Date of Graduation

Fall 2010

Degree

Master of Science in Geospatial Sciences

Department

Geography, Geology, and Planning

Committee Chair

Robert Pavlowsky

Abstract

Dynamics of suspended solids and dissolved solids transport in the upper and middle James River Basin in southwest Missouri were studied. Water quality constituents in the basin and the degree of variation in constituent concentration throughout the year due to runoff, seasonality, hysteresis, and landuse were examined. Constituents evaluated include total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS); total and dissolved inorganic carbon; total and dissolved organic carbon; total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP); anions; and water chemistry including dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductivity, turbidity and temperature. Water samples were collected during storm events as well as at fixed intervals during baseflow. The monitoring phase of this project began in September 2008 and concluded in September 2009. Storm runoff, hysteresis, landuse, and seasonality were found to be a major influence on suspended solids (TSS, TP, and organic carbon) concentrations. Karst geology, urbanization, and seasonality were major influences on dissolved solids (TDS, inorganic carbon, TN, and anions) concentrations. Concentration data from this study were found to be similar to USGS data. Suspended yields ranged from 9 Mg/km2/yr to 87 Mg/km2/yr, and were found to be highest in the sub-watershed with the largest drainage area and most urban area. Dissolved yields ranged from 61 Mg/km2/yr to 158 Mg/km2/yr, and were greatly influenced by groundwater.

Keywords

mass transport, water quality, suspended solids, dissolved solids, carbon, nutrients

Subject Categories

Hydrology | Sedimentology

Copyright

© Erin C. D. Hutchison

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