEARCH series. This series describes research
on the effects of pollution on humans, plant and
animal species, and materials. Problems are
assessed for their long- and short-term
influences. Investigations include formation,
transport, and pathway studies to determine the
fate of pollutants and their effects. This work
provides the technical basis for setting standards
to minimize undesirable changes in living
organisms in the aquatic, terrestrial and
atmospheric environments.
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EPA-660/3-74-008
April 1974
LOW WINTER DISSOLVED OXYGEN
IN SOME ALASKAN RIVERS
by
Eldor W. Schallock
Frederick B. Lotspeich
Arctic Environmental Research Laboratory
College, Alaska
Project 21ARX
Program Element 1BA021
National Environmental Research Center
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
For sale by the Superintendent ol Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.0.20402 • Price 85 cents
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ABSTRACT
Water samples collected during the years 1969 through 1972, from 36
selected Alaskan rivers were analyzed for dissolved oxygen, pH,
conductivity and alkalinity. Dissolved oxygen (D.O.) ranged from 0.0
to 15.3 ml/1 (106 percent saturation);, pH from 6.2 to 8.4; conductivity
varied from 105 to 3000 (umho/cm); and alkalinity from 28 to 410 (mg/1).
Severe D.O. depletion during winter was found in many river systems
large and small, and located in a range of latitudes (70°N to 61°N).
Sufficient data were collected on the Chena, Chatanika, and Salcha Rivers
to reveal annual D.O. trends: near saturation during spring "breakup"
and fall "freezeup" when water temperatures are near 0°C; somewhat
lower D.O. concentrations during warm water summer periods; and yearly
minimum concentrations during the winter (January-March) interval.
Data indicate that D.O. depression begins in October and continues into
February. D.O. from stations near the mouth of a river were generally
depressed more than at upper stations. The latter trend was observed
in the Yukon River which contained 10.5 mg/1 (73 percent saturation)
at the Canadian Border but only 1.9 mg/1 (13 percent) near the mouth.
pH gradually decreased in some rivers although alkalinity and conduc-
tivity increased. The depressed winter D.O. concentrations and low
winter discharge in many Alaskan rivers are more severe and widespread
than present literature indicates. Winter conditions may already limit
aquatic organisms in some systems.
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CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
I CONCLUSIONS 1
II RECOMMENDATIONS 2
III INTRODUCTION 4
IV OBJECTIVES 8
V METHODS 9
VI RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 11
Little Miami River 11
Chena River 11
Chatanika and Salcha Rivers 13
Sagavanirktok River 16
Yukon River 19
Tanana River 19
Other Alaskan Rivers 22
Water Chemistry 25
Conductivity and Alkalinity 25
Biological and Management Implications 25
VII REFERENCES 31
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LIST OF FIGURES
NUMBER PAGE
1 Map of Alaska Showing Locations of Stream Systems
that were Sampled 6
2 Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Data from Little
Miami River near Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Chena
River 12
3 Winter Dissolved Oxygen Data from Three Stations
on the Chena River 14
4 Chena River Mean Monthly1 fischarge 15
5 Winter Dissolved Oxygen from Two Stations on the
Chatanika River 17
6 Winter Dissolved Oxygen from Two Stations on the
Salcha River 18
7 Dissolved Oxygen and Water Temperature Data from
13 Stations on the Sagavanirktok River 20
8 Mean Monthly Discharge (1970) and Winter Dissolved
Oxygen (1971) Data from the Yukon River 21
9 Winter Dissolved Oxygen Data from Eight Stations
on the Tanana River 23
10 Winter pH Data on the Yukon River and the Chena
River 26
11 Alkalinity and Conductivity from Upper (C-900) and
Lower (C-100) Stations on the Chena River 28
iv
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LIST OF TABLES
NUMBER PAGE
1 Groups of Stream Systems that are Coded by Numbers
1 through 6 on the Map of Alaska (Figure 1) 7
2 Winter Dissolved Oxygen from Various Rivers in
Alaska 24
3 Conductivity, Alkalinity and pH from Various
Rivers in Alaska 27
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SECTION I
CONCLUSIONS
1. Severe winter D.O. depression may appear in any river located in
Arctic-Subarctic Alaska. This winter phenomenon is the net result of a
complex interaction of many "natural" factors. Data collected during 4
years of investigation and from 36 widely separated Alaskan Rivers
revealed that a wide range of D.O. concentrations were found but that
many rivers contained severely depressed D.O. concentrations.
2. Rivers of all size drainages and surface discharges may undergo
severe natural D.O. depression. Furthermore, rivers located in widely
separated localities may show D.O. depression.
3. In rivers exhibiting the depressed D.O. phenomenon, two patterns
have been recognized. The D.O. concentration at any one station is
gradually depressed from near saturation in October to severe depletion
in February or March. Also, the D.O. delpetion usually becomes more
severe when proceeding from the headwaters toward the mouth.
4. Annual low D.O. values are usually found during winter in Alaskan
streams while annual low D.O. is usually found during summer in temperate
areas such as Cincinnati, Ohio.
5. Annual high D.O. values are usually present during the short spring
breakup and fall freezeup period in arctic and subarctic areas, but
are usually found during winter in temperate areas.
6. An inverse relationship between D.O. and water temperatures is
found only during the warm months of summer in arctic and subarctic areas,
but is usually found throughout the year in temperate areas.
7. Conductivity, alkalinity and pH ranged widely from river to river
and from station to station. Alkalinity and conductivity are generally
higher in winter and are directly correlated in any one river system.
The pH generally decreases when proceeding downstream during the winter.
North Slope rivers tend to be slightly acidic and Interior rivers are
usually slightly to moderately alkaline.
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SECTION II
RECOMMENDATIONS
This study provides new data that establishes the low winter dissolved
oxygen phenomenon as a major consideration in management decisions in-
volving cold climate water resources. Because little information has
been available from northern regions, many management decisions in cold
climates are based on extrapolations made from studies conducted in
temperate climates. It 1s recommended that future management decisions
in cold regions rely heavily on information generated within the region.
Naturally occurring low dissolved oxygen concentrations are found during
winter in streams and rivers of all sizes located over widespread geo-
graphic areas. From small streams, such as Gardiner Creek, to large
rivers, such as the Yukon River, many aquatic systems in Alaska exhibit
severe D.O. depression. It is recommended that any fresh water aquatic
systems proposed as a receiving water be investigated during the winter
as well as summer to determine the D.O. characteristics before discharge
into the system is permitted.
