Transmission of atmospherically deposited trace elements through an undeveloped, forested Maryland watershed

Retention and transmission of atmospherically-derived major (H⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃^-, NO₃^-, SO₄^-2, Cl^-, SiO_2) and trace (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) species were evaluated in an undeveloped forested watershed underlain by a rather inert quartzite lithology (Bear Branch, Catoctin State Forest, Thrumont, Maryland). These comparisons were based on atmospheric input to stream export over a period of 16 months. Both wet (precipitation) and total (bulk, including vegetative throughfall) atmospheric loading to the catchment were determined. Stream export was gauged based on systematic sampling of the stream under varied flow regimes. Additionally, watershed export of both dissolved and particulate trace element phases was examined during three high run-off intensives associated with summer storms.