Transcript Slide 1

Analysis of Nutrient Loading and Coliform Contamination of the Sauk River (St. Cloud, MN)
Jacob Galzki & Mitch Bender
Sample Date
Abstract
St. Cloud State University
800
0.2
E. coli
Phosphate
1.1)
0.16
600
mg P/L
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0.08
400
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mg N/L
Sample Date
Total coliform
16000
1.2)
• The highest total coliform level was measured at 15,570 CFU/100 mL and the
average was 5374 CFU/100 mL.
CFU/100mL
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Sample Date
4
Nitrate
8000
2.3)
Conclusion
mg N/L
• The high levels of coliform bacteria found in the Sauk River have the potential
to cause health risks to individuals using the river for recreational purposes.
• Spikes in coliform bacteria levels appear to correlate with rain events, leading
to the conclusion that surface runoff is contributing these bacteria to the river.
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• These findings have triggered future research that will investigate E. coli hot
spots along the entire river in effort to determine the locations of possible
problem areas.
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Sample Date
Fig. 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 Nutrient concentration measured in milligrams per liter:
phosphate, ammonia, and nitrate respectively (error bars represent standard
deviation).
a)
3)
b)
• Grab samples were taken in replicate from the Sauk River biweekly and after
significant rainfall events (>1.25 cm).
Sampling Site
St. Cloud
Photo Credit: Matt Lenz
• Crumpton, W.G., Isenhart, T.M., & Mitchell, P.D. 1992. Nitrate and organic N analyses with second
derivative spectroscopy. Limnology and Oceanography. 37:907-913.
Photo Credit: Jacob Galzki
c)
d)
• Davidson, O.G. 2005. Hung Out to Dry: post Katrina floodwaters are dirty, but so are other U.S.
waterways. Grist Magazine. 11 Oct 2005.
• EPA (2003). Total Coliforms and E. Coli Membrane Filtration Method. Retrieved 18 January 2006 from:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/lt2/pdfs/guide_lt2
_mlmanual_appendix-o.pdf.
m-
• Using standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater, the
samples were analyzed for pH, conductivity, suspended solids, and total
solids (Clesceri et al., 1989).
Dr. Mitch Bender, Research Advisor
Dr. Charles Rose, Nitrate Analysis Assistance
• Clesceri, L.S., Greenberg, A.E., & Trussell, R.R, (editors). 1989. Standard Methods for the Examination
of Water and Wastewater, 17th ed. DHA-AWWA-WDCK. Washington D.C.
salicylate
• Total coliform and E.coli levels were determined using an EPA approved
ColiBlue24 membrane filtration method (EPA, 2003).
Acknowledgements & References
References
• Nitrate concentration was determined using a second derivative UV/visable
spectrophotometric procedure (Crumpton et al., 1992).
a
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• 7 of the 9 rain events triggered E.coli levels above EPA recreational
standards.
0.1
Methods and Analysis
using
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• E.coli levels were measured over the EPA recreational standard of 126
CFU/100 mL during 8 of the 18 sampling dates. The highest level was
measured at 690 CFU/100 mL and the average was 146 CFU/100 mL.
0.2
Rain event
Fig. 1.1 and 1.2 E.coli and total colifom contamination measured in colony forming unit (CFU)
counts per 100 mL sample (error bars represent standard deviation).
• Ammonia concentration was also determined
spectrophotometric method (Clesceri et al., 1989).
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• Nutrient loading was calculated at 58 Mg per year for PO4-P; 1,433 Mg per
year for NO3-N; and 112 Mg per year for NH3-N.
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• Ortho-phosphate concentration was determined using an ascorbic acid
reduction spectrophotometric procedure (Clesceri et al., 1989).
grams per liter
Discussion
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2.2)
• Determine the current nutrient and coliform bacteria levels in the Sauk River
near St. Cloud, MN.
• The location of sample collection was near the Sauk River’s confluence with
the Mississippi River near St. Cloud, MN.
grams per liter
10
9 /1
Ammonia
4000
• Determine the need for future investigation concerning agricultural and urban
development effects on the nutrient and coliform bacteria levels in the Sauk
River.
