Comparing Physical, Chemical, and Microbial Water Quality Trends in South Indian Creek from 1994-1997, to 2025-2026
Abstract
South Indian Creek is a stream that flows through Unicoi County Tennessee, alongside highway I26. The Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory at ETSU has been monitoring physical, chemical, and microbial water quality parameters since 1994. Since this monitoring has been ongoing, the objective of this study is to see the stream rebound from the construction of I26, which caused disturbance in the stream. Data from 1994-1997 and 2025-2026 will be compared at four different sites. The study hypothesizes that the water quality of South Indian Creek has continuously improved since the construction of I26. Water quality parameters that are measured include alkalinity, hardness, pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, and heavy metals that dissolve in the water. The heavy metals analyzed include calcium, magnesium, nickel, zinc, and iron. Water quality parameters are measured in situ using a HANNA 9829 multiparameter meter. Lab analyses include a Colilert test to measure total and fecal coliforms, specifically E. coli. Colilert tests use a sample volume of 100 mLs. This is mixed with a MUG substrate to cause a color change if coliform bacteria are present. The substrate reacts with a specific enzyme present in coliform bacteria to indicate a color change. Alkalinity is determined through a titration using 0.02 N sulfuric acid, until the pH reaches an endpoint of 4.5. Hardness is determined through a titration with a color change endpoint from pink to blue. Heavy metals are analyzed by an Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Our expected results will indicate that the stream has stabilized, and that all water quality parameters have improved compared to our data from 1994. Specifically, it is expected that pH, alkalinity, and hardness of the water will be improved and remain consistent as there is no construction pollution being introduced to the stream.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 12:00 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Presentation Type
Poster
Student Type
Graduate and Professional Degree Students, Residents, Fellows
Faculty Mentor
Phillip Scheuerman
Comparing Physical, Chemical, and Microbial Water Quality Trends in South Indian Creek from 1994-1997, to 2025-2026
Culp Ballroom 316
South Indian Creek is a stream that flows through Unicoi County Tennessee, alongside highway I26. The Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory at ETSU has been monitoring physical, chemical, and microbial water quality parameters since 1994. Since this monitoring has been ongoing, the objective of this study is to see the stream rebound from the construction of I26, which caused disturbance in the stream. Data from 1994-1997 and 2025-2026 will be compared at four different sites. The study hypothesizes that the water quality of South Indian Creek has continuously improved since the construction of I26. Water quality parameters that are measured include alkalinity, hardness, pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, and heavy metals that dissolve in the water. The heavy metals analyzed include calcium, magnesium, nickel, zinc, and iron. Water quality parameters are measured in situ using a HANNA 9829 multiparameter meter. Lab analyses include a Colilert test to measure total and fecal coliforms, specifically E. coli. Colilert tests use a sample volume of 100 mLs. This is mixed with a MUG substrate to cause a color change if coliform bacteria are present. The substrate reacts with a specific enzyme present in coliform bacteria to indicate a color change. Alkalinity is determined through a titration using 0.02 N sulfuric acid, until the pH reaches an endpoint of 4.5. Hardness is determined through a titration with a color change endpoint from pink to blue. Heavy metals are analyzed by an Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Our expected results will indicate that the stream has stabilized, and that all water quality parameters have improved compared to our data from 1994. Specifically, it is expected that pH, alkalinity, and hardness of the water will be improved and remain consistent as there is no construction pollution being introduced to the stream.
