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USGS2010

Assessment of ecological conditions and potential effects of water produced from coalbed natural gas development on biological communities in streams of the Powder River structural basin, Wyoming and Montana, 2005-08

Ongoing development of coalbed natural gas in the Powder River structural basin in Wyoming and Montana led to formation of an interagency task group to address concerns about the effects of the resulting production water on biological communities in streams of the area. The interagency task group developed a monitoring plan and conducted sampling of macroinvertebrate, algal, and fish communities at 47 sites during 2005-08 to document current ecological conditions and determine existing and potential effects of water produced from coalbed natural gas development on biological communities. Macroinvertebrate, algal, and fish community composition varied between drainage basins, among sites within drainage basins, and by year. Macroinvertebrate communities of the main-stem Tongue River were characterized by higher taxa richness and higher abundance of Ephemeroptera, for example, compared to macroinvertebrate communities in plains tributaries of the Tongue River and the main-stem Powder River. Fish communities of the Tongue River were characterized by higher taxa richness and abundance of introduced species compared to the Powder River where native species were dominant. Macroinvertebrate community metric values from sites in the middle reach of the main-stem Powder River, from below Willow Creek to below Crazy Woman Creek, differed from metric values in the upper and lower reaches of the Powder River. Metrics indicative of communitywide differences included measures of taxa richness, relative abundance, feeding mode, and tolerance. Some of the variation in the macroinvertebrate communities could be explained by variation in environmental variables, including physical (turbidity, embeddedness, bed substrate size, and streamflow) and chemical (alkalinity and specific conductance) variables. Of these environmental variables, alkalinity was the best indicator of coalbed natural gas development because of the sodiumbicarbonate signature of the production water. Algal samples from the main-stem Powder River generally confirmed the pattern observed in the macroinvertebrate communities. Algal communities at sites in the middle reach of the Powder River commonly were characterized by dominance by a single taxon and by low biovolume of algae compared to other sites. In contrast to the macroinvertebrate and algal communities, species richness of fish communities was highest in the middle reach of the Powder River. Although a few significant differences in fish metrics were determined along the main-stem Powder River, the differences did not correspond to the pattern observed for the macroinvertebrate and algae communities. Differences in biological communities were noted between years, potentially due to the effects of drought. Macroinvertebrate community metrics, such as Diptera taxa richness, were significantly different in the severe drought year of 2006 from metric values in 2005 and 2007-08. Waterquality data collected during the study indicated that, with few exceptions, water-quality constituents generally did not exceed State or Federal acute and chronic criteria for the protection of aquatic life.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS2012

Physical habitat, water quality, and riverine biological assemblages of selected reaches of the Sheyenne River, North Dakota, 2010

In 2010, data on physical habitat, water quality, and riverine biological assemblages were collected at selected reaches in four locations (Kleven, Sheyenne, Cooperstown, and West Fargo) on the Sheyenne River in east-central North Dakota. Three of the locations (Kleven, Sheyenne, and Cooperstown) are above Baldhill Dam and one location (West Fargo) is below Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River. The 2010 data provide information to establish a better understanding of the water-quality and ecological conditions of the Sheyenne River. Concerns were raised about the water-quality and ecological conditions of the Sheyenne River because of the interbasin transfer of water from nearby Devils Lake. The transfer of water from Devils Lake to the Sheyenne River occurs through the Devils Lake State Outlet near Peterson Coulee or, if lake elevations exceed 1,459 feet above National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29), through a natural outlet, Tolna Coulee. The field measurements of water-quality characteristics and results of chemical analyses generally are comparable to summary statistics calculated for Sheyenne River for 1980 through 2006. Overall, water-quality results show differences between the Kleven, Sheyenne, Cooperstown, and West Fargo reaches. Sulfate concentrations were less than the State of North Dakota criterion of 750 milligrams per liter for the upper Sheyenne River above Baldhill Dam and less than the criterion of 450 milligrams per liter for the lower Sheyenne River below Baldhill Dam. Arsenic concentrations at most reaches exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking-water standard of 10 micrograms per liter. Nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, phosphorus) were higher in the upper Sheyenne River above Baldhill Dam than below Baldhill Dam where concentrations decreased by about half. In 2010, 35 families and 44 genera of benthic macroinvertebrates were collected and identified. On the basis of the index of biotic intergrity scores for benthic macroinvertebrate communities present in the Sheyenne River, all the reaches were determined to have condition classes of moderately disturbed to most disturbed. The benthic macroinvertebrate communities at the Cooperstown reaches were classed as moderately disturbed, whereas benthic macroinvertebrate communities at the Kleven, Sheyenne, West and Fargo reaches were most disturbed. During data collection, 37 genera and 165 species of periphyton (diatoms and soft-bodied algae) were collected and identified. In periphyton communities, similar taxa species were dominant in the Kleven, Sheyenne, and Cooperstown reaches, and different taxa species were dominant in the West Fargo reaches. For diatoms, the Kleven 3 reach had the lowest species richness value of 33.0, whereas the Cooperstown 8 reach had the highest species richness value of 57.0. For soft-bodied algae, the species richness values ranged from 8.0 at the Sheyenne 4 reach to 20.0 at the West Fargo 10 reach. During the fish collection, 32 species, representing 10 families, were collected in the Sheyenne River. All but two species are native to the Sheyenne River system. Common carp and white crappie are the two introduced species. Of the 32 species, 29 are tolerant to moderately tolerant to changes in water quality and habitat degradation, 16 species are tolerant to moderately tolerant to turbidity, and 16 species are tolerant to moderately tolerant to sensitivity to total dissolved solids, sulfate, and chloride. All fish species were categorized into four trophic groups. The largest group of 19 species was the insectivores (both benthic and general). The predator group consisted of seven species, and the omnivores consisted of six species. More fish were found in the lower Sheyenne River below Baldhill Dam than in the upper Sheyenne River above Baldhill Dam.

