Showing papers on "Water quality published in 1975"

Effect of Physical Parameters on the In Situ Survival of Escherichia coli MC-6 in an Estuarine Environment

Abstract: Survival of Escherichia coli MC-6 of fecal origin in an estuarine environment as affected by time, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and montmorillonite in diffusion chambers has been elucidated. Several in situ physical parameters were recorded simultaneously, and viable cell numbers were estimated. The survival of the bacteria varied seasonally. Montmorillonite addition extended the time needed for a 50% reduction of the viable cell population (t½) of cells by 40% over the t½ of cells in Rhode River water alone. The effect of this clay was not significantly greater between 50- to 1,000-μg/ml montmorillonite concentrations. In all experiments, the relationships among pairs of variables were studied by regression and correlation analysis. The slope between viable cell numbers and water temperatures increased about 50% for each 10 C increment in temperature and gave a correlation coefficient r = 0.617, significant at 95% confidence level. A similar correlation coefficient, r = 0.670, was obtained between water temperature and t½ of the initial cell population. In all experiments regressions were performed considering all variables after bacteria had been in the Rhode River environment for 3 days. Coefficient of multiple determinaton was estimated as R2 = 0.756. Approximately 75.6% of the variance of viable cell numbers can be explained by variation in water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. Simple correlation coefficients within the regression steps were also computed. Survival of bacteria was closely and negatively correlated with increasing water temperature (r = -0.717). It is suggested that water temperature is the most important factor in predicting fecal coliform survival from point and nonpoint sources in assessing water quality in an estuarine ecosystem.

Water quality changes related to the development of anaerobic conditions during artificial recharge

Abstract: Artificial recharge basins or spreading sites commonly exhibit reductions in infiltration rates after prolonged periods of submergence. This loss in infiltration rate has often been shown to be associated with a large population of anaerobic or facultative anaerobic bacteria in the material underlying the basin floor. An artificial recharge experiment in a spreading basin at Lubbock, Texas, showed a significant change in the chemical quality of recharged water that was associated with the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Sulfate-reducing bacteria reduced the sulfate concentration of the recharge water at this location by 80 mg/l. The bicarbonate concentration was increased by more than 150 mg/l, and the pH decreased 1 unit during the same time period. The change in chemical quality occurred suddenly and corresponded to a dramatic decrease in the infiltration rate in the basin. These observations on the chemical changes in recharged water make it possible to differentiate between anaerobic bacteria and other causes of reduced hydraulic conductivity in this recharge basin. The anaerobic conditions appear to start at depth and work toward the surface, thereby suggesting a process that involves adsorption of organic material and consumption of dissolved oxygen with depth.

The assessment of water quality.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the methods employed by water treatment facilities to measure turbidity, color, and odor in water; (2) to estimate the variability of measures obtained routinely by the most commonly employed methods; and (3) to relate combinations of measured turbidity, color, and odor values to public acceptability of drinking water. The main end-products of the study were a set of cumulative distributions of water quality measurements and a family of water quality acceptance curves for combinations of turbidity, color, and odor values throughout the full range of public acceptability.

Effects of Marshes on Water Quality

Abstract: Marshes and other wetlands in which there is a profuse growth of aquatic plants are common in many parts of the world. Wisconsin contains many thousands of hectares of marsh vegetation, which typically stands from a half meter to several meters above the normal water elevation during the growing season. Water depths range from a few centimeters to several meters.

Effects of Timber Harvesting and Related Management Practices on Water Quality in Forested Watersheds

Abstract: An error occurred in the above article which appeare d in the January-Marc h 1975 issue of the Journal of Environmental Quality. On page 24, second column, beginning 10 lines from the bottom, temperatur e increases of 4C to 8C are converted to 39F to 46F. This is the correct conversion for true temperatur e but not for temperatur e change. One degree Celsius change is equal to a change of 18F. A 4C to 8C increase would thusly correspond to a 7F to 14F increase. .