μ moles per cm
0.4
3
• Monitor changes in the water quality over time and in relationship with rain
events (> 1.25 cm).
6.78
6.90
7.19
7.37
7.49
7.78
7.60
7.43
7.37
7.35
7.59
7.66
7.59
8.52
7.76
7.73
7.52
7.58
Total Solids
Sample Date
Introduction
Research Project Objectives
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Suspended Solids
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200
˚C
pH
Conductivity
Table 1. Temperature, pH, conductivity, suspended solids, and total solids for each sample
date averaged from three grab samples.
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Anthropogenic sources of nutrients can influence runoff and contribute to
nutrient loading of nearby waterways. Increases of these nutrients have been
associated with water quality issues, such as eutrophication. When an excess
amount of nutrients enter a body of water, growth of aquatic vegetation is
accelerated. This vegetation cannot sustain itself and eventually dies. This
process results in lower dissolved oxygen levels in the body of water and can
threaten fish populations and other aquatic life. When left unchecked,
eutrophication can also lead to surface scum, pest infestations, and foul odors
which severely impairs the recreational value of a body of water. Coliform
bacteria that are associated with agricultural practices, like E.coli, also enter
surface runoff and eventually nearby waterways. These coliform bacteria are
found in the intestinal tracts of warm blooded creatures and are spread through
feces. If ingested they can cause symptoms in humans ranging from abdominal
cramping and diarrhea to kidney failure, paralysis, and, in rare cases, death.
Most strains of E.coli are harmless, but their presence in waterways should act
as a red flag to health officials (Davidson, 2005).
2.1)
Rain event
CFU/100mL
The degradation of water quality due to anthropogenic activity adversely affects
both recreational and natural values of waterways worldwide. Agriculture and
urban sprawl are two large contributors to water quality degradation. Fertilizers
are often used in excess and animal wastes are often not managed properly.
Both fertilizers and animal wastes contain nutrients which can be carried to
nearby waterways during periods of rainfall. This can lead to eutrophication,
which may cause a loss of biodiversity, fish kills, and ultimately a loss of the
natural beauty of the affected body of water. Animal wastes may also contain
harmful bacteria, such as E.coli, which is a direct threat to human health. From
September 2005 through October 2006, a study was conducted to examine the
levels of nutrients and coliform bacteria in the Sauk River near St. Cloud, MN.
When weather permitted, grab samples were taken from the Sauk River
biweekly and after significant rain events (>1.25 cm). The samples were
analyzed in the laboratory for nitrate, phosphate, and ammonia (three nutrients
commonly found in agricultural fertilizers and animal wastes). The samples
were also analyzed for coliform contamination. Nutrient loading was calculated
at 58 Mg per year for PO4-P; 1,433 Mg per year for NO3-N; and 112 Mg per
year for NH3-N. E.coli levels were measured over the EPA recreational
standard of 126 CFU/100 mL during 8 of the 18 sampling dates. The highest
level was measured at 690 CFU/100 mL and the average was 146 CFU/100
mL.
9/22/2005
10/5/2005
10/13/2005
10/19/2005
11/2/2005
11/13/2005
11/29/2005
12/14/2005
4/4/2006
4/19/2006
4/29/2006
5/20/2006
6/6/2006
6/10/2006
6/30/2006
8/14/2006
8/26/2006
9/3/2006
10/16/2006
Temperature
• MN DNR Data Deli. Map Data. Retrieved 2 October 2006 from: http://deli.dnr.state.mn.us/
Cartography by Jacob Galzki
Data Source: MN DNR Data Deli
Fig. 3 Map displaying the confluence of the Sauk and Mississippi
Rivers, as well as the watershed the Sauk River drains.
Photo Credit: Mitch Bender
Photo Credit: Vanessa Bradseth
Photo a) obtaining water samples; Photo b) incubating bacterial plates;
Photo c) colony development after 24 hour incubation; Photo d) colony
analysis
• MPCA (2005). Specific Standards of Quality and Purity for Class 2 Waters of the State; Aquatic Life and
Recreation. Retrieved 19 January 2006 from: http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us
/arule/7050/0222.html.