Regional lake and reservoir canonical environments

Abstract

One method for performing exposure assessments is to use mathematical models that predict the transport and transformations of toxic substances in the environment. To run these models, a variety of input data on receiving water‐body properties and water‐quality parameters must be developed.

A data base that contains selected hydrologic and water‐quality parameters was developed by EPA. Called the Canonical Environments Data Base, this file brought together information on each reach of the major rivers in the United States as well as individual lakes and reservoirs in those basins. This report summarizes these individual data on lakes and reservoirs into canonical eutrophic and oligotrophic lakes by USGS hydrologic region.

Key words:

• exposure assessment
• data base
• mathematical model
• canonical environment