Natural dissolved oxygen depression generally becomes more severe when
progressing downstream. Thus, a waste discharge located in the upper
watershed, where the D.O. concentration is high, may not be significantly
detrimental at the immediate point of discharge or in the mixing zone.
However, even a small reduction of the D.O. concentration in the upper
areas could result in further depression in downstream reaches. Therefore,
it is recommended that before an effluent discharge into a river system
is permitted, all possible adverse effects be considered in the downstream
reaches.
Winter discharge volumes for arctic and subarctic rivers are the lowest
of the year; this combined with low winter D.O. concentrations, has
serious management implications. The least desirable time to discharge
waste effluents would be during the winter when both D.O. and stream
flow are at annual low levels. The least offensive time would be at
spring breakup when D.O. values are high and discharges are usually at the
yearly maximum. It is recommended that any effluents discharged into
arctic and subarctic rivers receive the best available treatment and
consideration be given to waste discharge timed with both discharge and
D.O. concentration in mind.
Protection of aquatic resources dictates that the D.O. of a stream be
maintained above a specified minimum standard. Currently, the Alaska
State-Federal Water Quality Standards specify minimum D.O. concentrations
of 7 mg/1 in freshwater, but recognize that the natural winter D.O. in
some waters falls below this concentration. Under these conditions the
standard becomes difficult to administer. It is recommended that the
application of the Water Quality Standards and the administration of the
discharge permit system incorporate studies that would evaluate any dis-
charge effects on streams exhibiting low winter dissolved oxygen.
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Cold climate rivers harbor large populations of economically important
fishes. The relationship of these endemic fishes and their prey
organisms to low D.O. phenomenon is unknown because no cold climate
studies have been conducted. It is possible that these phenomenon already
limit some aquatic populations. It is therefore recommended that studies
be initiated to investigate these possible effects.
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SECTION III
INTRODUCTION
General
Alaska's freshwater resources total approximately 40 percent (800
million acre feet) of the entire United States water resources (Johnson
and Hartman, 1969) and are considered one of the continent's strategic
resources (Norwood and Cross, 1968). Industry, municipal, and domestic
enterprise presently utilize a small percentage of the total, although
water problems already exist in many areas (U.S. Federal Field Committee,
1971). Wise management of this resource is handicapped by a general
lack of information. By contrast, a great deal of limnological infor-
mation has been gathered from the waters of the contiguous United States.
Because of the availability of these data and lack of Alaskan information,
management of Alaska resources too often has been based on data collected
from temperate climates and extrapolated to subarctic and arctic regions.
An example of such a generalization is that of Huet (1962) who states
that the amount of D.O. in the water is dependent upon the amount of
organic matter, underwater vegetation and most importantly, the water
temperature. Certainly these factors affect the D.O. concentrations,
but the relationship of D.O. to physical, chemical and biological environ-
ment is much more complex than he indicated. No reference is made to
additional factors such as source water, light availability, and ice-
snow cover which play significant roles in high latitudes.
Dissolved oxygen data from ice-covered rivers of the world are limited
and references to low D.O. in these rivers even more limited. Drachev
(1964) speaks of a general oxygen deficit in streams of the U.S.S.R.,
while Hynes (1970) cites one case of natural severe de-oxygenation which
was recorded in the Siberian Ob River, by Mosevich (1947), and by
Mossewitsch (1961). Hynes (1960) states that dissolved oxygen rarely
drops to low concentrations in clean waters but that the lack of oxygen is
of concern in polluted waters. He further states that in unpolluted
waters, very low dissolved oxygen is found under only two conditions:
continuous ice-cover for long periods under rather special conditions,
and excessive autumnal leaf-fall into pools in almost dry streams. He
concludes that freezing over and lack of oxygen is of little importance
to invertebrates because some time is necessary for the total water mass
in a river to reach 0°C, and because sufficient open water usually remains
to allow replenishment of the small amounts of dissolved oxygen required
for metabolism at 0°C. In some Russian rivers, the minimum level of oxygen
concentration appears in the spring when water temperatures increase allowing
decay of the organic material deposited in the fall (Greze, 1953).
Similar effects of decaying organic material were described in intermittent
middle west U.S. streams by Schneller (1955) and Larimore, et. aJL (1959).
Whitten (1972) states that few data exist on low D.O. in natural waters
and that, when found, it is attributable to oxidations of hydrogen sulfide
to sulfate. In general, these cases of low dissolved oxygen concentrations
are regarded as exceptional examples caused by special conditions in
limited areas.
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Limnologlcal data from Alaskan and Canadian arctic-subarctic waters are
limited and winter D.O. data even more limited. Kalff (1968) collected
water chemistry information from Alaskan and Northwestern Canadian waters
and Lamar (1966) examined the chemical character of water in the Cape
Thompson region, but both studies were conducted during the summer and
did not measure D.O. Watson, et_. al. (1966) recorded summer D.O. ranges
from 8.6 to 12.6 mg/1 from OgotoruF~Creek near Cape Thompson. Morrow
(1971) reports dissolved oxygen and other water chemistry data collected
during summer from Chatanika River drainages. Winter D.O. from surface
and ground water sources have been reported by Kogl (1965) and related
to salmon survival in the Chena River. Data unpublished at present, have
been collected along the proposed Prudhoe Bay to Valdez pipeline route by
EPA personnel (Anonymous 1970). Physical and chemical characteristics of
the Chena River are presented by Frey, et. aK (1970).
Flowing waters in both temperate and arctic-subarctic areas are subjected
to similar environmental features such as reduced water temperatures,
ice and snow cover, and low light incidence and intensity. However9
areas within arctic and subarctic zones have additional features such as
permafrost, stream ice forms, long periods of darkness, and the length
of time that these phenomena persist. One of the more obvious differ-
ences is the length of time that water temperatures remain close to 0°C.
Temperatures in the Little Miami River, near Cincinnati (Schwer, 1972)
reach 0°C in December and generally remain low for short periods of time
accompanied by some ice formations and snow cover. By contrast, arctic
and subarctic waters approach 0°C during September-October and may remain
until June with a sheet of ice and a blanket of snow gradually covering
the entire stream surface in the interim. Since only limited data are
available on physical and chemical characteristics of Alaskan stream
systems, this study was directed toward advancing the knowledge of four
common parameters of water quality. However, the primary focus is on
winter dissolved oxygen because this characteristic alone may have more
effect on aquatic populations than any other single parameter.
Location
The study area extends from the Beaufort Sea near 70°N latitude south
to Prince William Sound near 63°N latitude, and from the Canadian Border
at 141°W longitude west to the Bering Sea, near 165°W longitude. The area
encompasses a wide range of environmental conditions from the Arctic
southerly to the Subarctic and from the interior of Alaska westerly to
the coast. More detailed locations of the rivers and streams that were
sampled are presented in Figure 1 and Table 1.
