Changes in discharge rates and their effects on water chemistry of White River in Muncie

Abstract

This study was conducted from June, 1976, to May, 1977 on the White River in Muncie. Data were collected to provide information concerning the effects that changes in discharge had on various water chemistry parameters. The following parameters were measured: alkalinity concentration, dissolved oxygen concentration, specific conductance, hydrogen ion concentration, turbidity, temperature, nitrate concentration, nitrite concentration, ortho- and meta-phosphate concentrations. At the time of each sample, discharge measurements were calculated and averaged.At the conclusion of sampling, the 34 measurements for each parameter were graphed and statistically analyzed. The parameters appeared to separate into two groups: Group A, which contained those parameters which seemed to be affected by discharge, and Group B, which contained those parameters which seemed to be unaffected by discharge. Group A parameters included nitrate concentration, nitrite concentration, turbidity, ortho- and meta-phosphate concentrations. Group B parameters included dissolved oxygen concentration, hydrogen ion concentration, specific conductance, and alkalinity concentration.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306