science for a changing world Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992–95

U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 A COORDINATED EFFORT

Coordination among agencies and organizations is an integral part of the NAWQA Program. We thank the following agencies and organizations that contributed data used in this report, participated in the study liaison committee, or assisted in field work.

Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Oklahoma Water Resources Board Arkansas Geological Commission Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission Pittsburg State University Arkansas Water Resources Research Center Taney County Planning Commission Kansas Department of Health and Environment The Nature Conservancy Kansas Geological Survey University of Arkansas Kansas Water Office U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas Water Resources Research Institute U.S. Department of Agriculture Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit - Natural Resources Conservation Service Missouri Department of Conservation - Forest Service Missouri Department of Natural Resources U.S. Department of the Interior - Division of Environmental Quality - Fish and Wildlife Service - Division of Geology and Land Survey - Geological Survey - Biological Resources Division Missouri Water Resources Research Center - Geological Survey - Geologic Division Neosho Basin Advisory Committee - National Park Service Oklahoma Conservation Commission U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Watershed Committee of the Ozarks

Much appreciation is extended to the following U.S. Geological Survey employees for their contributions: Rebecca S. Inman, Visual Information Specialist; Bobbie L. Louthian, Writer/Editor. Several employees of the Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma Districts provided valuable field assistance. Kevin J. Breen provided the pesticide application photograph on page 2.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE NATIONAL WATER-QUALITY ASSESSMENT (NAWQA) PROGRAM:

Ozark Plateaus Study Unit, contact:

District Chief District Chief Chief, NAWQA Program U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Division Water Resources Division Water Resources Division 401 Hardin Road 1400 Independence Road 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, M.S. 413 Little Rock, AR 72211 Rolla, MO 65401 Reston, VA 20192

Information on the NAWQA Program is also available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. You may connect to the NAWQA Home Page using the Universal Resources Locator (URL): http://water.usgs.gov/lookup/get?nawqa/

The Ozark Plateaus Study Unit’s Home Page is at URL: http://water.usgs.gov/lookup/get?arwater/nawqa/ozark/nawqa.html/

This circular is also available on the Internet via the World Wide Web, at URL: http://water.usgs.gov/lookup/get?circ1158

Front cover: Waterfall and small stream in the Buffalo River Basin. (Photograph courtesy of A.C. Haralson, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.) Back cover: Surveying stream geometry of Buffalo River near Boxley, Arkansas. Measuring streamflow of Yocum Creek near Oak Grove, Arkansas. Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992—95

By James C. Petersen, James C. Adamski, Richard W. Bell, Jerri V. Davis, Suzanne R. Femmer, David A. Freiwald, and Robert L. Joseph

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 1158

CONTENTS

National Water-Quality Assessment Program ...... 1 Summary of major issues and findings ...... 2 Environmental setting and hydrologic conditions ...... 4 Major issues and findings...... 6 Water-quality conditions in a national context ...... 18 Study design and data collection...... 22 Summary of compound detections and concentrations ...... 24 References ...... 30 Glossary...... 32 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Thomas J. Casadevall, Acting Director

The use of firm, trade, and brand names in this report is for identification purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Government

1998

Free on application to the U.S. Geological Survey Information Services Box 25286 Federal Center Denver, CO 80225

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publications Data

Water quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma: 1992-95 / by James C. Petersen ... [et al.]. p. cm. -- (U.S. Geological Survey circular ; 1158) ISBN 0-607-89114-9 (softcover : alk. paper) 1. Water quality--Ozark Mountains. I. Petersen, James C. (James Carroll), 1952- . II. Series. TD225.093W38 1998 98-2790 363.739’42’097671--dc21 CIP NATIONAL WATER-QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