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ABCTIC OCEAN
POINT
BARROW
cr>
HATANIKA R.
CHENA R.
FAIRBANKS' MOOSE
CD
GULKANA R V/lNANA R
MAP OF ALASKA SHOWING LOCATIONS
OF STREAM SYSTEMS THAT WERE
SAMPLED (REFER TO TABLE i FOR GROUPS OF
STREAM SYSTEMS CODED BY NUMBERS 1 - 6)
MILES
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TABLE 1
GROUPS OF STREAM SYSTEMS THAT ARE LOCATED IN CONGESTED AREAS
AND CODED BY NUMBERS 1 THROUGH 6 ON THE MAP OF ALASKA (FIGURE 1)
Area 1 Includes
Gerstle River
Johnson River
Robertson River,
Tok River
Chisana River
Gardiner Creek
Area 2 Includes
Donnelly Creek
Ruby Creek
Phelan Creek
Area 3 Includes
Slana River
Chistochina River
Gakona River
Area 4 Includes
Tsina River
Tiekel River
Area 5 Includes
Eagle River
Area 6 Includes
Chickaloon River
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OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this project were twofold: first, to develop an
accurate and precise dissolved oxygen sampling technique under arctic
and subarctic winter conditions and; second, to accurately determine winter
dissolved oxygen concentrations and to collect pH, conductivity and alka-
linity data from specific Alaskan streams and river systems.
Numerous sampling techniques utilizing electronic devices, spring powered
entrapment tools, and siphon methods (Magnuson and Stuntz, 1970) have
been described, but these techniques do not reliably provide means to
obtain accurate results in the severe winter climates. Electronic devices
may fail because of cold stress on batteries, wires and delicate instrument
packages that were not designed for use in a harsh environment; mechanical
devices may fail because of ice blocked tubes and valves; siphon samplers
are not reliable because of ice formation in tubes. All these techniques
result in air and/or ice-contaminated samples. As a result, a technique
utilizing the immersion of BOD bottles containing nitrogen was developed
and has been described by Schallock and Lotspeich (1974).
The new sampling technique was used to collect water samples, with the
smallest bias possible, to provide an accurate determination of low winter
D.O. concentrations. These precise data were then used to determine the
severity of the D.O. depression. Furthermore, D.O. patterns were developed
and when combined with the pH, conductivity, and alkalinity data, can be
utilized to make recommendations for future water resource management de-
cisions.
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SECTION V
METHODS
Sampling for dissolved oxygen was achieved by using three sampling
techniques. Initially, the Van Dorn bottle technique was the standard
against which the other two field techniques were compared. This Van Dorn
technique was retained as long as possible but was finally abandoned be-
cause of ice formation on all surfaces and apertures during cold tempera-
tures. When used in air temperatures as cold as 40°C, the cold bottle was
immediately covered with ice when submerged in the 0°C water. The ice
problem prevented using the sampler more than once unless the ice was
melted after each submersion. The other two methods use a standard BOD
bottle as the sample container. One method consisted of immersing an air-
filled BOD bottle in the stream and allowing the water to flow into the
container with turbulent mixing during displacement of air. It became
apparent that this mixing of air and water caused biased D.O. concentrations.
The second method was an attempt to alleviate this problem by introducing
nitrogen into the BOD bottle through a tube extended to the bottom.
Schallock and Lotspeich (1974) further describe this technique and relate
that samples collected using the nitrogren displacement technique were as
much as 0.5 mg/1 lower than those samples collected using air-filled bottles.
A laboratory study of the nitrogen technique has been conducted and published
by Lotspeich and Schallock (1972). All D.O. samples were analyzed using the
azide modification of the Winkler Method (Standard Methods, American Public
Health Association, 1966, pp 477-81).
Temperature, pH, conductivity and alkalinity were measured as soon as
possible after collection, Whenever possible, samples were collected and
quickly transported to the heated interior of a truck or aircraft where
reliable instruments were used to analyze samples. Conductivity measure-
ments were made using a Beckman Model RB3-338 bridge with an epoxy dip
cell with a cell constant of 0.2. pH was measured with a Model 401 Orion
specific ion meter. Alkalinity was measured by substituting methyl purple
for the methyl orange indicator and then following the procedures specified
in Standard Methods (American Public Health Association, 1966, pp 50-51).
In addition to error introduced by the sample procedures, other problems
causing sample contamination were encountered. Floating ice could enter
the sample bottle during submersion or when returning the bottle to the
surface, thus affecting subsequent analysis. These errors were avoided
wherever possible by cleaning the ice out of the auger hole or by putting
the stopper in the neck while the bottle was submerged.
Thick ice also caused sampling problems. Unbiased sampling requires that
the water sample be collected from flowing water which carries away any
water aerated or agitated by the ice auger. Samples collected from the dis-
turbed area could range as much as 2 mg/1 higher than samples collected from
undisturbed water (EPAS unpublished data). In areas where the ice thickness
exceeded approximately 2 feet, an extension tool was used to hold the BOD
bottle firmly and to transport it downward through the hole into the undis-
turbed water. A more detailed description of the device is provided by
Gordon (1972).
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In extreme cold temperatures, frozen samples were the most frequent prob-
lem. Exothermic chemical heaters were used to warm the insulated boxes
housing the sample bottles and reagents. However, some samples did freeze
when air temperatures were below minus 20°C if more than a few minutes lapsed
between sampling and return to the heated vehicle. This happened most often
when fixed wing aircraft could only land some distance from suitable sampling
sites.
Success or failure of a winter field trip often depends upon the ice auger.
Efforts to insure starting included keeping the powerhead warm by transporting
it inside the .heated vehicle; using starting fluid; and adding deicing solu-
tion to the fuel. The basic ice auger featured a lightweight powerhead (20
Ibs) and removeable auger flites and handles. Modifications included addition
of a Y-shaped handle for use by two men to control severe twisting when hard
ice strata or stream bottom were encountered, and replacement of round shaft
by square shaft ends on auger flites enabled quick alignment and pin placement
when adding or removing flites. Large pins with thumb-sized heads permitted
manipulation while wearing heavy mittens.
