Data collected with these colorimetric methods kits are generally only qualitative. There is no source or methods listed for pH data collected in 1985 and 1991. Therefore, no further discussion of these chemical data will be included in this report. Table 4 compares the chemistry of the MNWR lakes to the EMAP averages. The sulfate concentrations are lower in all three than the state average, in large part because of the known retention of S by wetlands.
Several relationships are a function of the physical lake characteristics.
For example, Bearce and Cranberry have higher turbidity than Conic or the Maine average, due to easier sediment resuspension in shallow lakes. In Bearce and Conic, the measured ANC and calculated HCO 3 concentrations are similar, indicating that the acid-base chemistry of the lakes is controlled largely by inorganic weathering processes. Cranberry Pond is shallow and surrounded by wetlands. Kahl et al. Table 5 includes two pH values.