Comparison of water quality in coastal plain streams of North Carolina / by Deborah D. Noltemeier.
| Author/creator | Noltemeier, Deborah D. author. |
| Other author | Brinson, Mark M., degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Biology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1984. |
| Description | viii, 139 leaves : illustrations, charts, map ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | A one year study was conducted in the central Coastal Plain of North Carolina to examine water chemistry in a Piedmont-draining alluvial river (and its floodplain), and in ten Coastal Plain-draining streams which were further subdivided into two general categories based on their geologic origin: (1) peat-draining streams and (2) mineral soil-draining streams (including a channelized stream). Objectives of this research were to demonstrate similarities and differences in water chemistry and to determine if streams could be distinguished and categorized on the basis of the chemical composition of their waters. The results of this study elucidated differences in the chemical composition of streamwater which can be used to distinguish the geologic origin of Coastal Plain-draining streams. The characteristics of peat-draining streams that distinctively separate them from, mineral soil-draining streams are higher concentrations of organic carbon and lower levels of dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, pH, total alkalinity, conductivity, cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K and Fe) , inorganic nitrogen, and phosphorus. When compared to the two categories of streams originating in the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont-draining alluvial river had higher levels of dissolved oxygen and cations; lower concentrations of organic carbon; and levels of biochemical oxygen demand, pH, total alkalinity, conductivity, iron, inorganic and organic nitrogen, and phosphorus that were between those of the other two categories. Categorical separations of streams, based on their geologic origin, are basically sound; however, large watersheds often possess diverse lithology which results in overlapping stream types. Anthropogenic influence was superimposed on Coastal Plain-draining streams as a result of wastewater discharges, agricultural activities, animal husbandry operations, and channelization. Localized loadings of nitrogen and phosphorus in Chicod Creek and Grindle Creek resulted in high concentrations of these nutrients in streamwater, which indicated that the assimilative capacity of these streams had been exceeded. Channelized Grindle Creek had perennial flow; higher levels of cations, conductivity, and nutrients; and lower dissolved organic carbon concentrations, which clearly distinguished it from the natural streams. |
| General note | "Presented to the faculty of the Department of Biology ... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science in Biology." |
| General note | Advisor: Mark M. Brinson |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 1984 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-123). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |