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Trends and comparison of water quality and bottom material of northeastern Arkansas streams, 1974-85, and effects of planned diversions

Water-Resources Investigations Report 90-4017
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri904017

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Abstract

Water quality of several rivers in Arkansas was compared using median values at individual water quality stations. Differences were detected in several properties, including common dissolved constituents, alkalinity, nutrients, fecal coliform bacteria, trace metals, pesticides, and sediment. In bottom material, organochlorine pesticides were detected much more frequently than organophosphorus pesticides and were higher in rivers with beds of fine-gradient particles. Time trends were examined using the Seasonal Kendall test. Trends in conductance, sodium adsorption ratio, chloride, phosphorus, and ammonia were usually not detectable. Sulfate concentrations were increasing at approximately one-half of the stations studied while fecal-coliform bacteria concentrations decreased at approximately one-half of the stations. The most potentially detrimental effects upon water quality resulting from surface water diversions were related to increases of common dissolved constituents. From available data, the largest of these increases would be caused by diversion from the Arkansas River. Potential effects not specifically examined include resuspension of bottom materials resulting from construction and operation of the diversion system. Use of some surface waters for artificial recharge of the alluvial aquifer may adversely affect the recharge systems or the aquifer. Possible effects include plugging of the injection well and the aquifer. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Petersen, J.C., 1990, Trends and comparison of water quality and bottom material of northeastern Arkansas streams, 1974-85, and effects of planned diversions: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 90-4017, ix, 215 p. :maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri904017.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Trends and comparison of water quality and bottom material of northeastern Arkansas streams, 1974-85, and effects of planned diversions
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 90-4017
DOI 10.3133/wri904017
Year Published 1990
Language ENGLISH
Publisher Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey ; Books and Open-File Reports [distributor],
Description ix, 215 p. :maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details