North Dakota↗

USGS2012

Water quality, hydrology, and simulated response to changes in phosphorus loading of Mercer Lake, Iron County, Wisconsin, with special emphasis on the effects of wastewater discharges

Mercer Lake is a relatively shallow drainage lake in north-central Wisconsin. The area near the lake has gone through many changes over the past century, including urbanization and industrial development. To try to improve the water quality of the lake, actions have been taken, such as removal of the lumber mill and diversion of all effluent from the sewage treatment plant away from the lake; however, it is uncertain how these actions have affected water quality. Mercer Lake area residents and authorities would like to continue to try to improve the water quality of the lake; however, they would like to place their efforts in the actions that will have the most beneficial effects. To provide a better understanding of the factors affecting the water quality of Mercer Lake, a detailed study of the lake and its watershed was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in collaboration with the Mercer Lake Association. The purposes of the study were to describe the water quality of the lake and the composition of its sediments; quantify the sources of water and phosphorus loading to the lake, including sources associated with wastewater discharges; and evaluate the effects of past and future changes in phosphorus inputs on the water quality of the lake using eutrophication models (models that simulate changes in phosphorus and algae concentrations and water clarity in the lake). Based on analyses of sediment cores and monitoring data collected from the lake, the water quality of Mercer Lake appears to have degraded as a result of the activities in its watershed over the past 100 years. The water quality appears to have improved, however, since a sewage treatment plant was constructed in 1965 and its effluent was routed away from the lake in 1995. Since 2000, when a more consistent monitoring program began, the water quality of the lake appears to have changed very little. During the two monitoring years (MY) 2008-09, the average summer near-surface concentration of total phosphorus was 0.023 mg/L, indicating the lake is borderline mesotrophic-eutrophic, or has moderate to high concentrations of phosphorus, whereas the average summer chlorophyll a concentration was 3.3 mg/L and water clarity, as measured with a Secchi depth, was 10.4 ft, both indicating mesotrophic conditions or that the lake has a moderate amount of algae and water clarity. Although actions have been taken to eliminate the wastewater discharges, the bottom sediment still has slightly elevated concentrations of several pollutants from wastewater discharges, lumber operations, and roadway drainage, and a few naturally occurring metals (such as iron). None of the concentrations, however, were high enough above the defined thresholds to be of concern. Based on nitrogen to phosphorus ratios, the productivity (algal growth) in Mercer Lake should typically be limited by phosphorus; therefore, understanding the phosphorus input to the lake is important when management efforts to improve or prevent degradation of the lake water quality are considered. Total inputs of phosphorus to Mercer Lake were directly estimated for MY 2008-09 at about 340 lb/yr and for a recent year with more typical hydrology at about 475 lb/yr. During these years, the largest sources of phosphorus were from Little Turtle Inlet, which contributed about 45 percent, and the drainage area near the lake containing the adjacent urban and residential developments, which contributed about 24 percent. Prior to 1965, when there was no sewage treatment plant and septic systems and other untreated systems contributed nutrients to the watershed, phosphorus loadings were estimated to be about 71 percent higher than during around 2009. In 1965, a sewage treatment plant was built, but its effluent was released in the downstream end of the lake. Depending on various assumptions on how much effluent was retained in the lake, phosphorus inputs from wastewater may have ranged from 0 to 342 lb. Future highway and stormwater improvements have been identified in the Mercer Infrastructure Improvement Project, and if they are done with the proposed best management practices, then phosphorus inputs to the lake may decrease by about 40 lb. Eutrophication models [Canfield and Bachman model (1981) and Carlson Trophic State Index equations (1977)] were used to predict how the water quality of Mercer Lake should respond to changes in phosphorus loading. A relatively linear response was found between phosphorus loading and phosphorus and chlorophyll a concentrations in the lake, with changes in phosphorus concentrations being slightly less (about 80 percent) and changes in chlorophyll a concentrations being slightly more (about 120 percent) than the changes in phosphorus loadings to the lake. Water clarity, indicated by Secchi depths, responded more to decreases in phosphorus loading than to increases in loading. Results from the eutrophication models indicated that the lake should have been negatively affected by the wastewater discharges. Prior to 1965, when there was no sewage treatment plant effluent and inputs from the septic systems and other untreated systems were thought to be high, the lake should have been eutrophic; near the surface, average phosphorus concentrations were almost 0.035 mg/L, chlorophyll a concentrations were about 7 μg/L, and Secchi depths were about 6 ft, which agreed with the shallower Secchi depths during this time estimated from the sediment-core analysis. The models indicated that between 1965 and 1995, when the lake retained some of the effluent from the new sewage treatment plant, water quality should have been between the conditions estimated prior to 1965 and what was expected during typical hydrologic conditions around MY 2008-09. The models also indicated that if the future Mercer Infrastructure Improvement Project is conducted with the best management practices as proposed, the water quality in the lake could improve slightly from that measured during 2006-10. Because of the small amount of phosphorus that is presently input into Mercer Lake any additional phosphorus added to the lake could degrade water quality; therefore, management actions can usefully focus on minimizing future phosphorus inputs. Phosphorus released from the sediments of a degraded lake often delays its response to decreases in external phosphorus loading, especially in shallow, frequently mixed systems. Mercer Lake, however, remains stratified throughout most of the summer, and phosphorus released from the sediments represents only about 6 percent, or a small fraction, of the total phosphorus load to the lake. Therefore, the phosphorus trapped in the sediments should minimally affect the long-term water quality of the lake and should not delay the response in its productivity to future changes in nutrient loading from its watershed.

