| Cache River Watershed, AR has several impairments, including: dissolved lead (Pb) and copper (Cu), and total dissolved solids (TDS). Eight sites were monitored monthly measuring: pH, conductivity, DO, total suspended solids (TSS), TDS, turbidity, hardness, dissolved and total nutrients and metals (Pb and Cu), to add to ADEQ's database. Flow was measured to determine if there was a relationship between measured parameters and periods of low or high flow. Filtration size (0.45 vs 0.20 microm) was compared to conclude if using different size filters on water samples affected concentrations of metals in water. Bioassays were performed using aquatic organisms on ambient water/sediment from each site to measure ecological effects. Results of research showed Water Quality Criteria limits were exceeded, there was a significant difference between 0.45 and 0.20 microm filters dissolved Cu concentrations, and water toxicity levels corresponded to metal measurements, indicating possible harm to aquatic organisms. |
