Total suspended solids, discharge, conductivity, and nutrients in three watersheds of the Upper White River, IN

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Authors
Xu, Kejun
Advisor
Brown, Hugh J. (Hugh Joseph)
Issue Date
2004
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.S.)
Department
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Three watersheds of Upper White River were chosen for this study. Stream samples were tested for total suspended solids and conductivity. Fourteen percent of the total suspended solids samples were above 80 mg L-1 which can cause negative effects to aquatic life. Total suspended solids results were tested with a general linear model and in linear regressions with discharge and nutrients. Conductivity results were tested with a general linear model. Concentrations of the total suspended solids were significantly related to watershed, Julian date, the interaction of watershed and Julian date, and discharge. Increasing total suspended solids concentrations were significantly related to increasing concentrations of orthophosphate, nitrate, and ammonia. Conductivity levels were significantly related to watershed, location within watershed, and Julian date. Total suspended solids, discharge, and nutrient concentrations were high in the spring, but decreased in the following seasons.

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