10
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SECTION VI
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The dissolved oxygen concentration of water at any given time is the
net result of a complex interrelationship of meteorological, geological,
physical, chemical and biological factors. It is not the purpose of this
report to describe in detail the factors that affect the dissolved oxygen
concentrations. The importance of each factor varies from system to
system and from time to time. For example, the factors affecting the D.O.
of the Little Miami in Ohio are significantly different from those of a
typical subarctic river in Alaska. March precipitation, as rain, may
play a significant role in Midwest stream discharge. In subarctic Alaska
discharge, however, such precipitation would normally be snow and would
not significantly affect discharge. The maximum discharge of the Little
Miami River, near Cincinnati, Ohio, would normally be expected during
the February through April period (U.S.G.S., 1970), This coincides with
the period of minimum discharge in the Chena River, near Fairbanks
(U.S.G.S., 1969).
Little Miami River Near Cincinnati, Ohio
To clearly relate differences in the D.O. seasonal patterns of sub-arctic
rivers and temperate rivers, a further comparison is made between the
Chena River and the Little Miami River. Mr- A. E. Schwer, Jr. (personal
communication, 1972), indicates that, while Little Miami River is within
a densely populated area and "man-made pollution" is present, it does not
adversely affect dissolved oxygen. The Little Miami River drains a 1713
square mile area and has a 6-year discharge average of 1574 CFS near the
mouth (U.S.G.S., 1970). Water temperatures range from a low of approxi-
mately 1°C in January to a high of about 28°C in June (Figure 2). Dissolved
oxygen vary sporadically from approximately 14.5 mg/1 in March to about
6.5 mg/1 in July (Schwer, 1972). Correlation of D.O. with temperature
reveals an inverse relationship that has also been described by MacCrimmon
and Kelso (1970) in the Grand River in southern Ontario. In both rivers,
the D.O. concentrations are at the yearly low during the hot summer months,
increasing gradually toward the annual high near saturation in winter.
Chena River
The drainage area and 21 year average discharge of the Chena River are
similar to the Little Miami. The Chena drains 1980 square miles and its
discharge averages 1520 CFS (U.S.G.S., 1969). Water temperatures range from
0°C in winter to nearly 17°C in July and dissolved oxygen varies from less
than 2 mg/1 (13 percent saturation) to approximately 13 mg/1 (90 percent).
However, the similarity between the rivers ends when correlations are made
between D.O. trends and the annual temperature cycle.
Water temperatures and D.O. concentrations were correlated in an inverse
relationship throughout the year in the Little Miami River. In the
11
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30
25
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at
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CHENA RIVER 1968
000 LITTLE MIAMI RIVER 1969
O
O O
MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB
TEMPERATURE & DISSOLVED OXYGEN DATA FROM THE LITTLE MIAMI RIVER & THE CHENA
RIVER. CHENA DATA FROM FREY ET AL 1970.
FIGURE 2
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Chena River, this relationship was found only during the sunnier, as it
ended about the first of October when water temperature approached 0°C and
the D.O. concentration reached one of two seasonal high values. Shortly
thereafter, the long gradual winter D.O. depression began and continued
until about March. The second seasonal high D.O. concentration was reached
about spring breakup.
The importance of these seasonal trends is twofold: first the lowest
D.O. concentrations were recorded during the winter; second, the D.O.
depletion was severe. Annual low D.O. concentrations in the Chena River
fell below 1.5 mg/1 (10 percent saturation) during February and March.
These conditions are different in magnitude and timing from the less severe
summer season low of 6.5 mg/1 observed in the Little Miami River,
The Chena River data presented in Figure 2 were collected from a single
station near the mouth and revealed seasonal D.O..patterns at that location.
Data collected from three stations on the Chena River are plotted (Figure 3)
to illustrate changes in D.O. concentrations from station to station along
the river. These data reveal the D.O. was found in relatively high con-
centrations at all stations during "freezeup" and "breakup"; that some D.O.
depression is found at all locations during the period between "freezeup"
and "breakup"; and reaeration took effect at virtually the same time at
all stations.
The most important feature of the Chena River data is that stations
located in lower reaches, D.O. depression is more severe than at upper
stations. Data collected at station C-800 located 135 km (85 miles) from
the mouth of the Chena, revealed a minimum D.O. of approximately 7.5 mg/1
(52 percent), while data collected from C-100, 8 km (5 miles) indicate
concentrations as low as 4.5 mg/1 (31 percent). Comparing data collected
from C-100 in 1967-68 to data collected in 1968-69 reveals that depression
is significantly more severe in some years than others.
Also of importance is the timing and magnitude of seasonal discharges of
the Chena River (Figure 4). Although yearly variations are found from
year to year, the largest discharges are generally found during spring-
summer, and the lowest during winter. This generality is also valid for
other streams and rivers in the arctic and subarctic. Larger rivers
usually "breakup" and "freezeup" later than smaller river systems while
those located further north usually "breakup" later and "freezeup" earlier.
Chatanika and Salcha Rivers
The Chatanika and Salcha Rivers were chosen for comparison to determine
if the Chena River was a typical subarctic river or if different D.O.
trends could be detected in other subarctic Alaska systems. Both rivers
are similar to the Chena in that all three are located in subarctic Alaska;
the headwaters originate in the same foothill-mountain system; all are
affected by the same general weather patterns; all are southwesterly flowing
tributaries of the Tanana River; and drainage systems are adjacent and of
the same relative magnitude (approximately 2,000 square miles) (U.S.G.S.,
1969) with similar annual discharge of 1500-1700 CFS (U.S.G.S., 1969).
13
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15
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12
11
10
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O O O RIVER MILE 85, 1967-68
O o O RIVER MILE 33, 1967-68
®— —« • RIVER MILE 5, 1967-68
RIVER MILE 5, 1968-69
7 21
OCT
4 17
NOV
8 21
DEC
4 18
JAN
1 15
FEB
8 21
MAR
8 18
APR
2 16
MAY
WINTER DISSOLVED OXYGEN DATA iromTHREE STATIONS on the CHENA RIVER (DATA FROM FREYETAL,mo)
FIGURE 3
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5500 .-
5000
4500
4000
1000
500 _
| 3500
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UJ
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OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
CHENA RIVER MEAN MONTHLY DISCHARGE
( DATA FROM U.S.G.S. )
FIGURE 4
15
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Dissolved oxygen data collected from Chatanika and Salcha Rivers during
the 1968-71 winter field seasons have been plotted in Figure 5 and 6
respectively. Although collected over several years, the data correlate
well and present distinct winter trends. Dissolved oxygen was depressed
in both the Chatanika and Salcha Rivers. Data collected from the Chatanika
during January-February 1969, show depression from near 11 mg/1 at the 152
km station to near 7 mg/1 at the 120 km station. Salcha D.O. data collected
during 1968-69 shows similar depression from 10 mg/1 at the 128 km station
to 7 mg/1 at the 2 km station. Also, data collected from both rivers in-
dicates that the D.O. was gradually depressed at each station from October
until January or February.