Spatial Variation of River Water Quality: A Survey of the River Exe

Abstract: River water quality is of considerable relevance to the geographer and a reconnaissance survey of the spatial variation of the specific conductance of stream water within the basin of the River Exe was undertaken by the authors. The spatial pattern defined by the more than 500 samples collected was mapped and an attempt has been made to interpret the results. Much of the variation was closely related to lithology, but land use was also found to exert a significant influence on levels of conductivity. The data collected have also been used to obtain estimates of the magnitude and spatial pattern of annual solute loads and of chemical denudation rates. DURING the past 25 years, increasing attention has been focused upon spatial and temporal variations in the magnitude of streamflow or river discharge in Great Britain. Regional water resource studies have assessed the volumes of run-off available in particular areas, suggesting ways in which water can be stored and regulated.1 Furthermore, the problems of floods and droughts have stimulated the development of techniques for evaluating and predicting floods and low flows.2 Data on the flow of rivers in the British Isles are now available in the Surface Water Yearbook3 and additional information is being collected from several research basins.4 Geographers have been aware of the opportunities and relevance of this field of study and they have themselves made contributions.5 Much less information is available on the quality, as distinct from the quantity of streamflow. Detailed work in this sphere has previously been the province of the chemist and public health engineer and has been primarily concerned with the potability of sources of water supply and the nature and extent of serious pollution and the various possibilities available for the control or alleviation of this problem.6 With the increasing concern over the optimum use and management of water supplies in this country, more interest is being directed towards collection and interpretation of water quality data. River temperatures have already attracted the investigations of several workers,7 and studies of nitrate levels8 and solute transport by local streams have also been made.9 The quality of river water is not without relevance to the geographer, as Douglaso1 has recently emphasized. Water quality constitutes a valuable environmental indicator, reflecting the interaction of the quality of the incident precipitation with the character of the catchment area, the processes operating in the drainage basin, and the influence of man. It is in this context that Perel'manll has promoted the concept of geochemical environments or landscapes whereby geochemical indicators can be used for landscape classification or regionalization. In turn, water quality is an important control on human activity and resource utilization.12 Minimum quality standards exist for the various uses of water13 and severe negative feedbacks can occur where man-induced deterioration in water quality inhibits continued or more intensive use of water I55 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.111 on Sun, 07 Aug 2016 05:15:25 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms D.E.WALLING AND B.W.WEBB resources. Because of the significance to the operation of geomorphological processes, physical geographers have already made considerable progress towards understanding the solution chemistry and water quality of limestone areas.14 However, there is considerable scope for studies in non-limestone areas. For example, spectral analysis has been shown to be a powerful tool when studying temporal variations in solute concentrations,15 and the evaluation and interpretation of spatial variations in river water quality would seem to be another worthwhile theme for investigation. There are many indices of river water quality including, colour, odour, temperature, turbidity, solute content and other chemical and biological parameters, and these will exhibit spatial and temporal variations to a greater or lesser extent. Solute content and the concentration of individual ions provide a sensitive environmental indicator. For example, Miller16 has shown how solute concentrations can vary according to rock type; classic studies in the Hubbard Brook experimental catchment in New Hampshire, U.S.A.17 have stressed the interdependence of concentrations of individual ions and the nutrient cycle; and Skakalskiyl8 has demonstrated how solute concentrations can be related to the magnitude and origins of different run-off components. In addition, many reports exist of the influence of man on these parameters.19 Temporal variations in solute concentrations have been well documented by workers such as Hendrickson and Krieger20 and Hall,21 and spatial contrasts have been discussed on a world scale by Gibbs,22 on a continental scale by Rainwater,23 at the regional level by Douglas,24 and within a drainage basin by Anderson and George.25

