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Phosphorus in hydrothermal waters of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
By:  and 

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Abstract

Ninety-seven hot-spring and geyser samples (field acidified to pH<1.4 with HCl or HNO3) from Yellowstone National Park, Wyo., were analyzed for PO4-P using reduced molybdenum-blue and the selective arsenate reducing agent, metabisulfite-thiosulfate. The PO4-P concentrations ranged from below detection limit (~1-73 micrograms per liter). Twenty-five springs had PO4-P concentrations exceeding 6.8 μg/L; seven spring samples exceeded 20 μg/L. Elevated PO4-P contents were invariably associated with mixed springs, as evidenced by diluted chloride concentrations and, commonly, subboiling temperatures, low pH's, and elevated calcium concentrations. Alkaline high-chloride (>400 milligrams per liter) hydrothermal waters from Upper and Norris Geyser Basins had PO4-P concentrations below 2 μg/L and represent the low end of the range of PO4-P contents in natural waters.

Suggested Citation

Stauffer, R.E., and Thompson, J.M., 1978, Phosphorus in hydrothermal waters of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey, v. 6, no. 6, p. 755-763.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Phosphorus in hydrothermal waters of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Series title Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
Volume 6
Issue 6
Year Published 1978
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description 9 p.
First page 755
Last page 763
Country United States
State Wyoming
Other Geospatial Yellowstone National Park
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details