Mass-specific scattering coefficient for natural minerogenic particle populations: particle size distribution effect and closure analyses.

The relationship between the particulate scattering coefficient (b(p)) and the concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM), as represented by the mass-specific scattering coefficient of particulates (b(p)*=b(p)/SPM), depends on particle size distribution (PSD). This dependence is quantified for minerogenic particle populations in this paper through calculations of b(p)* for common minerals as idealized populations (monodispersed spheres); contemporaneous measurements of b(p), SPM, and light-scattering attributes of mineral particles with scanning electron microscopy interfaced with automated image and x-ray analyses (SAX), for a connected stream-reservoir system where minerogenic particles dominate b(p); and estimates of b(p) and its size dependency (through SAX results-driven Mie theory calculations), particle volume concentration, and b(p)*. Modest changes in minerogenic PSDs are shown to result in substantial variations in b(p)*. Good closure of the SAX-based estimates of b(p) and particle volume concentration with bulk measurements is demonstrated. Converging relationships between b(p)* and particle size, developed from three approaches, were well described by power law expressions.