Strategies for water quality monitoring

Abstract: This study provides general guidelines for the preliminary design of a water quality monitoring system. The design is defined as the specification of the parameters to be determined, the number and Location of sampling stations, and the frequency of sampling, The role of several objecrives in the determination of monitoring strategy is considered, The objectives examined are the characterization of stream water quality, enforcement of stream standards and the detection of long-term trends, Principal component analysis is used to identify important water quality parameters and to find the appropriate size of a monitoring network, Information content defined as the reciprocal of the variance of the estimate of the mean concentration is suggested as a valid criterion for the design of a monitoring network for the characterization of water quality, Impact index based on the probability, severity and frequency of violation, number of direct users of the stream water, predominant use and the size of stream is proposed for determining the priority of location in an enforcement network, A protocol for the sampling of non-point sources is presented, The Research Triangle area in North Carolina is used as a case study, A possible framework for the strategy of water quality monitoring is described, This consists of an initial one-time baseline data collection program and eventually three types of networks: (a) an extensive network at relatively large number of key points, (b) an intensive network in selected drainage sub-basins, and (c) a regulation network, TABLE OF CONTENTS ( c o n t i n u e d ) Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.8 S a m p l e S i z e 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 .9 Seasona l V a r i a t i o n of Paramete rs 45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.10 V a r i a b i l i t y of Paramete rs 46 3 .11 I n f o r m a t i o n Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.12 S i z e of t h e Moni tor ing Program 5 1 4 . SPATIAL DENSITY OF STATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . 1 L o c a t i o n of Sampling S t a t i o n s 54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.2 L o c a t i o n D e s i g n 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . 3 Number o f Sampling S t a t i o n s 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.4 G r a d i e n t L o c a t i o n Technique 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . 5 I n t e r s t a t i o n C o r r e l a t i o n s Technique 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . FREQUENCYOF SAMPLING 6 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SystemDynamics 6 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sampling Frequency D i s t r i b u t i o n 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Temporal V a r i a b i l i t y of V a r i a n c e 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frequency Design 68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Type of Paramete r 69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S t a t i s t i c a l Requirements 69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Averaging I n t e r v a l 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . S e r i a l C o r r e l a t i o n and P e r i o d i c i t y 71 . . . . . . . . . E m p i r i c a l P rocedure f o r Sampling Frequency 72 6 . VIOLATION DETECTION NETWORK . . . . . . I n t r o d u c t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . Review of P r e v i o u s S t u d i e s . . . . . . . . . . . Ward's Approach . . . . . . Raythesn Approach C r i t i q u e of t h e Proposed Approaches P r o b a b i l i t y of V i o l a t i o n . . . . . L o c a t i o n s of Sampling S t a t i o n s . Mathemat ical Modeling . . . . . . . Segment P r i o r i t y Ranking . . . . . Frequency of Sampling . . . . . . . 7 . SAMPLINGFORTREND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . 1 Dynamic Nature of Water Q u a l i t y System 86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.2 D e c o m p o s i t i o n o f a Time S e r i e s 87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 .3 Design of a Trend Network 89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.4 Length of Record 92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . NON-POINT SOURCES 94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n 94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . 2 L a n d u s e a n d w a t e r Q u a l i t y 94 . . . . . . . . . 8 . 3 Comparison of Man-made and N a t u r a l Sources 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.4 R e c u r r i n g Storm Even ts 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . 5 S i g n i f i c a n c e of Non-point Sources 98 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.6 Estimates of Non-point Sources 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.7 Impact Analysis sf Stormwater Flows 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.8 Sample Surveys of Non-point Sources 102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . NON-POINT SOURCES: A CASE STUDY 105 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Point Sources and Loads 109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-point Sources 111 UrbanRunoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 . . . . Variation of Water Quality Within Storm Events 112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RuralRunoff 113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Estimates of Non-point Loads 114 . . . . . . . . . . Comparison of Point and Non-point Loads 118 Recommendations for Improving Estimates of Non-point Loads . 118 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stormwater Impact Analyses 120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounting for Benthic Deposits 122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 . MONITORING STMTEGU 123 . . . . . . . . . . 10.1 Varied Requirements of Monitoring Design 123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.2 One-time Basic Data Program 123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.3 Franework of Monitoring Design 124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ExtensiveNetwork 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regulation Network 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intensive Network 126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REFERENCES 127 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX 131

Chemical and Biological Quality of Water in Part of the Everglades, Southeastern Florida.

Abstract: : The quality of surface water in the agricultural area between Lake Okeechobee and the water conservation areas is markedly different from that of other surface water in southeastern Florida. Man has engaged in cultural activities, both agricultural and urban, which have affected the water quality in the northern and eastern segments of the area of investigation. The quality of the water improves, however, as it flows to the south and east because there is minimal input from man's activities and many of the constituents are assimilated by plants, sorbed on organic material and clay in the bottom sediments, and entrapped within the sediments. Because of these processes, the water entering Everglades National Park is of better quality than that entering the conservation areas in the north.