Dissolved oxygen depression in the Salcha River did not appear to be as
severe as in the Chena. The minimum D.O. concentration near the mouth of
the Salcha was 6.5 mg/1 compared to 1.5 mg/1 near the mouth of the Chena.
A similar comparison from the Chatanika was not possible because a station
was not established near the mouth.
Dissolved oxygen concentrations found in the Chatanika were higher than in
the China. Concentrations of near 5.0 mg/1 were found at the station lo-
cated about 120 km from the mouth of the Chatanika. However, since this
station was a considerable distance from the mouth, further depression is
likely to be found in downstream reaches. The similarity of the D.O trends
in these three rivers indicated that these patterns may be found in other
subarctic rivers.
The Chena, Chatanika and Salcha drainages constitute a small percentage
of the total land area of interior Alaska. The seasonal D.O. trends of
these rivers could be different from those of river systems found in sub-
arctic and arctic Alaska, Canada and Russia which may have different
geological and hydrologic characteristics. Dissolved oxygen depression
may be more apparent where causative factors operate more severely or
are virtually nonexistent on other aquatic systems. To investigate these
possibilities, extensive field trips were made to more isolated river
systems.
Sagavarnrktok River
The Sagavanirktok River, located on Alaska's North Slope, and among
the most isolated rivers in the State, was chosen for study because of
its location, present oil exploration activities, and pending extensive
future development. It flows north from the Brooks Range into the
Beaufort Sea near Prudhoe Bay anti will be transversed by the proposed
Trans-Alaska 48-inch pipeline. The Sagavanirktok River ranks second
in discharge only to the Colville River of all North Slope river systems.
Near Sagwon, discharges ranged from 2800 CFS to 1990 CFS in the August
16 to 21, 1969, interval (U.S.G.S., 1969). These volumes are somewhat
larger than the average late summer discharges of the Chena, Chatanika
and Salcha Rivers.
16
-------
X
O
O
uo
13.0
12.0
11.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
FEB MAR APR MAY
LOWER CHATANIKA (RIVER MILE 75)
O O 1968 - 69
O O 1969-70
O O 1970- 71
WINTER DISSOLVED OXYGEN FROM TWO STATIONS ON THE CHATANIKA RIVER
OCT NOV DEC JAN
UPPER CHATANIKA ( RIVER MILE 95)
• • 1968 - 69
• • 1969 - 70
1970 - 71
FIGURE 5
-------
CO
13.0
- 120
F
11.0
> 10.0
o
ui 90
O
u| 8.0
o
7.0
6.0
o-A p
9\V
UPPER SALCHA (RIVER MILE 80)
• • 1968 - 69
LOWER SALCHA (RIVER MILE 1)
O O 1968 - 69
O O 1969 - 70
P p 1970 - 71
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
WINTER DISSOLVED OXYGEN FROM TWO STATIONS ON THE SALCHA RIVER
FIGURE 6
-------
Dissolved oxygen data from the summer reveal high concentrations with
small differences along the length of the river (Figure 7). In addition,
comparing D.O. data to temperature data from June and August reveals the
same, although smaller, inverse relationship between D.O. and temperature
than was observed in the Chena River. Further comparison of these summer
data to the limited winter data supports the hypothesis that D.O. is more
depressed at lower stations; the similarity of other patterns shown by the
Sagavanirktok River and the Chena River indicates the possibility that
this also exists.
Yukon River
The Yukon River, with its rich historical past, large fishing industry,
outstanding waterfowl resource, high annual discharge, and international
importance, is one of the most important rivers in North America. The
headwaters originate in Canada and the lower 1000 miles transverse the
entire state of Alaska from east to west. The Yukon annually discharges
a total volume near 124,300,000 acre feet and an average daily volume of
171,600 CFS at Ruby, Alaska (U.S.G.S., 1969). It was therefore important
to examine the winter D.O. trends present in this larger river system.
Two field trips were taken to the Yukon River during March 1971. A total
of 14 samples were collected from 12 stations extending over 1664 km (1040
miles) between Eagle, near the Canadian border, and Alakanuk, near the
mouth. The upper seven stations were sampled in early March and the lower
seven stations were sampled in late March; the two intermediate stations
near the Ray River, 1044 km (river mile 715), and the village of Tanana,
1016 km (river mile 635) were sampled both trips to provide overlap and
continuity.
In the Yukon, as in other rivers studied, dissolved oxygen concentrations
decrease when proceeding downstream (Figure 8). Water collected at the
upper-most station at Eagle (1664 km) contained 10.5 mg/1 (73 percent
saturation) while water at Alakanuk near the mouth contained 1.9 mg/1 (13
percent saturation). Some minor irregularities exist in the general trend
but the only major anomaly was found at Ruby, 832 km (river mile 520).
Here the sample was collected from an area of the river where no current
could be detected; whereas, all others were collected from areas with de-
tectable current. It is probable that the Yukon River also undergoes
gradual D.O. depression during the winter and that the D.O. concentration
gradually recovers in spring, in a manner similar to the Chena River.
Since the spring rise in D.O. concentration is related to "breakup",
this phenomenon in the Yukon River probably occurs later than in the
Chena River.
Tanana River
The Tanana River is very important to interior Alaska. It drains 25,600
square miles and in doing so discharges 17,600,000 acre feet per .year
19
-------
u
o
14
12
10
1 8
Of.
ui
a.
s 6
ae
ui >
i
JUNE
I 4, I lie
It
(mouth)
300 i3o
14
o> 12
£ 10
§3
Q
LU
8*
co
i/)
5 4
APRIL
/\
O
JUNE
--O
(mouth)
S-1300 1100 900 700 500 300 100
1200 1000 800 600 400 200
DISSOLVED OXYGEN & WATER TEMPERATURE DATA from 13 STATIONS
on the SAGAVANIRKTOK RIVER (1969-1970)
FIGURE 7
20
-------
(A
Ik
O
o
o
o
3SO r-
300
250
o
M
is
« 3 200
53
150
II
£ 100
.* «
ZD
50
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
be
x
x
O
«
'o
ID
14
12
10
8
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
(mouth)
1040 980 920
860 84O 715
River Mile
635 520 450 4OO 80
Figure 8 Mean Monthly Discharge (1970) And Winter Dissolved
Oxygen (1971) Data From The Yukon River.
