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Detailed study of irrigation drainage in and near wildlife management areas, west-central Nevada, 1987-90. Part C. Summary of irrigation-drainage effects on water quality, bottom sediment, and biota

Water-Resources Investigations Report 92-4024-C
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri924024C

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Abstract

This report presents a summary of the detailed scientific study of Stillwater Wildlife Management Area and other nearby wetlands in west-central Nevada during 1987-90. The work was funded by the National Irrigation Water Quality Program of the U.S. Department of the Interior with the overall objectives of determining (1) the extent, magnitude, and effects of selected water-quality constituents associated with irrigation drainage on fish, wildlife, and human health, and (2) the sources and exposure pathways that cause contamination where adverse effects are documented. Much of the information in this report was summarized from two previously published interpretive reports that were completed to fulfill study objectives. Where applicable, data for the study area from other published sources also were utilized. The results of these studies indicate that the aquatic biota in natural wetlands of the Carson Desert are adversely affected by hydrological and geochemical sources and processes in the Newlands Irrigation Project area. Reactions between water and naturally occurring minerals in the shallow alluvial aquifer increase concentrations of potentially toxic constituents in ground water that eventually enters the wetlands. Once in the wetlands, these constituents are furhter concentrated by evaporation and transpiration. Water from some agricultural drains that enter Stillwater WMA was acutely toxic to aquatic organisms. The drains in the agricultural areas, which eventually discharge to the wetlands, were also implicated as sites of uptake of selenium and mercury by aquatic organisms.

Suggested Citation

Hoffman, R., 1994, Detailed study of irrigation drainage in and near wildlife management areas, west-central Nevada, 1987-90. Part C. Summary of irrigation-drainage effects on water quality, bottom sediment, and biota: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 92-4024, iv, 32 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri924024C.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Detailed study of irrigation drainage in and near wildlife management areas, west-central Nevada, 1987-90. Part C. Summary of irrigation-drainage effects on water quality, bottom sediment, and biota
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 92-4024
Chapter C
DOI 10.3133/wri924024C
Year Published 1994
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description iv, 32 p.
Country United States
State Nevada
Additional publication details