Search USGS⌕ Search

Geology topics

Research about Kentucky

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Kentucky.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
USGS1999

Processes affecting dissolved-oxygen concentrations in the lower reaches of Middle Fork and South Fork Beargrass Creek, Jefferson County, Kentucky

This report provides data on dissolved-oxygen (DO) concentrations and identifies the environmental processes that most affect DO concentrations during base-flow periods in the lower reaches of Middle Fork and South Fork Beargrass Creek in Jefferson County, Kentucky. These reaches are affected by inputs from combined-sewer overflows. Sections of the lower reaches of the two streams run through single-family residential areas and public parks that are used extensively by local residents during the summer. Recreational fishing and wading also are common in the Middle Fork reach. Continuous-record data collected during the summer and early fall (July-September 1996 on the Middle Fork and July-October 1995 on the South Fork) at three monitoring sites along each reach indicate generally decreasing DO concentrations in the downstream direction except for the South Fork Beargrass Creek at Winter Avenue site where channel modifications have resulted in higher velocities along with shallower depths during low-flow conditions. The channel modifications at this site increased the reaeration-rate coefficient (a measure of the capacity of the stream to absorb oxygen through the air-water interface), increased the potential for algae to attach to the rough concrete surface, and increased algal exposure to sunlight. Synoptic data available for selected constituent concentrations were used to calibrate and verify a computer model (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency QUAL2E model) capable of simulating processes that affect DO concentrations in streams. The results of the study indicate that streamflow, reaeration, and sediment-oxygen demand (SOD) are the factors that most affect net production and depletion of DO in the lower reaches of Middle Fork and South Fork Beargrass Creek. For the QUAL2E model, streamflow is used in the determination of depth, which in tum is used to estimate the consumption of oxygen by SOD. Streamflow also is used in the determination of the reaeration-rate coefficient. From the QUAL2E simulations, DO concentrations (in the mass balance) attributed to reaeration and SOD were at least an order of magnitude greater than any of the other factors that can affect DO concentrations. Large diurnal variability in DO concentrations resulted at the monitoring sites located at upstream and downstream ends of the Middle Fork and South Fork reaches, but as indicated in model simulation, the net effect of photosynthesis and respiration on DO concentration was small. Nitrogen, ammonia, and carbonaceous biochemical-oxygen demand were present at low concentrations in each of the study reaches; the model results indicate these constituents did not have a substantial effect on DO concentrations. Model simulations indicated that lowering the SOD rate by 50 percent would result in a substantial improvement in DO concentrations in the Middle Fork Beargrass Creek reach for extremely low base-flow conditions but would result in only limited improvement in DO concentrations in the South Fork Beargrass Creek reach. However, no simulations for extremely low base-flow conditions were conducted for the South Fork Beargrass Creek reach. More information on SOD is needed for stream reaches affected by periodic inputs of effluent. In such stream systems, the temporal and spatial variability of SOD needs to be better defined.