Wisconsin↗

USGS2013

Multi-regional synthesis of temporal trends in biotic assemblages in streams and rivers of the continental United States

Biotic assemblages in aquatic ecosystems are excellent integrators and indicators of changing environmental conditions within a watershed. Therefore, temporal changes in abiotic environmental variables often can be inferred from temporal changes in biotic assemblages. Algae, macroinvertebrate, and fish assemblage data were collected from 91 sampling sites in 4 geographic regions (northeastern/north-central, southeastern, south-central, and western), collectively encompassing the continental United States, from 1993 to 2009 as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Program. This report uses a multivariate approach to synthesize temporal trends in biotic assemblages and correlations with relevant abiotic parameters as a function of biotic assemblage, geographic region, and land use. Of the three groups of biota, algal assemblages had temporal trends at the greatest percentage of sites. Of the regions, a greater percentage of sites in the northeastern/north-central and western regions had temporal trends in biotic assemblages. In terms of land use, a greater percentage of watersheds draining agricultural, urban, and undeveloped areas had significant temporal changes in biota, as compared to watersheds with mixed use. Correlations between biotic assemblages and abiotic variables indicate that, in general, macroinvertebrate assemblages correlated with water quality and fish assemblages correlated with physical habitat. Taken together, results indicate that there are regional differences in how individual biotic assemblages (algae, macroinvertebrates, and fish) respond to different abiotic drivers of change.

Continental United States↗

USGS2013

Effects of incubation substrates on hatch timing and success of White Sturgeon ( Acipenser transmontanus ) embryos

The Kootenai River white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1994 because several decades of failed spawning had put the population at risk of extinction. Natural spawning is known to occur at several locations in the Kootenai River, Idaho, but there is little natural recruitment. Microhabitat where embryo incubation occurs is known to be an important factor in white sturgeon reproductive success. This study was conducted to address questions regarding the suitability of different substrates as egg attachment and incubation sites for these fish. A comparative laboratory study using six types of incubation substrates—clean river rocks, periphyton- and algae-covered rocks, waterlogged wood, sand, riparian vegetation, and clean glass plates—tested the hypothesis that survival to hatch of white sturgeon eggs differs among incubation substrates. The results showed that sand was unsuitable as an incubation substrate, as the adhesive embryos were easily dislodged. Periphyton- and algae-covered rocks had the lowest hatch success, and all other substrates had similar hatch success.

Idaho↗

USGS2015

Water Quality, Cyanobacteria, and Environmental Factors and Their Relations to Microcystin Concentrations for Use in Predictive Models at Ohio Lake Erie and Inland Lake Recreational Sites, 2013-14

Harmful cyanobacterial “algal” blooms (cyanoHABs) and associated toxins, such as microcystin, are a major water-quality issue for Lake Erie and inland lakes in Ohio. Predicting when and where a bloom may occur is important to protect the public that uses and consumes a water resource; however, predictions are complicated and likely site specific because of the many factors affecting toxin production. Monitoring for a variety of environmental and water-quality factors, for concentrations of cyanobacteria by molecular methods, and for algal pigments such as chlorophyll and phycocyanin by using optical sensors may provide data that can be used to predict the occurrence of cyanoHABs. To test these monitoring approaches, water-quality samples were collected at Ohio recreational sites during May–November in 2013 and 2014. In 2013, samples were collected monthly at eight sites at eight lakes to facilitate an initial assessment and select sites for more intensive sampling during 2014. In 2014, samples were collected approximately weekly at five sites at three lakes. Physical water-quality parameters were measured at the time of sampling. Composite samples were preserved and analyzed for dissolved and total nutrients, toxins, phytoplankton abundance and biovolume, and cyanobacterial genes by molecular methods. Molecular assays were done to enumerate (1) general cyanobacteria, (2) general Microcystis and Dolichospermum ( Anabaena ), (3) mcyE genes for Microcystis , Dolichospermum ( Anabaena ), and Planktothrix targeting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and (4) mcyE transcripts for Microcystis , Dolichospermum ( Anabaena ), and Planktothrix targeting ribonucleic acid (RNA).The DNA assays for the mcyE gene provide data on cyanobacteria that have the potential to produce microcystin, whereas the RNA assays provide data on cyanobacteria that are actively transcribing the toxin gene. Environmental data were obtained from available online sources. Quality-control (QC) samples were collected and analyzed for all constituents to characterize bias and variability; however, QC data for molecular assays were examined in more detail than for the other constituents. The QC data for molecular assays suggested that sampling variability and qPCR variability were small in comparison with the combined variability associated with sample filtering, extraction and purification, and the matrix itself. A total of 46 water-quality samples were collected during 2013 at 8 beach sites—Buck Creek, Buckeye Crystal, Deer Creek, Harsha Main, Maumee Bay State Park (MBSP) Inland (negative control site), MBSP Lake Erie, Port Clinton, and Sandusky Bay. Microcystin was detected in 67–100 percent of samples at all sites except for MBSP Inland, where microcystin was detected in only 20 percent of samples. Microcystin concentrations ranged from <0.10 to 48 micrograms per liter (µ/L), with the widest range found at MBSP Lake Erie and the highest concentrations found at Buckeye Crystal. Saxitoxin was detected in five samples, and cylindrospermopsin was not detected in any samples. A total of 65 water-quality samples were collected during 2014 at 5 sites on 3 lakes—Buckeye Fairfield and Onion Island, Harsha Main and Campers, and MBSP Lake Erie beach. Four of the sites were bathing beaches and one site, Onion Island, was an offshore boater swim area. Concentrations of microcystin ranged from <0.10 to 240 µ/L and, as in 2013, the widest range was found at MBSP Lake Erie. At Buckeye Lake, microcystin concentrations were consistently high (greater than 20 µ/L), ranging from 23 to 81 µ/L. At Harsha Main and Campers, microcystin concentrations ranged from <0.10 to 15 µ/L. Saxitoxin was detected in four samples collected at MBSP Lake Erie. Throughout the 2014 season, the cyanobacterial community, as determined by molecular and microscopy methods, and the dominance associated with the highest microcystin concentrations were unique to individual lakes. At Buckeye Lake, Planktothrix dominated the cyanobacterial community throughout the season and Planktothrix DNA and RNA were found in 100 percent of samples; Microcystis mcyE DNA was found in low concentrations. At Harsha Lake, Dolichospermum and Microcystis were a substantial percentage of the community from late May through August, and the highest microcystin concentrations occurred in June and July. At MBSP Lake Erie, Microcystis generally dominated from mid-July through early November, and the highest microcystin concentrations occurred in August. Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho) was computed to determine the relations between environmental and water-quality factors and microcystin concentrations at four sites—Buckeye Fairfield, Buckeye Onion Island, Harsha Main, and MBSP Lake Erie. Factors were evaluated for use as potential independent variables in two types of predictive models—daily and long-term models. Easily or continuously measured water-quality factors and available environmental data are used for daily predictions that do not require a site visit. Data from factors used in daily predictions and results from samples collected and analyzed in a laboratory are used for long-term predictions (a few days to several weeks). A few statistically significant correlations (p ≤ 0.05) between microcystin concentrations and factors for both daily and long-term predictions were found at Buckeye Onion Island, and many were found at Harsha Main and MBSP Lake Erie. There were only a few statistically significant factors for daily predictions at Buckeye Fairfield, likely because of the lack of variability in microcystin concentrations. Among factors for daily predictions, phycocyanin had the highest Spearman’s correlation to microcystin concentrations (rho = 0.79 to 0.93) at all sites except for Buckeye Fairfield. Turbidity, pH, algae category, and Secchi depth were significantly correlated to microcystin concentrations at Harsha Main and MBSP Lake Erie. Algae categories were observational categories from 0 (none) to 4 (extreme). Several discharge variables (Maumee River at Waterville, river mouth is approximately 3.5 miles from the beach) at MBSP Lake Erie were promising environmental factors for daily predictions. In addition to discrete water-quality measurements recorded at Harsha Main at the time of sampling, many manipulated measurements (factors derived from mathematical manipulation of time-series data) available from a nearby continuous monitor were strongly correlated to microcystin concentrations; the highest correlation was found for the relation between microcystin concentrations and the antecedent 7-day average phycocyanin (rho = 0.98). For long-term predictions, the most highly correlated molecular assays were Planktothrix mcyE DNA at Buckeye Onion Island and Microcystis mcyE DNA at Harsha Main and MBSP Lake Erie. Concentrations of several nutrient constituents were significantly correlated to microcystin concentrations including total nitrogen at Buckeye Onion Island, ammonia and nitrate plus nitrite (both negatively correlated) at Harsha Main and MBSP Lake Erie, and total phosphorus at MBSP Lake Erie. The results of this study showed that water-quality and environmental variables are promising for use in site-specific daily or long-term predictive models. In order to develop more accurate models to predict toxin concentrations at freshwater lake sites, data need to be collected more frequently and for consecutive days in future studies.