EXPLANATION Began in 1991 Began in 1994 Began in 1997 Not scheduled yet

Knowledge of the quality of the Nation's streams and aquifers is important because “As the state geologist of of the implications to human and aquatic health and because of the significant costs “The Natural State,” I have a associated with decisions involving land and water management, conservation, and special interest in its water regulation. In 1991, the U.S. Congress appropriated funds for the U.S. Geological resources and a commitment Survey (USGS) to begin the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program to further our geohydrologic to help meet the continuing need for sound, scientific information on the areal extent knowledge. Data collected of the water-quality problems, how these problems are changing with time, and an through the NAWQA Pro- understanding of the effects of human actions and natural factors on water quality gram are helpful in evaluat- conditions. ing, protecting, and The NAWQA Program is assessing the water-quality conditions of more than 50 of managing our bountiful the Nation's largest river basins and aquifers, known as Study Units. Collectively, water resources. these Study Units cover about one-half of the United States and include sources of drinking water used by about 70 percent of the U.S. population. Comprehensive William V. Bush, State assessments of about one-third of the Study Units are ongoing at a given time. Each Geologist, Arkansas Study Unit is scheduled to be revisited every decade to evaluate changes in water- Geological Commission quality conditions. NAWQA assessments rely heavily on existing information col- lected by the USGS and many other agencies as well as the use of nationally consis- tent study designs and methods of sampling and analysis. Such consistency simulta- neously provides information about the status and trends in water-quality conditions The NAWQA approach of in a particular stream or aquifer and, more importantly, provides the basis to make relating surface-water quality comparisons among watersheds and improve our understanding of the factors that to land use will help us man- affect water-quality conditions regionally and nationally. age water resources in por- This report is intended to summarize major findings that emerged between 1992 tions of the Missouri Ozarks and 1995 from the water-quality assessment of the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit and to now undergoing significant relate these findings to water-quality issues of regional and national concern. The land-use change. information is primarily intended for those who are involved in water-resource man- John Ford agement. Indeed, this report addresses many of the concerns raised by regulators, water-utility managers, industry representatives, and other scientists, engineers, pub- Missouri Department of lic officials, and members of stakeholder groups who provided advice and input to the Natural Resources USGS during this NAWQA Study-Unit investigation. Yet, the information contained here may also interest those who simply wish to know more about the quality of water in the rivers and aquifers in the area where they live.

Robert M. Hirsch, Chief Hydrologist

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 1 SUMMARY OF MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS

WHAT’S HAPPENING MISSOURI Too Many Jacks, Jillsork? esters Say TO OUR KANSAS olluting Jacks F SMA P essing Stream, T LLMOUTH Fecal Bacteria Str STREAMS? ’Scads’ of chicken f OKLAHOMA ARKANSAS taking toll on str arms n eams Tourist tow cleans upater act on astew Lead-mining in Missouri causes commotionw Environmentalists fight against economists over Mark T wain National Forest

Are streams and ground water being contaminated by nutrients and bacteria? (p. 6)

• Nutrient concentrations in streams are higher in areas with greater agricultural land use or downstream from wastewater-treatment plants than in forested areas. These higher concentrations may result in increased algal growth in streams. • Nutrient concentrations in ground water are higher in areas with greater agricul- tural land use than in forested areas. These higher concentrations seldom exceed drinking-water standards. • Bacteria concentrations in streams are higher in basins with greater agricultural land use (mostly pasture). Fecal coliform bacteria concentrations occasionally exceed State water-quality standards for whole-body contact recreation. • Nutrient and bacteria concentrations are affected by hydrologic and geologic factors. Stream discharge and the presence or absence of confining geologic layers are two factors that are important in predicting concentrations.

Are pesticides and other organic compounds more prevalent in the water, bed sediment, and fish or clam tissue from some land-use settings than from other settings? (p. 10)

• In streams and ground water, pesticides were more prevalent in agricultural areas than in forested areas. Concentrations generally were low and seldom exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking-water criteria or standards, or criteria for the protection of aquatic life. • In bed sediment, the greatest numbers of pesticides and other organic compounds generally were detected at sites downstream from urban areas. No concentrations exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criteria for the protection of aquatic life. • In biological tissue, pesticides were detected at 5 of 26 stream sites. Chlordane was detected downstream from Springfield, Mo. DDT, DDE, or dieldrin was detected at four sites in agricultural basins.

