Water Quality of a Karstic Shallow Aquifer in Greene and Lawrence Counties, Missouri

Author

Claudia Patricia Colmenero Chacon, Missouri State UniversityFollow

Date of Graduation

Fall 2024

Degree

Master of Natural and Applied Science

Department

College of Natural & Applied Science

Committee Chair

Gutierrez Melida

Abstract

A water quality investigation in the Springfield Plateau aquifer of Greene and Lawrence counties, Missouri, was conducted. Water samples from eleven springs were collected at regular intervals during 2023 to determine major water quality parameters: total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), sulfate (SO₄), chloride (Cl) and nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N), along with per- and poly-fluorinated alkali substances (PFAS) from spring sediments. Nitrate-nitrogen was analyzed because of the importance for environmental health (e.g. to avoid eutrophication). Springs samples were separated by land use into urban and rural samples. In addition, Springfield Plateau water quality was compared with water quality (NO₃-N and Na) from the Ozark aquifer water to evaluate leaking from shallow to deeper aquifer by faults or karstic conduits. The effect of precipitation on water quality was considered. All springs had low concentrations of anthropogenic contaminants (Na, SO₄, and Cl). However, six springs presented NO₃-N concentrations over 3 mg/L. Urban springs had higher concentrations of anthropogenic contaminants than rural springs. A moderate correlation was obtained between Na-Cl for urban (ρ =0.58) and rural springs (ρ =0.47). A moderate negative correlation was obtained for SO₄-Na in urban springs (ρ =-0.42), and a positive correlation (ρ =0.54) for rural springs. Comparison between shallow and deep aquifer showed that faults and karst conduits do not represent a concern for pollution leaking. In addition, PFAS on sediments were not detected. This comprehensive data can be used as background for future studies, especially considering forthcoming changes in land use (urbanization) and climate pattern

Keywords

water quality, Ozark, springs, karst, nitrogen as nitrate, urban and rural

Subject Categories

Geochemistry | Geology

Copyright

© Claudia Patricia Colmenero Chacon

Recommended Citation

Colmenero Chacon, Claudia Patricia, "Water Quality of a Karstic Shallow Aquifer in Greene and Lawrence Counties, Missouri" (2024). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 4030.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/4030