Water Quality Comparisons Over Time

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Water Quality Comparisons Over Time

• Kathi Heggs
• The Comparison of Two Streams and the Changing
  Nutrient Levels

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The quality of waterways in Jefferson County can
be monitored by testing for certain physical
parameters and levels of nutrients present in the
water. Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District
has reported that there is an excess of certain
nutrients in our water- ways that result in
detrimental effects to humans and wildlife.
Chenoweth Run Creek, in southeast Jefferson Cnty
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The purpose of my study was to track two
tributaries of a known polluted waterway over a
period of time. Changes in stream con- ditions
over varying seasons and weather were noted, and
the re- sults of the two streams were compared.
Certain parameters were used as indicators of
water quality such as
1. Dissolved Oxygen 2. Chlorine 3. pH levels 4.
Ammonia 5. Phosphate 6. Nitrite 7.
Conductivity 8. Turbidity 9. Temperature
Specrophotometry was used to test for the
chemical elements listed, and a conductivity and
turbidity meter were utilized to test for those
parameters.
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Stream A
Stream B
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The two streams sampled were Stream A Source
point at Black Acre Nature Preserve Confluence
with Chenoweth Run Creek at Taylorsville Rd and
Chenoweth Run Road Stream B Source point at
Chenoweth Subdivision at St Rene Ct Confluence
with Chenoweth Run Creek at Easum Rd
Sample Sites Stream B 1. St Rene Ct 2. Charles
Vettner Golf Course
Sample Sites Stream A 1. Black Acre Nature
Preserve 2. Ramblin Creek Subdivision
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Description of Stream A
Site 1 Black Acre Nature preserve, rural
setting, woodland, field Site 2 Ramblin
Creek Backs up to nature preserve, woodland, low
density housing
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Description of Stream B
Site 1 St Rene medium density housing, water
waste treatment plant, field Site 2 Vettner
Park golf course, public park, woodland, medium
density housing
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Sample Dates and Conditions
May 13 Cloudy, 15 to 20 degrees C, high flow May
27 Cloudy, 29 to 33 degrees C, high flow, earlier
precipitation July 8 Sunny, humid, 28 to 29
degrees C, low flow August 30 Sunny, humid, 29
to 30 degrees C, no flow, pooled
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Dissolved Oxygen
Warmer water contains less dissolved oxygen than
cold. DO is present from the photosynthetic
processes of green plants, and algae. Heat and
respiration of decomposing organic material
decreases the level of DO. DO is important for
the availability of oxygen for the living
organisms living within the stream ecosystem
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All within acceptable limits 4-20 ppm
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pH Levels
pH is a measure of the acidic or basic nature of
the stream. The concentration of the hydrogen ion
activity in the water determines the pH. A pH
range of 6 to 9 appears to provide protection for
the life of freshwater fish and bottom dwelling
macroinvertabrates.
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All within acceptable limits
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All within acceptable limits 0-0.25ppm
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Ammonia Levels
About three fourths of the ammonia produced in
this country is used in fertilizers. Ammonia has
been reported toxic to fresh water organisms at
concentrations ranging from 0.53 to 22.8 mg/l.
Toxic levels are both pH and temperature
dependant. Toxic concentrations may cause loss of
equilibrium in the environ- ment, decrease in
hatching and growth rates, and damage during
structural development.
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acceptable limits fall within 0 to 0.05
ppm Black Acre site exceeds this limit during a
time when pH levels and temperature have
peaked. Off the chart in August, maybe due to
faulty readings
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Phosphate Levels
High levels of phosphates are the leading concern
in Jefferson County according to MSD. Phosphate
is necessary to stimulate the growth of aquatic
plants which provide food for fish and other
wildlife. Too much of this nutrient will cause
algae to grow wildly, using up oxygen and choking
up waterways. This is known as eutrophication or
over fertilizationof receiving waters.
Fertilizers used on lawns and golf courses
contribute to the excess of phosphates.
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As reported by MSD phosphate levels
were extremely high, espec- ially during the hot
time of the year. Also as was expected, the
highest levels occurred in the most densely
populated area and along the golf course. 0-0.1
ppm acceptable
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Nitrite Levels
Nitrogen contianing compounds act as nutrients in
streams, and can cause oxygen depletion. The
major sources of nitrogen in the water supply are
municipal waste water, septic tanks,
animal wastes, and discharge from car exhaust.
Nitrite levels below 2.0 ppm are acceptable, and
levels below 10 ppm are considered fair.
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Nitrite levels high for Ramblin Creek on May 27
and for Black Acre in August Seems to be a
peak around May 7, may be due to excess rain and
lawn treatments.
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This graph shows the changing levels of nutrients
over time it is represent- ative of the four
streams studied. While chlorine and ammonia
levels stayed relatively stable, nutrient
levels rose and fell with temperature and
physical conditions.
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Conductivity, Turbidity, and Bacteria
The readings for conductivity all fell within the
acceptable levels of below 1000 uS/cm. Turbidity
readings also showed acceptable readings. Fecal
Coliforms were present, to some extent, which is
to be expected. E coli, which is a concern for
recreational streams was absent in all four
sample sites.
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Conclusion
1. Compare to MSDs results 2. Results of
Cluster Analysis 3. The Macroinvertebrate Angle