Fate of added alkalinity during neutralization of acid lake

An experimental evaluation of the neutralization of an acid lake with sodium bicarbonate is presented. Alkalinity, pH, and sodium concentration were monitored for a period of one year after neutralization to determine the fate of added alkalinity. The results of this study showed that the predominant fate of added NaHCO3 alkalinity was hydraulic washout. External acidity inputs (atmospheric) were apparently of the same magnitude as internally generated alkalinity (biological and geochemical) over this time period.