Kentucky↗
USGS1998

Loads and yields of sediment and water-quality constituents in Kentucky streams

Loads and yields of sediment and water-quality constituents were estimated for selected Kentucky streams. Streamflow, sediment, and water-quality information were collected at a network of 44 stream stations in Kentucky. Mean daily discharge was synthesized using the drainage-area ratio, regression analysis, or a combination of the two techniques. Streamflow was partitioned into total and base flow and used to estimate loads and yields for sediment and water-quality constituents through the use of ESTIMATOR and FLUX software. The relative magnitude of constituent transport to streams from ground- and surface-water sources was determined for 20 of the 44 stations. Mean annual total-flow yields for suspended solids (residue, nonfilterable) ranged from 0.4 to 365 tons per square mile (tons/mi). The smallest mean annual total-flow yield for suspended solids was determined at Clarks Run at Almo; the largest was determined at Eagle Creek at Glencoe. The aggregate median value of the mean annual total-flow yield for suspended solids was 112 tons/mi2. The analysis of trace-metal data indicates that the largest mean annual total-flow yield of cadmium-0.039 tons/mil—was determined at Clarks River at Almo. This yield is approximately 20 times greater than the aggregate median value of the mean annual total-flow yields (0.002 tons/mi2). Nine (45 percent) of the stations had mean annual total-flow yields equal to the aggregate minimum value (0.001 tons/mi2). The maximum total-flow yield of chromium (0.009 tons/mi2) was determined at Eagle Creek at Glencoe. Clarks River at Almo had the smallest estimated mean annual total- and base-flow yields for chromium (less than 0.001 tons/mi2). The aggregate median value of the mean annual total-flow yield for copper was 0.007 tons/mi2. Barren River at Bowling Green and Clarks River at Almo had the largest estimated mean annual total-flow yields for copper (0.017 tons/mi2). The aggregate median of the mean annual total-flow yield for lead was 0.021 tons/mi2. Barren River at Bowling Green had the largest mean annual total-flow yield of lead (0.04 tons/mi2). Three stations—Beech Fork at Maud, Red River at Clay City, and South Fork Kentucky River at Booneville—had an estimate of mean annual total-flow yields of lead equal to the aggregate minimum of 0.004 tons/mi2. Analysis of the nutrient data indicates that the largest mean annual total-flow yield of nitrite plus nitrate (11.8 tons/mi2) was estimated at South Elkhorn Creek near Midway. This yield is nearly 10 times the aggregate median value (1.3 tons/mi2). The minimum annual total-flow yield of nitrite plus nitrate (0.419 tons/mi2) was estimated at Middle Fork Kentucky River at Tallega. Salt River at Glensboro had the largest mean annual total-flow yield of ammonia and organic nitrogen (206 tons/mi2). This is nearly 400 times the aggregate median value of the mean annual total-flow yield of 0.57 tons/mi2. The phosphorus yield (total flow) was greatest at Clarks River at Almo with 3.4 tons/mi2. This phosphorus yield is nearly 30 times the aggregate median value of the mean annual total-flow yield of 0.12 tons/mi2. The smallest mean annual total-flow yield for phosphorus (0.036 tons/mi2) was estimated at South Fork Kentucky River at Booneville. North Fork Kentucky River at Jackson had the smallest mean annual total-flow yield of ammonia (0.004 tons/mi2). The aggregate median value of the mean annual total-flow yield for ammonia was 0.93 tons/mi2.

Kentucky↗
USGS1998

Continuous hydrologic simulation of runoff for the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Beargrass Creek basin in Jefferson County, Kentucky

The Hydrological Simulation Pro-gram-FORTRAN (HSPF) was applied to an urban drainage basin in Jefferson County, Ky to integrate the large amounts of information being collected on water quantity and quality into an analytical framework that could be used as a management and planning tool. Hydrologic response units were developed using geographic data and a K-means analysis to characterize important hydrologic and physical factors in the basin. The Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN Expert System (HSPEXP) was used to calibrate the model parameters for the Middle Fork Beargrass Creek Basin for 3 years (June 1, 1991, to May 31, 1994) of 5-minute streamflow and precipitation time series, and 3 years of hourly pan-evaporation time series. The calibrated model parameters were applied to the South Fork Beargrass Creek Basin for confirmation. The model confirmation results indicated that the model simulated the system within acceptable tolerances. The coefficient of determination and coefficient of model-fit efficiency between simulated and observed daily flows were 0.91 and 0.82, respectively, for model calibration and 0.88 and 0.77, respectively, for model confirmation. The model is most sensitive to estimates of the area of effective impervious land in the basin; the spatial distribution of rain-fall; and the lower-zone evapotranspiration, lower-zone nominal storage, and infiltration-capacity parameters during recession and low-flow periods. The error contribution from these sources varies with season and antecedent conditions.

Kentucky↗
USGS1998

Recharge-area delineation and hydrology, McCraken Springs, Fort Knox Military Reservation, Meade County, Kentucky

