The chemistry of river–lake systems in the context of permafrost occurrence (Mongolia, Valley of the Lakes). Part I. Analysis of ion and trace metal concentrations

This study provides a description of water chemistry in river–lake systems located in central Mongolia, at the borderline of permafrost occurrence. The analysis involved water samples collected from two river–lake systems: Baydrag River–Böön Tsagaan Lake system, and Shargalyuut/Tuyn Rivers–Orog Lake system. In the water samples, ions and trace elements were detected and quantified. Additionally, the parameters of pH, electrical conductivity (SEC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and total organic carbon (TOC) were determined. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on the sample results. Water chemistry is mostly influenced by geochemical and hydrometeorological processes. Permafrost thawing could increase the concentration of nitrogen (NH4+, NO3−) as well as Na+ and Ca2+, Cl− and SO42−. However, it may also be an effect of other factors such as livestock farming. Seasonal drying out of lakes (e.g., Lake Orog) may also influence water chemistry by deflation of evaporites from exposed lake beds and, at the same time, with lower concentration of chemical compounds in water. The PCA shows that water samples can be divided into two groups. The first group contains lake samples, where water chemistry is shaped by prevailing evaporation processes, whereas the second includes samples from rivers and springs. Water chemistry of the latter is predominantly influenced by geochemical and hydro-meteorological processes. •Water chemistry in the Valley of the Lakes is influenced by permafrost degradation.•Concentration of ions in lakes increases due to cyclic evaporative processes.•Water chemistry of lakes in the Valley of the Lakes is considerably affected by their seasonal drying out.