An ecological interpretation of the chemistry of mire waters from selected sites in eastern Canada

Water samples (132) were collected from selected mires in eastern Canada. Sites chosen included ombrotrophic, transition, and minerotrophic mire in both maritime and continental areas in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec. Chemical analysis of the major ions found in mire waters revealed that concentrations increased from ombrotrophic to minerotrophic conditions. Chloride, sodium, and magnesium were more abundant in maritime mires, while calcium, potassium, and sulfate had higher levels in transition and ombrotrophic mire in agricultural areas. Comparison with studies in Europe indicates similar ionic conditions for the three mire categories with respect to proximity to the sea and human disturbance.