Abstract

Factors affecting stream quality and general principles of stream water geochemistry are given. Ideally, water is controlled by the alteration of rock minerals through chemical weathering processes, which liberate soluble products. These processes are controlled or influenced by climatic factors, such as rainfall, air temperature, and evaporation associated with biological or biochemical processes. Human activity impacts water quality in an ever increasing manner. Carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen are present in the hydrologic cycle and their increase or decrease is an indication of water quality. The author has studied various drainage basins and water quality of these water supplies. One study, of the Great lakes–upper St. Lawrence River, is given as an example.