McCraken Springs, consisting of three perennial springs - Main, Bat Cave, and Rocky Springs—and several intermittent springs, are used as a source of public water by the Fort Knox Military Reservation in Meade County, Ky. The water supply provided by McCraken Springs is potentially vulnerable to natural and induced stresses on the karst aquifer and to degradation by contaminants introduced by stormwater entering sinkholes and a large sinking stream in the Springs' recharge area. The U.S. Department of the Army is preparing a spring-basin protection plan for McCraken Springs, in accordance with State water-supply regulations and as specified under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines for the Wellhead Protection Program (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1991). In order to provide the information needed to prepare the plan, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, conducted a hydrogeologic study of the McCraken Springs in 1997-98. This report presents the results of that investigation. Ground-water-tracer tests and the results of potentiometric-surface mapping were used to identify ground-water basins drained by major perennial springs and to delineate the approximate boundaries of the recharge area for McCraken Springs. Additional hydrologic data were collected to determine the discharge and recharge characteristics of the Springs. Karst aquifers and springs are widely recognized as being more sensitive to degradation to point- and nonpoint-source contamination than most granular and fractured-rock aquifers (Field, 1990). Delineation of the geographic area contributing recharge to a water-supply spring is a principal step in identifying potential sources of ground-water contamination and developing a strategy to ensure the availability and protect the sustainability of the water supply. Conventional methods of aquifer testing and numerical modeling are not sufficient to determine the flow boundaries of ground-water basins in conduit-dominated karst aquifers. Previous studies published by Quinlan and Ewers (1989); Mull and others (1990); Bayless and others (1994); and Schindel and others (1995) demonstrate the utility of ground-water tracer tests, used in combination with potentiometric-surface mapping, to identify flow directions in karst aquifers, and to delineate karst ground-water-basin boundaries.

Kentucky↗
USGS1997

Coal quality trends and distribution of potentially hazardous trace elements in eastern Kentucky coals

Coal in the Eastern Kentucky coalfield has been, and continues to be, a valuable energy resource, especially for the electric utility industry. However, Federal mandates in Titles III and IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 have placed increasingly stringent demands on the type and grade of coal that can be burnt in an environmentally acceptable manner. Therefore, a greater understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of thickness and quality parameters, and the geologic factors that control their distribution, is critical if the Eastern Kentucky coalfield is to continue to be a major producer of high-quality coal. Information from the Kentucky Geological Survey's Coal Resource Information System database is used in this paper to document the geographic and stratigraphic distribution of important factors such as bed thickness, calorific value, ash yield and total sulfur content. The distribution of 15 elements that naturally occur in trace amounts in Kentucky coal is also discussed, as these elements may require monitoring with passage of Title III of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.

Kentucky↗
USGS1997

Proterozoic sequences and their implications for Precambrian and Cambrian geologic evolution of western Kentucky: Evidence from seismic-reflection data

Analyses of two seismic-reflection lines in western Kentucky indicate the presence of two Proterozoic, unconformity-bounded sequences. One is autochthonous and of probable Late Proterozoic age; the other is allochthonous and of probable Middle Proterozoic age. Reflector patterns and apparent relationships to similar sequences elsewhere in the region suggest that the two sequences are of continental-rift origin. The two Proterozoic sequences lie beneath and adjacent to rocks of the Cambrian rift sequence in the Rough Creek Graben. The oldest sequence, the pre-Grenville sequence, was apparently folded and thrust faulted by the Grenville compressional event, implying that it is older than ???0.975 Ga (Middle Proterozoic). Two seismic-reflection pattern types are present in the western Kentucky data that may relate to the Middle Run (lithic arenite) and volcanic sequences defined farther east near the Grenville Front. The presence of imbricate, thrust-belt geometries in the pre-Grenville sequence extends the known westward limit of Grenville compressional structures into western Kentucky. The younger, post-Grenville sequence is less deformed and was apparently formed after the Grenville compressional event; several lines of evidence indicate that it is Late Proterozoic (0.7 to 0.6 Ga) in age. This probable siliciclastic and volcanic-rift sequence is represented by only thin remnants in western Kentucky and has no equivalent near the Grenville Front in southwestern Ohio and central Kentucky. Rocks of the better documented Cambrian rifting event belong to the thick, pre-Knox sequence in the Rough Creek Graben of western Kentucky and lie unconformably above these earlier sequences. A previously undocumented, northward-thickening interval within the lower part of the Cambrian pre-Knox sequence is recognized north of the Rough Creek Graben.