Ohio↗

USGS2020

Modeling a 2- and 4-foot drawdown in the Link River to Keno Dam reach of the upper Klamath River, south-central Oregon

Executive Summary The most upstream, pooled reach of the Klamath River in south-central Oregon, from Link River mouth to Keno Dam (Link-Keno), has a water-surface elevation that remains relatively constant throughout the year. Two model scenarios, using an existing two-dimensional hydrodynamic and water-quality model (CE-QUAL-W2), were constructed to examine the effects of lowering the water-surface elevation by 2 and 4 feet (ft) (0.61 and 1.2 meters) throughout an entire calendar year to mimic some of the potential effects of removal or modification of Keno Dam. Model results for these drawdown scenarios were analyzed for changes in velocity, travel time, water temperature, total dissolved solids, inorganic suspended sediment, nutrients, organic matter, chlorophyll a , and dissolved oxygen, compared to the base-case model. The model used in this study had been previously calibrated with the presence of aquatic plants (macrophytes). However, most model analyses were completed for model runs where macrophytes were “turned off” because the species, abundance, and distribution of macrophytes in a lowered-water scenario were all highly uncertain. For comparison, a few model scenario runs were completed with macrophytes enabled within the model. Findings from this study include the following: Modeled water velocity increased and travel time decreased substantially throughout the reach with the 2- and 4-ft drawdown scenarios, with travel time roughly halved in the 4-ft scenario under unchanged flow conditions. For many water-quality constituents in the drawdown scenarios, the model showed little to no change in outflow concentrations at Keno Dam compared to the base case, which represents conditions based on year 2007 water-level elevations. However, chlorophyll a and particulate organic carbon concentrations increased in the Keno Dam outflow in summer with the drawdowns. This seemed to be related to the increased water velocity. As suspended algae and other particulate organic matter such as dead algal cells and detritus moved farther downstream with the faster velocity, there was relatively less deposition of that material in the most upstream model segments and relatively more deposition in downstream segments of the Link-Keno reach, especially in summer and autumn, the period with the largest algae bloom. Despite minor differences in the Keno Dam outflow, modeled dissolved oxygen concentration and water temperature showed some changes in the Link-Keno reach compared to the base case, with differences as large as 2 milligrams per liter and 2 degrees Celsius, respectively, computed as segment averages and daily averages. With macrophytes enabled, the model outflow in the drawdown scenarios showed a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration in mid-summer that seemed to be related to decreased macrophyte abundance and primary production in those scenarios. The with-macrophyte model results have greater uncertainty, but the results indicated that macrophytes are likely to be an important factor in the dissolved oxygen budget under reduced water-surface elevations.

Oregon↗

USGS2021

Periphyton biomass and community compositions as indicators of water quality in the Lower Grand River hydrologic unit, Missouri and Iowa, 2011–18

Biological communities, including periphyton, are continuously affected by chemical, physical, and other biological factors, and the health of these communities can reflect the overall health of the aquatic system. A diverse community is more robust, and communities with lower richness and evenness often indicate a degraded community dominated by few taxa tolerant to the degraded conditions, which makes the community more susceptible to ecological changes. Water-quality nutrient samples were collected at sites in the Lower Grand River during 2010 through 2018 and periphyton sample collections began in 2011 to describe the periphyton community and overall ecological health. Nutrient sample concentrations were generally elevated at these sites, which can lead to eutrophication, excessive plant and algae growth, drinking-water taste and odor problems, low dissolved-oxygen concentrations, and harmful algal blooms. Concentrations of total nitrogen were greater than acceptable as described by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and total phosphorus concentrations were greater than reference concentrations. Periphyton communities were dominated by taxa that are tolerant to or indicative of elevated nutrient concentrations; and nuisance algae, or harmful algal bloom producers, were identified at all sites, except one. The presence of these producers indicates that harmful algal blooms may have high potential during optimal conditions at these sites. Chlorophyll concentrations that exceed 100 milligrams per square meter are considered nuisance and were determined in 11 percent of the samples and at every site during September 2012. Samples were collected during low-flow conditions when nutrient concentrations are generally lower than during high-flow and runoff conditions. Elevated nutrient concentrations during low-flow conditions indicate nutrient concentrations are likely elevated throughout most of the year. Agriculture is the primary land use within the Lower Grand River and is likely a primary source of nutrients and sediments. Conservation practices intended to reduce nutrient loss from agriculture fields have increased because of the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative and will potentially increase the ecological, chemical, and physical health of these waterways.