Limestone Barriers to Neutralize Acidic Streams

Abstract: Water samples were taken for analysis and measurements were made to determine the effect of each installation on water quality at four prototype limestone barriers that had been constructed to neutralize acidic streams. The pH of stream water was increased by up to 3 pH units at low streamflow, to pH 7 or above. This demonstrates that limestone barriers are capable of renovating acidic streams to the point that normal aquatic life can be restored, rendering the stream water suitable for a number of uses that are otherwise precluded. A mathematical model of limestone barriers was constructed, based on hydraulic laws and on the chemical kinetics of the rate limiting reactions between crushed limestone and acidic water. Model predictions matched the observed performance of the barriers. A procedure was developed to determine the design of a barrier of crushed limestone to neutralize a given streamflow.

Total alkalinity and hardness of surface waters in Alabama and Mississippi

Abstract: Caption title. "March 1975." Includes bibliographical references (p. 15-16). Also available on the World Wide Web. Also available in microfilm under: State agricultural papers.

Development of water quality management indices

Abstract: In a joint undertaking by The MITRE Corporation and the EPA Office of Water Programs Operations, three indices were developed: (1) An index of water quality; (2) An index of the need for abatement action; and (3) An index of the need for water quality management planning. These indices were evaluated for some 1000 planning areas (sub basins, regional planning jurisdictions, metropolitan areas, etc.) which together cover essentially all of the area of the 48 contiguous states.

Water Supplies for Low-Income Communities in Developing Countries

Abstract: Examination of data on the availability of adequate water supplies in developing countries reveals an alarming state of affairs. This paper presents an analysis of the potential impact of a water supply in a poor tropical community and examines techniques for the quantification of this impact. Special attention is paid to the impact of a supply on the water collection journey (time and energy saving) and to the anticipated improvements in community health. A classification of water-related disease is presented and the effect of water supplies on various water-related infections is analyzed. A comprehensive table, showing the principal features of the water-related diseases, is included. It is shown how the analysis of water supply impacts, and in particular impacts on water collection and health, can facilitate improved designs and more rational resource allocation for water supply programs in developing countries.

Water-quality aspects of dredging and dredge-spoil disposal in estuarine environments

Abstract: The dominant effect that dredging has on estuarine water quality results from chemical exchanges between the water and dispersed sediment. When first dispersed, estuarine sediments release high concentrations of ammonia. This increases microscopic plant production which, in turn, is followed by increases in pH, dissolved oxygen, and BOD. In general, the first effect of dredged sediments being dispersed is that the heavy metals in the water are depleted. In time, however, some metals may be released from the sediment, and their concentration in the water becomes greater than it was to begin with.

Stochastic variation of water quality of the Passaic River

Abstract: The stochastic structures of some water quality time series were examined. These time series include daily observations in streamflow, water temperature, BOD, and dissolved oxygen deficit. Autoregressive integrated moving average (Arima) models were used to describe the random components of these time series. It was found that except for the BOD the Arima models could provide very satisfactory results.

Water Quality Perception by Users: can it Supplement Objective Water Quality Measures?

Abstract: Personal interviews were conducted with eighty campers in each of three Minnesota state parks to investigate the water quality perception of the recreationist. At the same time, water quality factors were measured or observed as an indication of conditions experienced by the interviewees. Most respondents perceived water pollution strictly on a visual basis. Sewage, public carelessness, industry, and farm fertilizers were “first choice selections” among major causes of water pollution in Minnesota. Seventy percent felt their recreational activities did not contribute to water pollution. Sixty-two percent said their life had not been affected by water pollution, while over two-thirds of the remaining thirty-eight percent listed curtailment of recreation as the primary result. Many mentioned an algal bloom at one park and the strong odor of rotten fish at a second park. On the basis of the senior author's observations, supported by the measurements taken, it was concluded that thek were the only major problems in the three parks. Some incipient problems, such as nutrient enrichment and the presence of coliform bacteria, were indicated by the measurements. The type and degree of pollution identified by the recreationist could be important through its influence on user evaluations and space preferences. The establishment of relationships between water quality parameters and the perception of the recreationist will provide the manager with a tool to assist in evaluating participation in water-related outdoor recreation in terms of both user satisfaction and water quality.