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Assessment of water quality and factors affecting dissolved oxygen in the Sangamon River, Decatur to Riverton, Illinois, summer 1982

Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4024
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri874024

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Abstract

Water quality and processes that affect the dissolved-oxygen concentration in a 45.9 mile reach of the Sangamon River from Decatur to Riverton, Illinois, were determined from data collected during low-flow periods in the summer of 1982. Relations among dissolved oxygen, water discharge, biochemical oxygen demand, ammonia and nitrite plus nitrate concentrations, and photosynthetic-oxygen production were simulated using a one-dimensional, steady-state computer model. Average dissolved oxygen concentrations ranged from 8.0 milligrams per liter at the upstream end of the study reach at Decatur to 5.2 milligrams per liter 12.2 miles downstream. Ammonia concentrations ranged from 45 milligrams per liter at the mouth of Stevens Creek (2.6 miles downstream from Decatur) to 0.03 milligram per liter at the downstream end of the study reach. Un-ionized ammonia concentrations exceeded the maximum concentration specified in the State water quality standard (0.04 milligram per liter) throughout most of the study reach. Model simulations indicated that oxidation of ammonia to form nitrite plus nitrate was the most significant process leading to low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the river. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Schmidt, A., and Stamer, J., 1987, Assessment of water quality and factors affecting dissolved oxygen in the Sangamon River, Decatur to Riverton, Illinois, summer 1982: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4024, vii, 65 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri874024.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Assessment of water quality and factors affecting dissolved oxygen in the Sangamon River, Decatur to Riverton, Illinois, summer 1982
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 87-4024
DOI 10.3133/wri874024
Year Published 1987
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division,
Description vii, 65 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details