Iowa, Missouri↗

USGS2022

Characterization of water quality, biology, and habitat of the Pearl River and selected tributaries contiguous to and within Tribal lands of the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, 2017–18

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI), conducted a baseline assessment of the physical, chemical, and biological quality of selected streams and rivers within and contiguous to the Pearl River Community (PRC) in 2017 and 2018. The MBCI is a federally recognized tribe with territories in Mississippi and Tennessee. MBCI Tribal government and communities have sovereign authority over their natural resources and are responsible for protecting the quality of waters within the Tribal lands from sources of pollution and restoring impaired waters. The quality of these surface waters has a profound effect upon the health and welfare of MBCI Tribal members. Data generated from this study may be used with other relevant water-quality data for comparison and development of Tribal water-quality standards. The PRC territory is drained by the Pearl River and associated tributaries. Water-quality and biological samples were collected and habitat surveys were conducted at sites on the mainstem of the Pearl River and major tributaries of the Pearl River—Wolf Creek, Beasha Creek, Jones Creek, and Kentawka Creek. The selected stream sites represent a range of land use/land cover and potential sources of alteration and contamination from within their respective drainage areas. In particular, Wolf Creek watershed has the highest relative percentage of developed land. Ambient physicochemical properties, major ions, nutrients, and organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) were analyzed quarterly from surface-water samples from October 2017 through August 2018. Physicochemical properties were also measured in June 2018 over a continuous 48-hour period. Trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were analyzed from streambed sediments in August 2018. Biological samples included the collection of periphyton algae (August 2018), benthic macroinvertebrate (March 2017 and March 2018), and fish communities (April 2018). Physical stream habitat characteristics were assessed using qualitative (March 2017 and March 2018) and quantitative surveys (August 2018). While not directly applicable, the State of Mississippi Water Quality Standards were used as reference to evaluate Tribal water quality. Physicochemical water-quality constituents—water temperature, specific conductance (SC), pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO)—were generally within natural ranges among sites and samples, with a few exceptions that exceeded existing Mississippi water-quality standards. pH and DO periodically were below the minimum State standards at some sampled sites. Specific conductance was also relatively high at both Wolf Creek sites but did not exceed the existing maximum standard for recreational waters. The surface water among stream sites was predominantly calcium bicarbonate type, with a shift toward sodium-bicarbonate water type at the downstream Wolf Creek (Wolf DS) site. Major ion concentrations were generally highest at the Wolf Creek sites. Nutrient concentrations were also often highest at Wolf DS, but total nitrogen and total phosphorus periodically exceeded recommended State and Federal nutrient criteria thresholds among most sampled sites. Twenty-nine OWCs, including 10 known or suspected endocrine disruptors, were detected among sites. Concentrations of OWCs were relatively low, and only 19 percent of all detections were above the reporting level. Concentrations of copper and nickel in streambed sediments were detected above consensus-based threshold-effect concentrations (TECs) at one site each, and arsenic and chromium exceeded TECs at most sites. Concentrations of all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in streambed sediments were low and well below TECs at all sites. The periphyton, macroinvertebrate, and fish communities at most sampled sites appear typical of central Mississippi streams; however, the diversity, composition, and abundance of taxa sampled from Wolf DS were particularly distinctive compared to other sampled stream sites. Periphyton taxa richness was low at both Wolf Creek sites, and both sites had greater abundances of diatom taxa, which are indicative of high nutrient concentrations, than of soft-algae taxa. Similarly, Wolf DS had relatively low macroinvertebrate diversity, the fewest Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa, a high abundance of Tubificid taxa, and the lowest overall Mississippi-Benthic Index of Stream Quality score. Fish species richness was also relatively low at Wolf DS compared to some other sampled sites. Habitat characteristics also appeared to be generally typical of most central Mississippi streams. Qualitative habitat assessment scores were at or above the regional least disturbed streams for Wolf DS, the upstream Wolf Creek (Wolf US) site, and Jones Creek. Habitat scores among the remaining sites indicate fair conditions. Quantitative and qualitative habitat characteristics indicate relatively lower habitat quality at the two Beasha Creek sites.

Mississippi↗

USGS2024

Societal benefits of cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom management in Lake Okeechobee in Florida—Potential damages avoided during the 2018 event under U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Harmful Algal Bloom Interception, Treatment, and Transformation System scenarios

Freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) formed by blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, have emerged as a global environmental problem. Their negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems can affect the benefits nature provides to human society by reducing water quality; inhibiting aquatic recreation; killing fish, wildlife, and pets; and posing a risk to human health. To manage harmful algal blooms, the Engineer Research and Development Center of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is developing an advanced technology called the Harmful Algal Bloom Interception, Treatment, and Transformation System (HABITATS), which has been tested in pilot demonstrations upstream of spillways at HAB-affected waterbodies in Florida. The U.S. Geological Survey and cooperators from the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Policy Analysis investigated the societal benefits of HABITATS technology by using data from an actual 2018 harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee to characterize the observed societal impacts and then comparing observed effects to hypothetical scenarios of HABITATS deployment. This study estimated an economic value of $5.5 million in foregone recreation as a result of closed boating ramp facilities and other restrictions on aquatic recreation such as fishing and swimming during the 2018 cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom outbreak. The change in housing sales prices that could have resulted from murky water or bad odor during that outbreak was estimated as $2.3 million. The team also investigated drinking water contamination and human illness but did not find significant societal impacts in this case. If HABITATS had been deployed, the avoided losses less the cost of management could have provided net societal benefits that ranged between negative $2.1 million and positive $0.8 million, depending on the vertical distribution of algae in the water column and the HABITATS version used. The study’s estimated societal benefit is undoubtedly a lower bound estimate because current scientific knowledge is inadequate to characterize, or monetize, all the impacts.

