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Article: Lakes: Chemical Processes
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- Water:Science and Issues
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Lakes: Chemical Processes
As precipitation flows over the land as runoff, it dissolves or otherwise carries a variety of materials to streams and lakes downgradient. Some of these materials include minerals, such as iron, sulfur, and phosphorus; gases, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen; microorganisms;
organic
materials from plants and animals; and
pollutants
, such as pesticides, metals, and eroded soils. Many of these materials are important to biological processes within the lake, whereas others may be harmful
contaminants
.
Biotic Influences on Lake Chemistry
The biology and chemistry of fresh waters are closely linked. Each strongly influences the other, and multiple