Nancy Tucker

Publication Date

6-1982

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Nicholas Crawford, Ronald Dilamarter, Wayne Hoffman

Degree Program

Department of Geography and Geology

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Chemical analysis of samples collected from subsurface streams and wells were analyzed to identify nonpoint pollutants in karst aquifers resulting from agricultural land use. Major flow paths and travel times taken by nonpoint pollutants were identified. A land use limitation map showing areas where agricultural activities may results in nonpoint pollution of the karst aquifer was prepared. A groundwater susceptibility map was prepared to show areas of the karst aquifer most susceptible to groundwater contamination by nonpoint pollution resulting from agricultural land use.

Research findings revealed that pollutant concentrations may reach levels thousands of times greater during high discharge events than during baseflow conditions. Approximately thirty-five percent of the drainage basin was considered to have serve limitations for conventional agricultural land use. Fifty-eight percent had moderate limitations while only seven percent had slight limitations and were considered acceptable for conventional agricultural land use. Lineaments, fracture traces and sinkholes were plotted on a map to revel those areas to the karst aquifer that are susceptible to groundwater contamination as a result of agricultural activities. Recommendations for agricultural best management practices were made in terms of reducing the potential for contributing pollutants to the karst aquifer.

Disciplines

Earth Sciences | Geology | Hydrology | Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Speleology

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