21
-------
(U.S.G.S., 1971) while becoming the largest tributary to the Yukon River.
Situated in this drainage are the communities of Fairbanks, Nenana, Tanana,
North Pole, Eielson, Delta and Tok. These communities may already affect
some of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the
Tanana and it is expected that continued growth and further development
will place even more demands upon this river system.
The D.O. pattern of the Tanana River was similar to that of the Yukon
River. Data presented in Figure 9 revealed that D.O. concentrations were
gradually and consistently depressed when proceeding downstream. The D.O.
at station T-800, near the confluence with the Chena River, was about 10
mg/1 while the concentration at station T-100, near the confluence with
the Yukon River, was near 6.0 mg/1. Comparison of data from samples col-
lected on February 23, at each station, to those collected on March 5, at
the same respective stations, revealed that D.O. concentrations had in-
creased at each station. It is probable that D.O. concentrations had been
more severely depressed earlier in the winter.
Other Alaskan Rivers
Winter dissolved oxygen data from additional rivers in Alaska were
collected during field trips timed to coincide with anticipated winter
D.O. depression. Sample sites were located where the road crossed the
river or where it was convenient and safe to land the aircraft with no
concern given to whether the station was close to the mouth or contained
open water in the area. Consequently, some sample sites were located on
upper or open water reaches of a river where severe depression would not
normally be expected.
As anticipated, D.O. concentrations ranged widely from 0.0 mg/1 to 15.3
mg/1 (Table 2). No pattern is readily apparent from these data since
low D.O. was found under a variety of conditions. Data from streams with
small discharges (near 20 CFS) such as Moose, Gardiner, and Shaw Creeks,
reveal D.O. concentrations of less than 2.0 mg/1. Furthermore, rivers
with larger discharges (summer discharges greater than 1000 CFS) such as
the Colville and Copper Rivers, may contain depressed D.O. concentrations
as low as 3.4 mg/1 (24 percent saturation).
Rivers from different geographic locations such as the North Slope of
Alaska flowing north (Sagavanirktok, Colville, Kuparuk); rivers of in-
terior Alaska draining southwest (Yukon, Chena, Chatanika); rivers drain-
ing south (Gulkana, Copper); all contain depressed D.O. concentrations
(Table 2).
Limited data from some rivers, such as the Kenai, Eagle, Knik, Matanuska,
and Chickaloon, located south of the Alaska Range show that rivers near
Anchorage contained D.O. concentrations near 13 mg/1 (90 percent satura-
tion). The Tiekel and Tsina Rivers near Valdez show similar winter D.O.
concentrations. However, these data are not sufficient to conclude that
these rivers do not undergo D.O. depression. In summary, many rivers,
large and small, located from 70°N to 61°N latitudes, may contain waters
with depressed D.O. during winters.
22
-------
12
11
10
9
8
7
o
(fl
3
2
1
0
x--—x 23 Febl97©
5 Mar 1970
i I i
I I i i
T-8OO T-7OO T-600 T-5O© T-40© T-300 T-20O T-
Figure 9. Winter Dissolved Oxygen Data From Eight
Stations On The Tanana River.
23
-------
TABLE 2
Winter Dissolved Oxygen from Various Rivers in Alaska
(Single Samples During Field Trip)
Stream
Tanana-Tetlin Junction
Moose Creek
Shaw Creek
Delta Clearwater (Lodge)1
Gerstle River
Johnson River^
Robertson River
Tok River (Tok Cutoff)
Chisana River
Gardner Creek
Gulkana River
Si ana River
Chistochina River^
Gakona River
Copper River
Tazlina River
Tsina River
Tiekel River
Donnelly Creek
Ruby Creek
Phelan Creek
Little Nel china River
Chickaloon River
Matanuska River, Palmer
Matanuska River, below Palmer
Knik River
Eagle River
Kenai River
Porcupine River(near Old Rampart)
Colville River(4.8km E of Umiatp
Colville River (at Umiat)
Kuparuk
March 1969
Dissolv(
mg/1
6.7
____
1.1
11.6
14.0
13.1
10.8
9.6
8.0
12.4
14.0
4.6
11.4
____
____
8.5
12.8
13.7
13.1
12.9
13.4
12.8
13.2
10.5
3.4
7.5
8.4
2d Oxygen
% Sat.*
47
—
81
—
—
91
75
67
—
—
56
86
97
32
79
—
—
—
59
—
89
95
91
90
93
89
92
73
24
52
58
February 1971
Dissolv
mg/1
5.7
1.3
10.3
13.3
7.8
0.0
9.0
7.7
12.9
15.3
2.9
10.9
13.0
12.6
9.3
____
12.0
____
„___
8.4
ed Oxygen
% Sat.*
40
-— -
9
72
—
92
—
—
54
0
63
53
90
106
21
76
90
87
65
—
83
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
___
—
—
58
* Calculated at 0°C
^Spring fed
^Overflow water
%ulfurous odor
^Overflow water
^Under 4 m of ice
-------
Water Chemistry
Discussion of water chemistry will be limited to presentation of data and
to general trends shown by pH, conductivity and alkalinity, because data
are insufficient to allow more detail. As would be expected, all three
water quality parameters varied with time, from station to station within
a stream system, and from river to river.
Winter pH from one station on the Chena River ranged from 7.7 to 6.2 and
generally decreased during the winter season although abrupt deviations
from the pattern are apparent (Figure 10). pH measured at 12 stations on
the Yukon during March showed that the Yukon became more alkaline from
the Canadian Border (7.3) to the first station below the confluence of the
Yukon and Porcupine Rivers (8.3), at which point the trend reverses (Figure
9). The single pH value of 7.8 from the Porcupine River (Table 3) indicates
that these waters may be exerting an influence toward lower pH in the Yukon.
In general, these pH changes can be related, but not necessarily limited to:
the depression of D.O.; the increase of free carbon dioxide which accumulates
in the absence of photosynthetic activity; and the influence of surface
runoff and ground water.
Alkalinity and Conductivity
Winter alkalinity and conductivity also vary widely with location and
season. Alkalinity ranged from 28 mg/1 in Kuparuk River to 410 mg/1 in the
Gakona River, but most were in the 40 to 150 mg/1 range (Table 3). This is
probably related to concentrations of anions of the carbon dioxide-bicarbonate'
equilibrium. Conductivity (umho/cm) ranged from 130 in the Kuparuk River to
3000 in the Sagavanirktok River at Deadhorse, although most streams were
within the 200-400 range. Parallel seasonal trends are shown by conductivity
and alkalinity data from two stations in the Chena River (Figure 11). Both
parameters reveal some increase during the winter with an abrupt decrease
at spring "breakup" and both show the highest values at the lower stations
until "breakup" when a reversal appears (Frey, et. §J_., 1970).