2 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 SUMMARY OF MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS

Are historical or active mining sites affecting the quality of surface water? (p. 12) • Concentrations of sulfate and some trace elements in water from streams in areas of active or historical lead-zinc mining tend to be higher than in areas where mining has not occurred. These trace element concentrations decrease with increasing distance downstream from the mining activity. Concentrations usually did not exceed Federal standards or criteria for the protection of drinking water, human health, or aquatic life.

• Concentrations of lead and zinc in bed sediment and fish or clam tissue are sub- stantially higher at sites with mining activities (historical or active) in the basin. Concentrations are high enough to suggest potential adverse biological effects. The State of Missouri has issued a fish consumption advisory for some streams.

Are naturally occurring radionuclides present in ground-water supplies? (p. 14) • Radium (a product formed by the radioactive decay of uranium) is present in the confined part of the Ozark aquifer. However, the levels of radium seldom exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking-water standard. • Radon (a gas produced by the radioactive decay of radium) levels exceeded a proposed (but withdrawn) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking- water standard in nearly one-half of the samples. Radon can enter homes through their water systems. Homes served by private domestic wells and small public waterworks using ground water can be particularly vulnerable. • Radon levels are greater in the Springfield Plateau aquifer and the unconfined part of the Ozark aquifer than in the confined part of the Ozark aquifer.

What are some factors that affect aquatic (instream and riparian) habitats of Ozark streams? (p. 15) • Several factors can affect aquatic habitats, which then affect biological communities. Many habitat characteristics appeared to be influenced more by basin size than by land use. • Small streams in agricultural areas generally have fewer trees and other woody plants in the riparian zone than do small streams in forested areas. This results in more sunlight reaching the streams in the agricultural areas. More sunlight and the higher nutrient concentrations probably result in faster growing attached algae in these streams. • Some other habitat characteristics were different between the agricultural and forested sites studied. Of these characteristics, some are not likely the result of agricultural practices, while others (canopy angle, channel width, and sinuosity) may, at least in part, result from agricultural practices. These characteristics can affect biological communities. • Although the effects of instream gravel mining in the Ozarks were not studied by the NAWQA Program, some studies suggest that gravel mining has detrimental effects on instream habitat. Are fish communities being affected by land-use activities? (p. 16) • Stonerollers make up a greater percentage of the fish at agricultural sites than at forested sites. Stonerollers graze on algae attached to rocks and other surfaces. More algae probably grow on these surfaces because of the higher nutrient con- centrations and greater amounts of sunlight reaching these streams. • Sunfish (including the black basses) and darters make up a smaller percentage of fish at agricultural sites than at forested sites. Members of the sunfish family (par- ticularly smallmouth bass) are important game fish. Several species of darters that live in the Ozarks exist nowhere else in the world. • Fish community composition appears to be related to stream size, canopy angle, substrate, and water chemistry. Some of these factors are affected by human activities.

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND HYDROLOGIC CONDITIONS

Several river systems drain the Study Unit. Most drain radially away from south-central Missouri or northward from the Bos- ton Mountains. Aquifers in the Study Unit generally coincide with the physiographic areas (Fenneman, 1938), but the extensive Springfield Plateau and Ozark aquifers also dip beneath other aquifers or confining units in physiographic areas to the west and south.

95˚ 94˚ 93˚ 92˚ 91˚ 90˚ Miss iss EXPLANATION i p 39˚ p uri Riv i FORESTED LAND isso er M AGRICULTURAL LAND URBAN LAND er River iv River R Osage River c MINING AREA River me Mera c me WATER 38˚ e Mera St. F ad n

r o r

a c an s N a n

c

c e

i G i

o s s R h ii o Black v e r R Joplin SpringfieldSpringfield r KANSAS KAKANSASNSAS iv River 37˚ e OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMAOKLAHOMA r MISSOURI White MISSOURIMISSOURI hite R ARKANSAS Ri iv ARKANSAS e ARKANSAS RRogersogers r RivRiverer is SpringdaleSpringdale o n i FayettevilleFayetteville l 36˚ l I

