Base flow hydrology and water quality of an Ozarks spring and associated recharge area,southern Missouri,USA |
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Authors: | Marc R Owen Robert T Pavlowsky |
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Institution: | (1) Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, USA;(2) Department of Geography, Geology, and Planning, Missouri State University, 901 S. National, Springfield, MO, USA |
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Abstract: | Human activities in the karst Ozark Plateaus can impact water quality of springs where surface water is rapidly transferred
to subsurface conduits. Bennett Spring, in southern Missouri, is the fourth largest spring in the state and supports local
tourism activities. Questions regarding poorly functioning on-site wastewater systems (OWS) have raised concerns over the
long-term water quality of the spring. This study reports the results of a surface water quality monitoring program in the
recharge area where monthly samples were collected at base flow to identify potential pollution sources to the spring. Base
flow hydrology of the recharge area was highly variable over the study period, which was drier than normal, causing an incomplete
sampling record due to no flow conditions at some sites. For most of the year, nutrient levels were less than the eutrophic
threshold (ET) of 0.075 mg/l total phosphorus (TP) and 1.5 mg/l total nitrogen (TN). Sites that consistently displayed concentrations
of TP and TN higher than the ET were influenced by wastewater treatment plants (WTP) or OWS. Sites with nutrient concentrations
above the ET were likely influenced by the re-release of nonpoint source related TP and TN delivered to streams during storm
events. Water quality and discharge at the spring outlet remained consistent over the sampling period suggesting diffuse recharge
from a deep aquifer source is able to dilute shallow ground water sources carrying nonpoint pollutants at base flow. Historical
and regional data comparisons show these trends have been consistent over at least the last two decades. |
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