Nutrient Concentrations, Loads, and Yields in the Middle Iowa River Basin, Iowa
Links
- Document: Report
- Tables:
- Table 1.1 (28.1 kB xlsx) — Tributary sites in the Middle Iowa River Basin, upstream of Coralville Reservoir
- Table 1.1 (23.3 kB csv) — Tributary sites in the Middle Iowa River Basin, upstream of Coralville Reservoir
- Dataset: U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System database — USGS water data for the Nation
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Concentrations, loads, and yields of nitrate plus nitrite, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus were assessed in the Iowa River upstream from the Coralville Reservoir in east-central Iowa. The results of this study describe baseline nutrient transport during two historical reference periods, 1980–96 and 2006–10, that can be used to evaluate the progress of the implementation of reduction strategies in the Middle Iowa River Basin. Where available, nutrient data during the more recent period 2011–18 are also described. Data included nutrient concentrations and streamflow from multiple Federal, State, and Tribal agencies, and loads were computed using multiple techniques to provide valuable insights, which would otherwise not be possible.
Despite an upward trend for mean annual and base streamflow (the trend in high streamflow was not significant), average nutrient loads and yields in the Iowa River were smaller in the recent period (2011–18) than in either historical reference period. Notably smaller loads during the 2012 drought, however, caused pronounced skewed average loads for 2011–18. Comparisons among periods were difficult to make because of a short period of data upstream from Marshalltown, Iowa, at the upstream boundary of the study area and a lack of recent data near Marengo, Iowa, at the downstream boundary of the study area. Though spring and summer loads were a disproportionate part of annual loads, up to 90 percent, seasonal load comparisons to determine load reduction were more sensitive to one or the other historical period than was assessment of annual loads. Runoff-transport relations may provide an additional tool to assess load reduction.
Suggested Citation
Garrett, J.D., and Kalkhoff, S.J., 2021, Nutrient concentrations, loads, and yields in the Middle Iowa River Basin, Iowa: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2020–5148, 22 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20205148.
ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Iowa River Nutrient Concentrations, Loads, and Yields
- Summary
- References Cited
- Appendix 1. Tributary Sites
Publication type | Report |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Title | Nutrient concentrations, loads, and yields in the Middle Iowa River Basin, Iowa |
Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
Series number | 2020-5148 |
DOI | 10.3133/sir20205148 |
Year Published | 2021 |
Language | English |
Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
Publisher location | Reston, VA |
Contributing office(s) | Iowa Water Science Center, Illinois-Iowa-Missouri Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center |
Description | Report: vii, 22 p.; 1 Table; Dataset |
Country | United States |
State | Iowa |
Other Geospatial | Middle Iowa River Basin |
Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
Additional Online Files (Y/N) | Y |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |