The Effect of Land Use on the Water Quality of Two Coves of Table Rock Reservoir

Karen Entrup

Date of Graduation

Spring 1986

Degree

Master of Science in Geospatial Sciences

Department

Geography, Geology, and Planning

Committee Chair

William Corcoran

Abstract

The water quality of two coves in Table Rock Reservoir was examined during 1985 in order to determine the effect of land use on water quality. The coves studied were chosen to represent differing intensities of land use with one cove representing intensive land use and the other representing less intensive land use. The water quality measured in the cove containing intensive land use was compared to the water quality measured in the cove supporting less intensive land use. The parameters used to define water quality were the chlorophyll a concentration and the Secchi disk transparency value as measured during the summer of 1985. These parameters were also transformed to a trophic scale in order to facilitate interpretation of the data collected. Several statistical tests were performed and it was concluded that according to the data collected, land use did not affect the quality of water in the study coves. Because this conclusion is at variance with accepted knowledge, limitations of the study which could possibly lead to erroneous results were noted. Since the study area is currently experiencing growth, the need for water quality monitoring is expressed.

Subject Categories

Earth Sciences

Copyright

© Karen Entrup

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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