0 50 100 MILES 0 50 100 MILES s River 0 50 100 KILOMETERS ansa Ark 0 50 100 KILOMETERS LAND USE IN THE OZARK PLATEAUS STUDY UNIT EXPLANATION

PHYSIOGRAPHIC AREA/HYDROGEOLOGIC UNIT

Salem Plateau/Ozark confining Boston Mountains/Western Interior unit and aquifer Plains confining system St. Francois Mountains/St. Francois Osage Plains/Western Interior confining unit and aquifer Plains confining system Springfield Plateau/Springfield Mississippi Alluvial Plain/Mississippi Plateau aquifer River Valley alluvial aquifer

MAJOR HYDROLOGIC FEATURES WITHIN THE OZARK PLATEAUS 2,000 100 STUDY UNIT 1,800 GROUND WATER 90

1,600 SURFACE WATER 80 60 (54) 1,400 (1,482) POPULATION SERVED, IN THOUSANDS 70 50 1,200 60 (43) 1,000 50 40 800 40

30 600 30

WATER WITHDRAWALS, WATER 400 (1,482) 20 20 10 IN MILLIONS OF GALLONS PER DAY PER OF GALLONS IN MILLIONS 200 (659) 10 0 0 TOTAL PUBLIC DOMESTIC COMMER- INDUSTRIAL IRRIGATION THERMO- PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL AREA OF TOTAL PERCENTAGE (1.4) (1.1) (0.3) SUPPLY SUPPLY CIAL AND AND ELECTRIC

0 MINING LIVESTOCK WITHDRAWALS WATER OF TOTAL PERCENTAGE FORESTEDAGRI- URBAN WATER MINING CULTURAL ESTIMATED WATER WITHDRAWALS IN 1990 ESTIMATED LAND USE

Land use is almost equally divided between forested and agricultural land, but is not distributed evenly across the Study Unit (Adamski and others, 1995). The Salem Plateau, Boston Mountains, and St. Francois Mountains are primarily forested, while agri- cultural land is most common in other areas. Most of the agricultural land in the Salem and Springfield Plateaus and in the Boston Mountains is pastureland associated with production of poultry and cattle. Lead and zinc mining occurs or has occurred in some areas. Large urban areas are not common. Only the five cities on the map above have populations exceeding 20,000 (U.S. Depart- ment of Commerce, 1990). These land uses affect the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the water and land. Approximately 50 percent of the water use in the Study Unit is surface water used (nonconsumptively) for thermoelectric cooling. Almost 25 percent of the water use is for irrigation and livestock; most of this water is ground water used for irrigation in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Most of the remaining water use is for public and domestic supplies (drinking and related water uses). About 30 percent of the 2.1 million people in the Study Unit get their drinking water from relatively shallow domestic wells. 4 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND HYDROLOGIC CONDITIONS

Streamflow is an important factor affecting water quality. During wet-weather periods, runoff carries materials into the stream from the land; concentrations of nutrients, bacteria, pesticides, and sediment can be elevated above the more typical concentrations for that stream. Higher streamflows can dilute concentrations of materials in streams if the source of the mate- rials is not runoff. For example, nutrient concentrations in a stream affected primarily by a wastewater-treatment plant usually decrease during wet-weather periods. During dry periods, concentrations of materials contributed by runoff are lower, while concentrations of materials from wastewater-treatment plants or other similar sources usually are higher because of less water for dilution. Shallow ground water can also be affected similarly by periods of wet or dry weather. The extent to which ground water is affected depends on the hydrologic connection between the land surface and ground water; this is affected by factors such as local soils and geology. Karst features (springs, seeps, sinkholes, and caves) are abundant in much of the Springfield and Salem Plateaus. These features allow rapid movement of ground water and substantial movement of water between the sur- face-water and ground-water environments.