Florida↗

USGS2026

Evaluation of a eutrophication Beneficial Use Impairment in the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern in northwest Indiana, 2021–22

Eutrophication has been regularly documented in the Grand Calumet River and Indiana Harbor Canal in northwest Indiana. The area has undergone various remediation efforts since the development of a Remedial Action Plan for the area in response to a 1987 amendment to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978 between the United States and Canada and the designation of the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To address concerns of eutrophication and its effects, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, collected data from the Grand Calumet River and Indiana Harbor Canal in 2021 and 2022 to document the effects of remediation and combined sewer overflow releases on water quality. This study used continuous monitors to collect real time data for dissolved oxygen, water temperature, chlorophyll fluorescence, specific conductance, and pH. Discrete sample analysis included biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, nutrients, nitrogen and oxygen isotopes in nitrate, nitrogen isotopes in ammonia, hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in water, and identification of algal communities (cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae) by metabarcoding. Eutrophic conditions were found throughout the area. Isotopic results indicated the source of nitrate in samples was either from soil organic nitrogen or combined sewer overflows. Combined sewer overflows were shown to have considerable effects on the sites, and remediation status did not have a great effect. Algal community results identified several taxa capable of becoming nuisance species, including Microcystaceae (cyanobacteria) and Chrysophyceae, Cryptophyceae, and Bacillariophyceae (all eukaryotic algae). When sites with irregular flow patterns were excluded from datasets, minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations were often higher downstream from remediated sites than from unremediated sites. This study shows the potential for further and more targeted exploration into the unusual conditions found throughout the Grand Calumet River and Indiana Harbor Canal area.

Indiana↗

USGS2000

Hydrology, water quality, and nutrient loads to Lake Catherine and Channel Lake, near Antioch, Lake County, Illinois

From April 21, 1998, through April 30, 1999, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Fox Waterway Agency, conducted an investigation designed to characterize the hydrology, water quality, hydrologic budget, sediment budget, and nutrient budget of Lake Catherine and Channel Lake, Lake County, Illinois. These lakes are the northernmost lakes of the Fox Chain of Lakes. Lake Catherine and Channel Lake are divided into two basins by a submerged ridge but are continuous at the surface. The lakes are marginally to moderately eutrophic. Lake Catherine and Channel Lake have a combined volume of 7,098 acre-feet at a stage of about 736.5 feet above sea level. Lake Catherine and Channel Lake are subject to thermal stratification. Although most of the water in the lakes is well oxidized, nearly anoxic conditions were present at the bottom of Lake Catherine and Channel Lake during part of the summer in 1998. Water enters Lake Catherine and Channel Lake as inflow from surface water in the watershed (61.9 percent), inflow through the State Highway 173 bridge openings (20.7 percent), direct precipitation (8.2 percent), inflow from storm drains (7.2 percent), and inflow of ground water (2.0 percent). Water exits Lake Catherine and Channel Lake as outflow through the State Highway 173 bridge openings (87.8 percent), evaporation (7.2 percent), and as outflow to ground water (5.0 percent). About 5,200 pounds of phosphorus and 107,200 pounds of nitrogen compounds were added to the lakes during the period of investigation. Phosphorus compounds were derived from primarily internal regeneration (40.2 percent), inflow from surface water in the watershed (30.9 percent), inflow from storm drains (12.5 percent), and inflow through the State Highway 173 bridge openings (9.8 percent). Inflowing ground water, waterfowl excrement, precipitation, and atmospheric deposition of particulate matter account for 6.6 percent of the phosphorus load. Nitrogen was derived from inflow of surface water from within the watershed (52.9 percent), internal regeneration (19.5 percent), inflow through the State Highway 173 bridge openings (10.7 percent), precipitation (7 percent), and inflow from storm drains (6.5 percent). Inflowing ground water, waterfowl excrement, and atmospheric deposition of particulate matter account for about 3.4 percent of the nitrogen load. About 2,220 pounds of phosphorus and 52,300 pounds of nitrogen compounds are removed from the lakes, primarily through the openings at State Highway 173. Nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and dissolved phosphorus are utilized by algae and aquatic macrophytes. Uptake of these nutrients by aquatic macrophytes and algae temporarily removes them from the water column but not from the lake basin. Because the amount of nutrients entering the lake greatly exceeds the amount leaving, the nutrients are concentrated in the sediments at the lake bottom, where the nutrients can be used by the rooted aquatic macrophytes (rooted aquatic plant large enough to be visible to the unaided eye) and released to the water column during reducing conditions. The buildup of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the lakes has the potential over time to stimulate algal and plant growth to nuisance levels that have the potential to affect the fishery and detract from the aesthetic quality of these lakes.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS2000

Effect of Georgetown Lake on the water quality of Clear Creek, Georgetown, Colorado, 1997-98