Kentucky↗
USGS1997

Estimation of peak-discharge frequency of urban streams in Jefferson County, Kentucky

An investigation of flood-hydrograph characteristics for streams in urban Jefferson County, Kentucky, was made to obtain hydrologic information needed for waterresources management. Equations for estimating peak-discharge frequencies for ungaged streams in the county were developed by combining (1) long-term annual peakdischarge data and rainfall-runoff data collected from 1991 to 1995 in 13 urban basins and (2) long-term annual peak-discharge data in four rural basins located in hydrologically similar areas of neighboring counties. The basins ranged in size from 1.36 to 64.0 square miles. The U.S. Geological Survey Rainfall- Runoff Model (RRM) was calibrated for each of the urban basins. The calibrated models were used with long-term, historical rainfall and pan-evaporation data to simulate 79 years of annual peak-discharge data. Peak-discharge frequencies were estimated by fitting the logarithms of the annual peak discharges to a Pearson-Type III frequency distribution. The simulated peak-discharge frequencies were adjusted for improved reliability by application of bias-correction factors derived from peakdischarge frequencies based on local, observed annual peak discharges. The three-parameter and the preferred seven-parameter nationwide urban-peak-discharge regression equations previously developed by USGS investigators provided biased (high) estimates for the urban basins studied. Generalized-least-square regression procedures were used to relate peakdischarge frequency to selected basin characteristics. Regression equations were developed to estimate peak-discharge frequency by adjusting peak-dischargefrequency estimates made by use of the threeparameter nationwide urban regression equations. The regression equations are presented in equivalent forms as functions of contributing drainage area, main-channel slope, and basin development factor, which is an index for measuring the efficiency of the basin drainage system. Estimates of peak discharges for streams in the county can be made for the 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year recurrence intervals by use of the regression equations. The average standard errors of prediction of the regression equations ranges from ? 34 to ? 45 percent. The regression equations are applicable to ungaged streams in the county having a specific range of basin characteristics.

Kentucky↗
USGS1996

Water resources data, Kentucky, water, year 1996

Water resources data for the 1996 water year for Kentucky consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams and lakes; and water levels of wells. This report includes daily discharge records for 85 stream-gaging stations. It also includes water-quality data for 33 stations sampled at regular intervals. Ground-water levels are published for 11 recording and 70 partial sites. Precipitation data at a regular interval are published for 1 site. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program and are published as miscellaneous measurement and analyses. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Kentucky.

Kentucky↗
USGS1996

Cambrian potential indicated in Kentucky Rome trough

A recent gas discovery in the Rome trough has Appalachian basin operators re-evaluating the deep Cambrian potential of eastern Kentucky. The Rome trough has seen sporadic exploration since the late 1940s, with very limited commercial success. A new exploration phase began in mid-1994 with completion of the Carson Associates 1 Kazee well in Elliott County, Ky. (Fig. 1). This well blew out and initially flowed 11 MMcfd of gas from a zone in the upper Conasauga Group/Rome formation at 6,258-70 ft.

Kentucky↗
USGS1995

Water resources data, Kentucky, water year 1994

Water resources data for the 1994 water year for Kentucky consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams and lakes, and water levels of wells. This report includes daily discharge records for 98 stream-gaging stations and stage at 3 stations. It also includes water-quality data for 36 stations sampled at regular intervals. Also published are 8 daily temperature and 104 miscellaneous temperature and specific conductance determinations for the gaging stations. Suspended-sediment data for 3 stations are also published. Ground-water levels are published for 13 recording and 84 partial sites. Precipitation data at a regular interval is published for 1 site. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program and are published as miscellaneous measurement and analyses. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Kentucky.

Kentucky↗
USGS1995

Water resources data, Kentucky, water year 1995

Water resources data for the 1995 water year for Kentucky consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams and lakes; and water levels of wells. This report includes daily discharge records for 83 stream-gaging stations. It also includes water-quality data for 33 stations sampled at regular intervals. Also published are 1 daily temperature and 70 miscellaneous temperature and specific conductance determinations for the gaging stations. Suspended-sediment data for 3 stations are also published. Ground-water levels are published for 13 recording and 70 partial sites. Precipitation data at a regular interval are published for 1 site. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program and are published as miscellaneous measurement and analyses. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Kentucky.