14 14 12 BUFFALO 12 CENTERVILLE 10 10 8 8 6 6 4 4 2 2

IN INCHES

-2 -2 -4 -4 -6 -6

RAINFALL, DEPARTURE FROM NORMAL, NORMAL, FROM DEPARTURE RAINFALL, 1993 1994 1995 1993 1994 1995

Centerville Buffalo EXPLANATION Springfield GREATER THAN NORMAL RAINFALL KANSAS Joplin OKLAHOMA LESS THAN NORMAL RAINFALL MISSOURI Rogers ARKANSAS Springdale Jasper Fayetteville

14 14 12 JOPLIN 12 JASPER 10 10 8 8 6 6 4 4 2 2

IN INCHES

-2 -2 -4 -4 -6 -6 1993 1994 1995 1993 1994 1995

RAINFALL, DEPARTURE FROM NORMAL, FROM DEPARTURE RAINFALL, Hydrologic conditions (illustrated here as rainfall departure from normal) during the most intense period of sample col- lection (April 1993-September 1995) were relatively normal overall. However, during certain periods rainfall and streamflow were far from normal in some parts of the Study Unit. For example, in September 1993 rainfall in the northern part of the Ozarks exceeded normal amounts by as much as 6 to 13 inches. This caused streamflows at several stations in the northern Ozarks to reach levels that would be expected to occur (on average) once every 10 or more years. In April 1994 rainfall in the northern part of the Ozarks exceeded normal amounts by 6 to nearly 11 inches. In November 1994 rainfall generally exceeded normal amounts by 4 to 8 inches throughout the Study Unit. Extended periods (greater than 2 months) of less than normal rain- fall occurred infrequently and in few areas during the study period.

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 5 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Nutrients and Bacteria

Nitrogen and phosphorus are essen- Elevated nitrate and phosphorus tial plant nutrients. However, elevated concentrations may be linked with concentrations of these nutrients can differences between fish communi- cause excessive growth of aquatic ties at sites in agricultural basins plants and can have detrimental effects and sites in forested basins (see upon desired uses of water. Contami- nation of water in the Study Unit by page 16). One of the major differ- nutrients has been a concern of many ences is a tendency for more algae- agencies and the public for several eating fish to inhabit the sites in years. Major sources of nitrogen and agricultural basins. phosphorus in the Study Unit are poul- try and cattle wastes, human wastes, Fecal coliform bacteria live in and fertilizers. The U.S. Environmen- the intestines of warm-blooded ani- tal Protection Agency (EPA) has estab- mals. The presence of these bacte- Poultry production is an extremely important industry lished a maximum contaminant level ria in water is indicative of in northwestern Arkansas, southwestern Missouri, and (MCL) of 10 milligrams per liter contamination by fecal matter. northeastern Oklahoma. Poultry litter can be a substantial source of nutrients and bacteria to water. (mg/L) for nitrate (as nitrogen) in Sources of these bacteria include drinking water (U.S. Environmental animal manure, wastewater-treat- Protection Agency, 1988). Very high ment plants, and septic tanks. concentrations of nitrate (a compound of nitrogen and oxygen, and usually the most abundant form of nitrogen in Nutrient concentrations in water) can cause blue-baby syndrome streams are higher in areas with in infants. Very few ground-water sam- greater agricultural land use or ples (less than 1 percent) and no sur- face-water samples in the Study Unit downstream from wastewater- exceeded the MCL. In general, shallow treatment plants than in wells (less than about 300 feet) or forested areas. These higher springs in agricultural areas are most concentrations may result in likely to produce ground water with increased algal growth in nitrate concentrations approaching or streams. exceeding the nitrate MCL. Elevated nitrogen concentrations NAWQA data collected in can result in several water-quality 1993-95 at stream sites chosen to Beef and dairy cattle, which are important to the problems, such as algal blooms, oxy- represent selected combinations of economy of the Ozarks, also are sources of nutrients gen depletion, and fishkills. The EPA land use, physiographic area, and and bacteria. has not made recommendations for basin size indicate land-use effects nitrate concentrations that would limit on nutrient concentrations. Median detrimental effects on aquatic commu- dissolved nitrate and total phospho- nities. The EPA has made recommen- rus concentrations are higher at sites dations for maximum ammonia representing agricultural (mostly concentrations to protect aquatic life. poultry and cattle production) Ammonia concentrations generally are basins than at sites in forested well below the recommended maxi- basins. Nitrate concentrations gen- mum in Ozark streams. erally increase as the percentage of The EPA recommends that total agricultural land use increases. The phosphorus should not exceed range of nutrient concentrations at 0.1 mg/L in streams and that total two sites with differing amounts and phosphates (as phosphorus) should not types of urban activities in their exceed 0.05 mg/L in streams where basins indicates that streams down- they enter a lake or reservoir. Concen- stream from wastewater-treatment trations of total phosphorus and ortho- plants or urban areas may have Forested areas protect water quality and are an phosphate in streams in agricultural nutrient concentrations that are sub- economic and recreational asset for the Ozarks. (Photograph courtesy of A.C. Haralson, Arkansas areas sometimes exceed these recom- stantially higher than concentrations Department of Parks and Tourism.) mended concentrations. in agricultural basins.