Georgetown Lake is a recreational reservoir located in the upper Clear Creek Basin, a designated Superfund site because of extensive metal mining in the past. Metals concentrations in Clear Creek increase as the stream receives runoff from mining-affected areas. In 1997, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, began a study to determine the effect of the reservoir on the transport of metals in Clear Creek. A bathymetric survey determined the capacity of the reservoir to be about 440 acre-feet of water, which remained constant during the study. Average water residence time in the reservoir is about 1-3 days during high flow. During low flow (10 cubic feet per second), average residence is about 22 days without ice cover and about 15 days with a 3-foot-thick ice cover. Sediment samples collected from the bottom of Georgetown Lake contained substantial concentrations of iron (average 25,500 milligrams per kilogram), aluminum (average 12,300 milligrams per kilogram), zinc (2,830 milligrams per kilogram), lead (618 milligrams per kilogram), manganese (548 milligrams per kilogram), and sulfide minerals (average 602 milligrams per kilogram as S). Sediment also contained abundant sulfate-reducing bacteria, indicating anoxic conditions. Algae and diatoms common to cold-water lakes were identified in sediment samples; one genus of algae is known to adapt to low-light conditions such as exist beneath ice cover. Vertical profiles of temperature, specific conductance, pH, and dissolved-oxygen concentrations were measured in the reservoir on July 28, 1997, when inflow to the reservoir was about 170 cubic feet per second and average residence time of water was about 1.3 days, and on February 13, 1998, when the reservoir was covered with about 3 feet of ice, inflow was about 15 cubic feet per second, and average residence time was about 12 days. The measurements on July 28, 1997, showed that the reservoir water was well mixed, although pH and dissolved-oxygen concentrations were increased by photosynthesis near the bottom of the reservoir. Measurements on February 13, 1998, indicated thermal and chemical stratification with warmer water (about 4 degrees Celsius) beneath colder water and increases in pH and dissolved-oxygen concentrations generally occurring near the top of the warmer layer. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen were saturated to over-saturated throughout the water column on both dates, although the concentrations were greater on February 13, 1998, because of colder temperature and photosynthesis. Median pH was about 0.5 unit higher on February 13, 1998, than on July 28, 1997, largely because the longer residence time on February 13, 1998, allowed greater cumulative effects of photosynthesis. Samples of inflow and outflow water were collected from August 1997 to August 1998. Dissolved cadmium and dissolved lead in inflow and outflow samples exceeded acute and chronic water-quality standards during some of the sampling period, whereas dissolved zinc exceeded both standards in inflow and outflow samples during the entire sampling period. Chromium, nickel, and silver were detected in a few samples at small concentrations. Arsenic, selenium, and thallium were not reported in any water samples. Georgetown Lake removes some metals from inflow water and releases others to outflow water. From August 1997 to August 1998, Georgetown Lake estimated outflow loads were about 21 percent less than the inflow load of cadmium and about 11 percent less than the inflow load of zinc. Estimated inflow loads were about 18 percent less than the outflow load of copper, about 13 percent less than the outflow load of iron, and about 27 percent less than the outflow load of manganese. Inflow and outflow loads of lead were essentially balanced. The outflow load of nitrite plus nitrate was about 14 percent less than the inflow load, probably because of plant uptake.

Colorado↗

USGS2003

Phosphorus concentrations, loads, and yields in the Illinois River Basin, Arkansas and Oklahoma, 1997-2001

The Illinois River and tributaries, Flint Creek and the Baron Fork, are designated scenic rivers in Oklahoma. Recent phosphorus increases in streams in the basin have resulted in the growth of excess algae, which have limited the aesthetic benefits of water bodies in the basin, especially the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has established a standard for total phosphorus not to exceed the 30- day geometric mean concentration of 0.037 milligram per liter in Oklahoma Scenic Rivers. Data from water-quality samples from 1997 to 2001 were used to summarize phosphorus concentrations and estimate phosphorus loads, yields, and flowweighted concentrations in the Illinois River basin. Phosphorus concentrations in the Illinois River basin generally were significantly greater in runoff-event samples than in base-flow samples. Phosphorus concentrations generally decreased with increasing base flow, from dilution, and increased with runoff, possibly because of phosphorus resuspension, stream bank erosion, and the addition of phosphorus from nonpoint sources. Estimated mean annual phosphorus loads were greater at the Illinois River stations than at Flint Creek and the Baron Fork. Loads appeared to generally increase with time during 1997-2001 at all stations, but this increase might be partly attributable to the beginning of runoff-event sampling in the basin in July 1999. Base-flow loads at stations on the Illinois River were about 10 times greater than those on the Baron Fork and 5 times greater than those on Flint Creek. Runoff components of the annual total phosphorus load ranged from 58.7 to 96.8 percent from 1997-2001. Base-flow and runoff loads were generally greatest in spring (March through May) or summer (June through August), and were least in fall (September through November). Total yields of phosphorus ranged from 107 to 797 pounds per year per square mile. Greatest yields were at Flint Creek near Kansas (365 to 797 pounds per year per square mile) and the least yields were at Baron Fork at Eldon (107 to 440 pounds per year per square mile). Estimated mean flow-weighted concentrations were more than 10 times greater than the median and were consistently greater than the 75th percentile of flow-weighted phosphorus concentrations in samples collected at relatively undeveloped basins of the United States (0.022 milligram per liter and 0.037 milligram per liter, respectively). In addition, flow-weighted phosphorus concentrations in 1999-2001 at all Illinois River stations and at Flint Creek near Kansas were equal to or greater than the 75th percentile of all National Water-Quality Assessment program stations in the United States (0.29 milligram per liter). The annual average phosphorus load entering Lake Tenkiller was about 577,000 pounds per year, and more than 86 percent of the load was transported to the lake by runoff.The Illinois River and tributaries, Flint Creek and the Baron Fork, are designated scenic rivers in Oklahoma. Recent phosphorus increases in streams in the basin have resulted in the growth of excess algae, which have limited the aesthetic benefits of water bodies in the basin, especially the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has established a standard for total phosphorus not to exceed the 30- day geometric mean concentration of 0.037 milligram per liter in Oklahoma Scenic Rivers. Data from water-quality samples from 1997 to 2001 were used to summarize phosphorus concentrations and estimate phosphorus loads, yields, and flowweighted concentrations in the Illinois River basin. Phosphorus concentrations in the Illinois River basin generally were significantly greater in runoff-event samples than in base-flow samples. Phosphorus concentrations generally decreased with increasing base flow, from dilution, and increased with runoff, possibly because of phosphorus resuspension, stream bank erosion, and the addition of phosphorus