Biological and Management Implications
Low D.O. may affect large populations of endemic and anadromous fish whether
occurring in large or small drainages. For example, drainages as small as
Shaw Creek support sizable populations of grayling, and larger watersheds
such as the Chena harbor significant populations of grayling, chum and king
Salmon, with potential for even larger runs of anadromous fish. The
Gulkana-Copper River system supports populations of grayling throughout the
year, as well as salmon in various stages of development, the biota of
these particular lotic systems are not unique; other less known but equally
important rivers support large populations of aquatic biota and contribute
substantially to the total aquatic resources of Alaska.
25
-------
8.4
8.2
8.0
7.8
7.6
7.4
7.2
7.0 _
6.8 _
6.6 _
6.4 _
6.2 _
6.0
1040 980 920
RIVER MILE
860 840 715 635 520 450
80
I
I
I
I
I
o
I
T
YUKON RIVER PH AT 12 STATIONS (1971)
I
MOUTH
O O
CHENA RIVER PH AT STATION C-300-^ (DATA FROM FREY ET AL1970)
I
OCT
NOV DEC JAN FEB
DATE
MAR
APR
MAY
Figure 10. Winter pH Data On The Yukon River And The Chena River.
-------
TABLE 3
Conductivity, alkalinity, and pH from Various Rivers in Alaska
(February 1971)
il
Stream
Tanana-Tetlin Junction
Tanana, below Nenana
Moose Creek
Shaw Creek
Delta Clearwater (Lodge)
Gerstle River
Johnson River2
Robertson River
Tok River (Tok cutoff)
Chisana River
Gardiner Creek3
Gulkana River (Summit Lake)
SI ana River
Chistochina River4
Gakona River
Copper River
Tazlina River
Tsina River
Tiekel River
Porcupine River (near old Rampart)
Colville River (3 miles E of Umiat)5
Colville River (at Umiat)
Sagavanirktok River (Sagwon)^
Sagavanirktok River (Deadhorse)7
Kuparuk°
Cond.
(umoh/cm)
350
240
230
290
400
pH
6.6
7.8
Alkalinity
(mg/1)
148
134
100
114
120
450
310
410
105
350
350
>800
>800
210
180
140
650**
1160
520
1700
3000
130
-
-
-
7.4
7.6
7.9
7.4
7.1
7.9
8.3
8.0
7.8
6.8
6.8
6.9
6.4
6.4
135
135
224
46
120
127
410
310
64
62
44
160
280
no
>400
>400
28
** Data from 1969 (field kit measurements for alkalinity)
^Spring fed $Under 12 foot of ice
^Overflow water flight organic odor
^Sulfurous odor 7Collected ^n ^a^
^Overflow water ^Some open water
27
-------
260 r
240
'0220
>
£200
_3_
>.180
~ 160
o
o
o
120
1OO
80
60
120 _.
1OO
>>
•H
c
"«
80 _
< 60
40 _
20
Figure 11. Alkalinity & Conductivity From Upper (C-900) & Lower (C~100)
Stations On The Chena River. Data From Frey et al 1970
28
-------
Severely depressed D.O. has the potential of affecting large numbers of
several species of fish and other organisms that are directly or indirectly
economically important. It is possible that lethal or other less apparent
but nevertheless significant effects may already be limiting these popula-
tions. Doudoroff and Warren (1957) discuss the importance of adequate
concentrations of D.O. necessary for survival of fishes. The influence of
different oxygen concentrations on the growth rate of juvenile large mouth
bass is described by Steward, et. al., (1967). Other sub-lethal effects*
such as the influence of D.O. on tHe" swimming performance of juvenile
pacific salmon, have been discussed by Davis, e t. al, (1963). Differences
in the distribution of two plecopterans are related to dissolved oxygen
by Madsen (1968). Unfortunately, these and other studies were generally
conducted on organisms found in temperate climates at 10 to 20°C. At this
time, no cold climate studies have been conducted to determine how low D.O.
conditions at low temperatures affects endemic organisms. A research
project that examines these areas has been initiated at the Arctic Environ-
mental Research Laboratory to fill these needs.
The Alaska State Water Quality Standards (1973) currently classify all
surface waters of the state for "growth and propagation of fish and other
wildlife including waterfowl and fur bearers." The dissolved oxygen
criteria established is "greater than 7 mg/1 for fresh water." As can
be seen from the data gathered in this study, many streams in Alaska under
natural conditions fall below these criteria in winter. The Water Quality
Standards recognize this natural phenomenon and state that "waters may
have natural characteristics which would place them ouside the criteria"
and that the criteria established "apply to man-made alterations to the
waters of the state." The standards also contain a "non-degradation"
clause.
The application of the Water Quality Standards and the administration of
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System during the critical
winter period in Alaska will not be easy. All discharges into the waters
of the United States are required to be regulated by a permit under the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (ref. PL 92-500).
These permits are developed jointly by the principal State water quality
control department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and are
reviewed by other State and Federal agencies and the public. The develop-
ment of these permits must take into consideration Alaska's complex winter
stream dissolved oxygen phenomenon. Presently there are only a limited
number of discharges into waters which undergo winter dissolved oxygen
depression below the State criteria; however, expected industrial and
municipal expansion in the state will result in many more such discharges.
Discharges occurring in the upper reaches of a river system will require
careful consideration. The receiving water at the point of discharge may
contain ample dissolved oxygen. However, if that river exhibits severe
winter D.O. depression, the downstream areas are the most critically
affected and may reflect and additional D.O. depression caused by upstream
waste discharge.
29
-------
Discharge permits developed for effluents into streams which exhibit this
low dissolved oxygen phenomenon should only be issued after sufficient
field studies have been coducted to establish the natural conditions in
both summer and winter. This information should include not only dissolved
oxygen measurements, but also other water quality parameters and a survey
of aquatic organism populations. From these data, the level of waste treat-
ment necessary to protect the water quality of the stream can be defined.
30
-------
REFERENCES
1- Alaska State Water Quality Standards 1973. Title 18 Environmental Conser-
vation. Chapter 70. Water Quality Standards. 18 AAC 70.010-110. Juneau,
Alaska
2. American Public Health Association Inc. 1971. Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Waste Water. 13th Edition.American Public
Health Assoc. Inc., 1740, New York, N.Y. 874 pp.