Kentucky↗
USGS1995

Water-quality assessment of the Kentucky River Basin, Kentucky: Distribution of metals and other trace elements in sediment and water, 1987-90

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program is designed to provide a nationally consistent description of the current status of water quality, to define water-quality trends, and to relate past and present water-quality conditions to natural features, uses of land and water, and other water-quality effects from human activities. The Kentucky River Basin is one of four NAWQA pilot projects that focused primarily on the quality of surface water. Water, sediment, and bedrock samples were collected in the Kentucky River Basin during 1987-90 for the purpose of (1) describing the spatial distribution, transport, and temporal variability of metals and other trace elements in streams of the basin; (2) estimating mean annual loads, yields, and trends of constituent concentrations and identifying potential causes (or sources) of spatial patterns; (3) providing baseline information for concentrations of metals in streambed and suspended sediments; (4) identifying stream reaches in the Kentucky River Basin with chronic water-quality problems; and (5) evaluating the merits of the NAWQA pilot study-approach for the assessment of metals and other trace elements in a river system. The spatial distribution of metals and other trace elements in streambed sediments of the Kentucky River Basin is associated with regional differences of geology, land use and cover, and the results of human activities. Median concentrations of constituents differed significantly among physiographic regions of the basin because of relations to bedrock geochemistry and land disturbance. Concentrations of potentially toxic metals were large in urban and industrial areas of the basin. Elevated concentrations of certain metals were also found in streambed sediments of the Knobs Region because of the presence of Devonian shale bedrock. Elevated concentrations of lead and zinc found in streambed sediments of the Bluegrass Region are likely associated with urban stormwater runoff, point-source discharges, and waste-management practices. Concentrations of cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, and silver were elevated in streambed sediments downstream from wastewater-treatment plant discharges. Streambed-sediment concentrations of barium, chromium, and lithium were elevated in streams that receive brine discharges from oil production. Elevated concentrations of antimony, arsenic, molybdenum, selenium, strontium, uranium, and vanadium in streambed sediments of the Kentucky River Basin were generally associated with natural sources. Concentrations of metals and other trace elements in water samples from fixed stations (stations where water-quality samples were collected for 3.5 years) in the Kentucky River Basin were generally related to stream discharge and the concentration of suspended sediment, whereas constituent concentrations in the suspended-sediment matrix were indicative of natural and human sources. Estimated mean annual loads and yields for most metals and other trace elements were associated with the transport of suspended sediment. Land disturbance, such as surface mining and agriculture, contribute to increased transport of sediment in streams, thereby increasing concentrations of metals in water samples during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall and increased stream discharge. Concentrations of many metals and trace elements were reduced during low streamflow. Although total-recoverable and dissolved concentrations of certain metals and trace elements were large in streams affected by land disturbance, concentrations of constituents in the suspendedsediment matrix were commonly large in streams in the Knobs and Eastern Coal Field Regions (because of relations with bedrock geochemistry) and in streams that receive wastewater or oil-well-brine discharges. Concentrations and mean annual load estimates for aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, and mercury were larger than those obtained from data collected by a State agency, probably because of differences in sample-collection methodology, the range of discharge associated with water-quality samples, and laboratory analytical procedures. However, concentrations, loads, and yields of arsenic, barium, and zinc were similar to those determined from the State data. Significant upward trends in the concentrations of aluminum, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc were indicated at one or more fixed stations in the Kentucky River Basin during the past 10 to 15 years. Upward trends for concentrations of aluminum, iron, and manganese were found at sites that receive drainage from coal mines in the upper Kentucky River Basin, whereas upward trends for zinc may be associated with urban sources. Water-quality criteria established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) or the State of Kentucky for concentrations of aluminum, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, silver, and zinc were exceeded at one or more fixed stations in the Kentucky River Basin. On a qualitative basis, dissolved concentrations of certain metals and trace elements were large during low streamflow at sites where (1) concentrations of these constituents in underlying streambed sediments were large, or (2) dissolvedoxygen concentrations were small. Concentrations of barium, lithium, and strontium were large during low streamflow, which indicates the influence of ground-water baseflows on the quality of surface water during low flow. The effects of point-source discharges, landfills, and other wastemanagement practices are somewhat localized in the Kentucky River Basin and are best indicated by the spatial distribution of metals and other trace elements in streambed sediments and in the suspended-sediment fraction of water samples at stream locations near the source. It was not possible to quantify the contribution of point sources to the total transport of metals and other trace elements at fixed stations because data were not available for wastewater effluents. Quantification of baseline concentrations of metals and other trace elements in streambed sediments provides a basis for the detection of water-quality changes that may result from improvements in wastewater treatment or the implementation of best-management practices for controlling contamination from nonpoint sources in the Kentucky River Basin.

