The Use of Selected Water Quality Parameters to Identify Fecal Coliform Sources in Support of the Sinking Creek Total Maximum Daily Load.

Author

Susana Maria Floresguerra, East Tennessee State University

Degree Name

MSEH (Master of Science in Environmental Health)

Program

Environmental Health

Date of Award

12-2003

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Phillip R. Scheuerman

Committee Members

John H. Kalbfleisch, Kurt Maier

Abstract

Sinking Creek, located in upper east Tennessee, is on the 303(d) list for not meeting minimum water quality standards for recreation. A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for fecal coliforms was developed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of water quality parameters to identify areas that contribute to the fecal coliform loading. Concentrations of nitrate-N, orthophosphates, BOD, alkalinity, hardness, and optical brighteners (OB) were monitored at fourteen stations monthly for one year. Site 3 (agricultural region) exhibited the highest average nitrate-N loadings (627.34 mg/sec) and orthophosphate (as PO₄^3-) loadings (84.83 mg/sec). Alkalinity loadings ranged from 10.00 mg as CaCO₃/sec to 163,500.00 mgCaCO₃/sec. Hardness loadings ranged from 2.00 mg as CaCO₃/sec to 96,200.00 mgCaCO₃/sec. The agricultural sites exhibited higher loadings for all water quality parameters measured (except OB) than the urban and forest areas. Nutrient loadings appeared to be related to agricultural land use patterns.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Recommended Citation

Floresguerra, Susana Maria, "The Use of Selected Water Quality Parameters to Identify Fecal Coliform Sources in Support of the Sinking Creek Total Maximum Daily Load." (2003). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 807. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/807

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.