3. Anonymous, 1970. Water Quality Data on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Route.
Alaska Operations Office, Federal Water Quality Administration. (Now Envir-
onmental Protection Agency) Anchorage, Alaska
4. Davis, G. E., Foster, J., Warren, C. E. and Doudoroff, P., 1963. The
Influence of Oxygen Concentration on the_Swimming Performance of Juvenile
Pacific Salmon at Various Temperatures. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 92: 111-124
5. Doudoroff, P., and Warren, C. E., 1957. "Biological Indices of Water Pol-
lution, with Special Reference to Fish Populations," In Biological Prob-
lems in Water Pollution, Transactions of the 1956 Seminar, C. M. Tarzwell,
(editor).R.A. Taft Engineering Center, U.S. Department of Health, Edu-
cation and Welfare., 272 pp.
6. Drachev, S. M., 1964. The Oxygen Regime and Process of Self Purification
in Reservoirs with Retarded Discharge.Advances in Water Pollution Re-
search, The MacMillan Company, New York.
7. Frey, P. J., 1969. Ecological Changes in the Chena River. U.S. Dept. of
the Interior, Federal Water Pollution Control Admin., Northwest Region.
Alaska Water Laboratory, College, Alaska. 41 pp.
8. Frey, P.J., Mueller, E.W., and Berry, E.C., 1970. The Chena River,
A Study of a Subarctic Stream. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Federal Water
Quality Admin., Alaska Water Laboratory, College, Alaska. 96 pp.
9. Gordon, R. C., 1972. Winter Survival of Fecal Indicator Bacteria in a
Subarctic Alaskan Riverv Environmental Protection Agency, Alaska Water
Laboratory, College, Alaska. 41 pp.
10. Greze, I. I., 1953. "Hydrobiology of the Lower Part of the River Angara"
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11. Hynes, H. B. N., 1960. The Biology of Polluted Waters. Liverpool
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12. Hynes, H. B. N., 1970. The Ecology ofRunning Waters. University of
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13. Huet, M., 1962. "Water Quality Criteria for Fish Life." In Biological
Problems in Water Pollution, Third Seminar. U. S. Dept. of Health, Edu-
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14. Kalff, J., 1968. "Some Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Arctic
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31
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15. Kogl, D. R., 1965. Springs and Ground-water as Factors Affacting_Survival
of Chum Salmon Spawn in a Sub-arctic Stream.Masters Thesis.University
of Alaska, College, Alaska.59 pp.
16. Lamar, W. L., 1966. "Chemical Character and Sedimentation of the Waters."
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88, 261-85.
18. Lotspeich, F. B., and Schallock, E. W., 1972. Laboratory Evaluation of
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Paper 15. 17 pp.
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Nutrients of a River System. J. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. 27(5):837-846.
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19: p. 304-3TTT:
21. Magnuson, J., and Stuntz, W. E., 1970. "A Siphon Water Sampler for Use
Through the Ice." Limnology and Oceanography, 15:156-158
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24. Mosevich, N. A., 1947. "Winter Ice Conditions in the Rivers of the Ob-
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25. Mossewitsch, N. A., 1961. "Sauerstoffdefizit in den Flussen des West-
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29 pp.
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Manuscript in preparation.
32
-------
28. Scheller, M.V., 1955. "Oxygen Depletion in Salt Creek, Indiana."
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29. Stewart, N.E., Shumway, D.L., and Doudoroff, P., 1967. "Influence of
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30. Watson, D.G., Hanson, W.C., Davis, J.J., and Cushing, C.F., 1966.
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and D.J. Garrod.Symposium of the Zoological Society of London.
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32. U.S. Federal Field Committee for Development Planning in Alaska. 1971.
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33. U.S. Geological Survey, 1969. District Chief, Water Resources Division,
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34. U.S. Geological Survey, 1969. Water Resources Data for Alaska. Part I.
Surface Water Records. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, GeToTogTcaT Survey, 218
E Street, Skyline Building, Anchorage, Alaska.
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Surface Water Records. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Geological Survey, 218
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«J.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE:1974 546-319/40Z 1-3
33
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1
5
Xcce.s-sioii Number
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Subject Field & Group
SELECTED WATER RESOURCES ABSTRACTS
INPUT TRANSACTION FORM
Organization
Corvallis, Arctic Environmental Research Laboratory, College, Alaska
Title
Low Winter Dissolved Oxygen 1n Some Alaskan Rivers
J Q Authors)
Eldor W. Schallock and
Frederick B. Lotspeich
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21
Project Designt
ition
Note
number EPA-660/3-74-008, April 1974
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Citation
Descriptors (Starred First)
Low Dissolved Oxygen, Alaska, Rivers, Winter, Natural Conditions, Seasonal Patterns,
Basin Patterns, Conductivity, Alkalinity, Hydrogen Ion Concentration, Water Temperature,
Water Quality Standards, Yukon River, Sagavanirktok River, Chena River
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Identifiers (Starred First)
*Alaska, *Rivers, *Low Dissolved Oxygen, Arctic, Subarctic
27 Abstract
' Water samples collected during the years 1969 through 1972, from 36 selected Alaskan
rivers were analyzed for dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and alkalinity. Dissolved
oxygen (D.O.) ranged from 0.0 to 15.3 ml/1 (106 percent saturation); pH from 6.2 to
8.4; conductivity varied from 105 to 3000 (umho/cm); and alkalinity from 28 to 410
(mg/1). Severe D.O. depletion during winter was found in many river systems large
and small, and located in a range of latitudes (70°N to 61°N). Sufficient data were
collected on the Chena, Chatanika, and Salcha Rivers to reveal annual D.O. trends:
near saturation during spring "breakup" and fall "freezeup" when water temperatures
are near 0°C; somewhat lower D.O. concentrations during warm water summer periods;
and yearly minimum concentrations during the winter (January-March) interval.
Data indicate that D.O. depression begins in October and continues into February. D.O.
from stations near the mouth of a river were generally depressed more than at upper
stations. The latter trend was observed in the Yukon River which contained 10.5 mg/1
(73 percent saturation) at the Canadian Border but only 1.9 mg/1 (13 percent) near
the mouth. pH gradually decreased in some rivers although alkalinity and conductivity
increased. The depressed winter D.O. concentrations and low winter discharge in many
Alaskan rivers are more severe and widespread than present literature indicates.
Winter conditions may already limit aquatic organisms in snmp
Abstractor
Institution
WR;102 (REV, JULY IB69)
WRSIC
SEND TO: WATER RESOURCES SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION CENTER
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON, D, C 20240
* CPO: 1969- 3B9-339
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