Kentucky↗
USGS1995

Water-quality assessment of the Kentucky River basin, Kentucky: Nutrients, sediments, and pesticides in streams, 1987-90

The U.S. Geological Survey investigated the water quality of the Kentucky River Basin in Kentucky as part of the National Water Quality Assessment program. Data collected during 1987-90 were used to describe the spatial and temporal variability of nutrients, suspended sediment, and pesticides in streams. Concentrations of phosphorus were signifi- cantly correlated with urban and agricultural land use. The high phosphorus content of Bluegrass Region soils was an important source of phosphorus in streams. At many sites in urban areas, all of the stream nitrogen load was attributable to wastewater- treatment-plant effluent. Tributary streams affected by agricultural sources of nutrients contained higher densities of phytoplankton than streams that drained forested areas. Data indicate that a consid- erable percentage of total nitrogen was transported as algal biomass during periods of low discharge. Average suspended-sediment concentrations for the study period were positively correlated with dis- charge. There was a downward trend in suspended- sediment concentrations downstream in the Kentucky River main stem during the study. Although a large amount of suspended sediment originates in the Eastern Coal Field Region, contributions of suspended sediment from the Red River and other tributary streams of the Knobs Region also are important. The most frequently detected herbicides in water samples were atrazine, 2,4-D, alachlor, metolachlor, and dicamba. Diazinon, malathion, and parathion were the most frequently detected organo- phosphate insecticides in water samples. Detectable concentrations of aldrin, chlordane, DDT, DDE, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and lindane were found in streambed- sediment samples.

Kentucky↗
USGS1995

Water-quality assessment of the Kentucky River Basin, Kentucky: Results of investigations of surface-water quality, 1987-90

The U.S. Geological Survey investigated the water quality of the Kentucky River Basin in Kentucky as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment program. Data collected during 1987-90 were used to describe the spatial and temporal variability of water-quality constituents including metals and trace elements, nutrients, sediments, pesticides, dissolved oxygen, and fecal-coliform bacteria. Oil-production activities were the source of barium, bromide, chloride, magnesium, and sodium in several watersheds. High concentrations of aluminum, iron, and zinc were related to surface mining in the Eastern Coal Field Region. High concentrations of lead and zinc occurred in streambed sediments in urban areas, whereas concentrations of arsenic, strontium, and uranium were associated with natural geologic sources. Concentrations of phosphorus were significantly correlated with urban and agricultural land use. The high phosphorus content of Bluegrass Region soils was an important source of phosphorus in streams. At many sites in urban areas, most of the stream nitrogen load was attributable to wastewater-treatment-plant effluent. Average suspended-sediment concentrations were positively correlated with discharge. There was a downward trend in suspended-sediment concentrations downstream in the Kentucky River main stem during the study. The most frequently detected herbicides in water samples were atrazine, 2,4-D, alachlor, metolachlor, and dicamba. Diazinon, malathion, and parathion were the most frequently detected organophosphate insecticides in water samples. Detectable concentrations of aldrin, chlordane, DDT, DDE, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan, heptachlor, and lindane were found in streambed-sediment samples. Dissolved-oxygen concentrations were sometimes below the minimum concentration needed to sustain aquatic life. At some sites, high concentrations of fecal-indicator bacteria were found and water samples did not meet sanitary water-quality criteria.

Kentucky↗
USGS1995

Water-quality assessment of the Kentucky River Basin, Kentucky; analysis of available surface-water-quality data through 1986, with a section on biological indicators of water quality

As part of the National Water-Quality Assessment program (NAWQA), existing water-quality data and ancillary information from the Kentucky River basin study unit were compiled and evaluated to provide a description of existing conditions and long-term trends in water quality. The data and evaluations were used to develop a conceptual understanding of the observed conditions and trends, including relations to causative factors, both natural and human controlled.

Kentucky↗