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John M. Klein

Publications and source records attributed to John M. Klein.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2002

Characterization of organic contaminants in environmental samples associated with Mount St. Helens 1980 volcanic eruption

Volcanic ash, surface-water, and bottom-material samples obtained in the vicinity of Mount St. Helens after the May 18, 1980, eruption were analyzed for organic contaminants by using capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-computer techniques. Classes of compounds identified include n -alkanes, fatty acids, dicarboxylic acids, aromatic acids and aldehydes, phenols, resin acids, terpenes, and insect juvenile hormones. The most probable source of these compounds is from pyrolysis of plant and soil organic matter during and after the eruption. The toxicity of selected compounds and their environmental significance are discussed.

Washinton↗
USGS1984

Changes in the organic material in lakes in the blast zone of Mount St. Helens, Washington

During several periods of volcanic-ash eruption at Mount St. Helens, Wash., (March 30, May 25-26, May 30-June 2, and June 12-13, 1980) strong winds from the north occurred at high altitudes. As a result, the volcanic ash fell some 50 miles to the south in the Bull Run watershed, the principal water-supply source for the metropolitan area of Portland, Oreg. Water samples collected from three stream sites within the watershed were compared with samples collected during the same season in previous years. No detectable changes were noted in chemical characteristics. Precipitation samples collected immediately after the June 12-13 ash fall ranged in specific conductance from 20 to 41 micromhos per centimeter at 25C and in pH from 4.0 to 4.3 pH units. Stream samples collected during the May-June period ranged in specific conductance from 18 to 28 micromhos per centimeter at 25C and in pH from 6.7 to 7.5 pH units. Volcanic-ash samples were collected and analyzed for particle size, chemical composition, and weight. Significant differences in particle size of ash were found in samples from two separate eruptions. (USGS)

Circular↗
USGS1980

Distribution of nitrate in the unsaturated zone, Highland-East Highlands area, San Bernardino County, California

Nitrogen in the unsaturated soil zone in the Highland-East Highlands area of San Bernardino County, Calif., has been suspected as the source of nitrate in water from wells. Plans to recharge the local aquifers with imported surface water would raise the water table and intercept that nitrogen. This study was made to describe the distribution of inorganic nitrogen and other chemical constituents and nitrogen-using bacteria in the unsaturated zone, to relate nitrogen occurrences, in a general way, to present and historical land use, and to attempt to predict nitrogen concentrations in ground water after recharge. Some generalized correlations between nitrogen occurrence and land use were observed. In 11 of 13 test holes, the maximum nitrate-nitrogen (NO 3 - -N) concentrations occurred within 10 feet of the surface, suggesting that the major source of nitrogen is from the surface at these sites. Test holes were ranked according to maximum NO 3 - -N in the top 10 feet, total NO 3 - -N in the top 10 feet, and total NO 3 - -N in the top 40 feet. In all three rankings, the top seven test holes were the same--five in or near present or historical agricultural areas (primarily citrus groves), one in a feedlot, and one adjacent to an abandoned sewage-treatment plant. Two test holes in historically uninhabited areas ranked lowest. The control test hole in an uninhabited area ranked high in geometric mean of ammonium-nitrogen concentration (NH 4 + -N), suggesting that present in freshly weathered granite. The geometric means of NH 4 + -N concentrations in six of eight citrus-related test holes were significantly lower than in the control hole, suggesting that irrigation in citrus groves may have created conditions favoring nitrification of the primary NH 4 + -N. Rank correlation analyses between various measurements in test holes showed that high NO 3 - -N concentrations tend to occur with high specific conductance and chloride concentrations in soil extracts. If recharge is carried out as planned, assuming complete mixing of the recharge water and interstitial pore water in the top 20 feet of the saturated zone, NO 3 - -N concentrations in water at the top of the saturated zone may exceed 10 milligrams per liter in seven areas studied. Concentrations could reach as high as 66 milligrams per liter in the worst case projected. The highest concentrations may be found in three areas that are now, or were recently, citrus groves.

California↗
USGS1980

Dissolved-solids concentrations and loads in return flows to the Colorado River from agricultural land in southern California

The dissolved-solids concentration in Colorado River water increases from less than 50 mg/L (milligrams per liter) at the river's origin to about 700 mg/L at the California border and to about 900 mg/L at the United States-Mexico boundary. Much of the latter increase is due to depletion by agricultural use and irrigation return water with salts leached from soils under cultivation. Forty sites in three agricultural areas--Fort Mojave, Bard Valley, and Palo Verde Valley--were sampled to describe the dissolved-solids concentrations in return flows. Emphasis was on Palo Verde Valley. In the Fort Mojave area, the dissolved-solids concentration of Colorado River water was about 700 mg/L, while the concentration in water at the tile-drain convergence averaged about 2,500 mg/L. In the closed sump that presently receives all irrigation return, concentrations ranged from 812 to 1,760 mg/L. In Bard Valley, water diverted from the river had an annual mean dissolved-solids concentration of about 835 mg/L. During the study, concentrations in the two main drains carrying irrigation return water ranged from 953 to 1,290 mg/L. Selected drains in Palo Verde Valley were sampled several times to determine dissolved-solids loads from subareas within the valley. Loads determined in this study were compared with those of an earlier study. In agreement with the earlier study, loads were found to be largest from three subareas in the southern half of the valley and comparatively small from the four subareas in the northern half. Smaller loads were found in this study from all subareas, however. The differences are thought to be due to generally lower water discharge observed in drains during this study.

California↗
USGS1979

Distribution of nitrate and related nitrogen species in the unsaturated zone, Redlands and vicinity, San Bernardino County, California

Nitrogen in the unsaturated soil zone in the vicinity of Redlands in San Bernardino County, Calif., has been suspected as the source of nitrate in water from wells. Plans have been made to recharge the aquifer with imported surface water. If this occurs, the rising water table will intercept soluble nitrate in the unsaturated zone. This study was made to quantify and delineate the distribution of the nitrate in the unsaturated zone. Thirteen test holes were drilled in areas of various land uses, and samples of the unsaturated-zone materials were obtained with depth. In 10 of the test holes, the maximum nitrate-nitrogen (N03--N) concentrations occurred within 10 feet of land surface suggesting N03--N sources at the surface. Ranking the test holes according to near-surface N03--N concentrations showed that, of the top six, only two are in irrigated citrus areas. One is in an abandoned feedlot. Of the lowest six, four are in irrigated citrus areas and one is in the Santa Ana River channel. The control test hole ranked fourth suggesting that relatively high N03--N concentrations can occur in near-surface soils even in the absence of human habitation. Analysis according to one conceptual model suggests that raising the water-table altitude by aquifer recharge will intercept N03--N now in the unsaturated zone causing increases in N03--N concentrations in water from wells of up to 48 milligrams per liter. The largest increases will occur in the vicinity of irrigated citrus areas. (Woodard-USGS).

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