ABSTRACT
The study of solutes in natural waters within geomorphology has three major areas of relevance. First, the chemistry of soil water and runoff waters may be used to estimate rates of natural weathering and catchment denudation. The second major use of solute studies has been in assessing the intensity, efficiency and stability of nutrient cycles, often as indicated by the levels and variability of solutes in streamflow. Thirdly, solutes in natural waters have been studied as tracers or labels, both natural and introduced, to indicate pathways for solute transfers and to assess their quantitative significance. Field sampling programmes for solute studies Water sampling is a prerequisite of all solute studies and according to Hem is probably major source of error in whole process of obtaining water quality information. Walling and Webb have clearly demonstrated the profound effect that sampling frequency can have on solute budget calculations.
