Date of Graduation

Spring 2006

Degree

Master of Science in Geospatial Sciences

Department

Geography, Geology, and Planning

Committee Chair

Robert Pavlowsky

Abstract

The study watershed includes Jordan Creek, the primary stream draining the central downtown area of Springfield, Missouri, and also Fassnight and upper Wilson Creeks. Ten sample sites were established within the watershed and water samples and were collected during baseflow and storm runoff events between August 1, 2004 and July 31, 2005. Samples were tested for total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and selected heavy metals (zinc, arsenic, lead, copper and cadmium) and the parameters pH, specific conductance, turbidity, temperature and dissolved oxygen. Rating curves were used to correlate discharge and water quality variables. Separate rating curves were developed for baseflow and storm runoff conditions. A significant negative correlation between baseflow TN and water temperature indicated that variation in TN could be due to seasonal trends in plant activity. A negative correlation between TP and specific conductivity is probably due to increased TP with storm runoff. Concentrations of TP and TN at the study watershed outlet were found to be below proposed MoDNR TMDL limits for 86 % and 55 % of the study period respectively. Nutrient levels in Jordan Creek are similar to those of Ozark watersheds not influenced by waste-water treatment plants. Annual loads from the study watershed based on daily average flow are estimated to be 26.8 and 2.2 metric tons/year for TN and TP respectively. Concentrations of TN are relatively similar among sample sites at storm runoff, and baseflow variations appear to be related to karst spring discharge. Concentrations of TP are also similar among sites at baseflow but storm levels can be affected by land use and channel condition.

Keywords

Springfield MO, Jordan Creek, Fassnight Creek, Wilson Creek, nutrients, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, metals, water quality, annual load, concentration, discharge, land use, karst, flow exceedance

Subject Categories

Hydrology

Copyright

© Ronald B. Miller

Download

Open Access

Included in

Hydrology Commons

Share

COinS