Arkansas, Oklahoma↗

USGS1974

Limnological study of Lake Shastina, Siskiyou County, California

Lake Shastina provides water for irrigation in Shasta Valley, as well as recreation. Presently, its shoreline is being developed for summer homes. Surface water constituted more than 90 percent of the approximately 50,000 acre-foot (62-cubic hectometre) inflow to Lake Shastina in the 1972 water year. Controlled outflow is via the Montague Main Canal; however, leakage from the lake through volcanic rocks to the northwest was estimated to be greater than the measured outflow. Appreciable annual changes in the quantity of water in storage in the lake are related mainly to variations in annual inflow. From June through August the lake was thermally stratified. In the spring and summer the epilimnion was often supersaturated with oxygen, while at the same time the hypolimnion was undersaturated and 'often devoid of dissolved oxygen. Vertical stratification of carbon dioxide, carbonate, bicarbonate, hydrogen ion, nitrogen, and phosphorus was also recorded during the spring and summer. Orthophosphate, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen concentrations (organic, ammonium, and nitrate) were highest in the hypolimnion during the period of thermal stratification. Ten-inch (25-centimetre) core samples from the reservoir bottom were chemically analyzed at 0.8-inch (2-centimetre) intervals. The concentrations ranged from 6.3 to 28.9 milligrams per gram of iron, 0.07 to 0.43 milligrams per gram of manganese, 0.4 to 2.7 milligrams per gram of organic nitrogen plus ammonium, and 0.06 to 1.3 milligrams per gram of total phosphorus. Organic matter in the cores ranged from 4 to 14 percent. Green algae and diatoms were the dominant algal types, reaching maximum concentrations of about 7 and 30 million cells per litre, respectively. These phytoplankton occurred near the surface during thermally stratified periods, but were distributed at greater depths during nonthermally stratified periods. Blue-green algae were present only in the spring samples, and reached a maximum concentration of about 5 million cells per litre. Zooplankton numbers were greatest in March, July, and September, with lesser concentrations in June. Three major zooplankton groups, Cladocera, Copepoda, and Rotifera, were present. The major groups of benthic organisms were Oligochaeta, Chironomidae, and Chaoborus, with numbers ranging from 3350, 890, and 8450 per square metre, respectively. A discussion on algal control is included.

California↗

USGS1978

The biology of Salt Wells Creek and its tributaries, southwestern Wyoming

A description of aquatic organisms and biological communities is presented for Salt Wells Creek, a plains stream in the Green River basin. The description includes seasonal population fluctuations of benthic organisms and algae, the food pyramid, and nutrient relations between various types of plants and animals. The algae and stream invertebrates were studied to determine baseline data and biological indicators of water quality. (Woodard-USGS).

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1984

Water-quality appraisal, Mammoth Creek and Hot Creek, Mono County, California

A late summer reconnaissance in 1981 and a spring high-flow sampling in 1982 of Mammoth Creek and Hot Creek, located in the Mammoth crest area of the Sierra Nevada, indicated that mineralization, eutrophication, sedimentation, and limited areas of fecal contamination were occurring. Mineralization, indicated by a downstream increase in dissolved-solids concentration, was due primarily to geothermal springs that gradually decreased in the percentage of calcium, increased in the percentage of magnesium and sodium, and caused fluctuating, but overall increasing percentage of fluoride, sulfate, and chloride. Resulting water quality in Mammoth Creek was similar to that of the springs forming Hot Creek. Eutrophication was observed in Twin Lakes and the reach of Hot Creek below the fish hatchery. Twin Lakes had floating mats of algae and a high dissolved-oxygen saturation of 147 percent at a pH of 9.2. Hot Creek had excessive aquatic vascular plant and algae growth, dissolved-oxygen saturations ranging from 65 to 200 percent, algal growth potential of 30 milligrams per liter, and nitrates and phosphates of 0.44 and 0.157 milligrams per liter. Sedimentation was noted in observations of bed-material composition showing the presence of fine material beginning at Sherwin Creek Road. Fecal contamination was indicated by fecal coliform counts of 250 colonies per 100 milliliters and fecal streptococcal counts greater than 1,000 colonies per 100 milliliters. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1986

Cluster analysis of phytoplankton data collected from the National Stream Quality Accounting Network in the Tennessee River basin, 1974-81

A computer program, Numerical Taxonomy System of Multivariate Statistical Programs (NTSYS), was used with interfacing software to perform cluster analyses of phytoplankton data stored in the biological files of the U.S. Geological Survey. The NTSYS software performs various types of statistical analyses and is capable of handling a large matrix of data. Cluster analyses were done on phytoplankton data collected from 1974 to 1981 at four national Stream Quality Accounting Network stations in the Tennessee River basin. Analysis of the changes in clusters of phytoplankton genera indicated possible changes in the water quality of the French Broad River near Knoxville, Tennessee. At this station, the most common diatom groups indicated a shift in dominant forms with some of the less common diatoms being replaced by green and blue-green algae. There was a reduction in genera variability between 1974-77 and 1979-81 sampling periods. Statistical analysis of chloride and dissolved solids confirmed that concentrations of these substances were smaller in 1974-77 than in 1979-81. At Pickwick Landing Dam, the furthest downstream station used in the study, there was an increase in the number of genera of ' rare ' organisms with time. The appearance of two groups of green and blue-green algae indicated that an increase in temperature or nutrient concentrations occurred from 1974 to 1981, but this could not be confirmed using available water quality data. Associations of genera forming the phytoplankton communities at three stations on the Tennessee River were found to be seasonal. Nodal analysis of combined data from all four stations used in the study did not identify any seasonal or temporal patterns during 1974-81. Cluster analysis using the NYSYS programs was effective in reducing the large phytoplankton data set to a manageable size and provided considerable insight into the structure of phytoplankton communities in the Tennessee River basin. Problems encountered using cluster analysis were the subjectivity introduced in the definition of meaningful clusters, and the lack of taxonomic identification to the species level. (Author 's abstract)

Tennessee↗