6 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Nutrients and Bacteria

3.5

3.0 FORESTED AGRICULTURAL LAND 2.5 FORESTED, AGRICULTURAL, AND URBAN LAND MIX 2.0 URBAN LAND

1.5

1.0

PER LITER AS NITROGEN AS LITER PER

MEDIAN NITRATE, IN MILLIGRAMS NITRATE, MEDIAN 0.5

0 1 234567 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 SITE NUMBER (REFER TO PAGE 22) 5 Nitrate concentrations in streams are lowest in streams draining forested areas. STREAMS Samples collected 1993-95. 4

3

0.12 2

1 0.10 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 0.08 LITER PER IN MILLIGRAMS NITRATE, AGRICULTURAL LAND USE, PERCENT Nitrate concentrations generally are 0.06 higher in streams draining basins with greater percentages of agricultural land. Samples collected 1993-95. 0.04

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER LITER PER IN MILLIGRAMS

MEDIAN TOTAL PHOSPHORUS, PHOSPHORUS, TOTAL MEDIAN 0.02

0 1 234567 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 SITE NUMBER (REFER TO PAGE 22) Phosphorus concentrations in streams also are lowest in streams draining forested areas. Samples collected 1993-95.

0.7

FORESTED

0.6 FORESTED AND AGRICULTURAL LAND MIX

0.5 AGRICULTURAL LAND Recent historical data from 1980 to WASTEWATER-TREATMENT PLANT UPSTREAM 1990 (Davis and others, 1995) also 0.4 indicate that nutrient concentrations in streams in the Ozark Plateaus and the adjacent part of the Osage Plains gen- 0.3 erally were significantly greater in agricultural basins or downstream 0.2 from wastewater-treatment plants than in forested basins. 0.1

MEDIAN TOTAL PHOSPHORUS, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER LITER PER MILLIGRAMS IN PHOSPHORUS, TOTAL MEDIAN 0 OSAGE BOSTON SPRINGFIELD SALEM ST. FRANCOIS PLAINS MOUNTAINS PLATEAU PLATEAU MOUNTAINS

PHYSIOGRAPHIC AREA Phosphorus concentrations in streams during the 1980’s were highest down- stream from wastewater-treatment plants and lowest in forested areas. U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 7 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Nutrients and Bacteria

Nutrient concentrations in ground water are higher in areas with 4 greater agricultural land use than in SPRINGS AND forested areas. These higher 3 DOMESTIC WELLS concentrations seldom exceed drinking-water standards. 2 NAWQA data collected in 1993-95

AS NITROGEN AS from wells and springs in the Spring- 1

field Plateau and Ozark aquifers also 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 indicate that land use affects nutrient LITER PER IN MILLIGRAMS NITRATE, concentrations (Adamski, 1997a; AGRICULTURAL LAND USE, PERCENT 1997b). Nitrate concentrations were Nitrate concentrations generally are higher in wells and springs in areas strongly associated with the percent- with greater agricultural land use. age of agricultural land near the wells Samples collected 1993-95. or springs. Concentrations in samples from “relatively pristine” sites (nearby forest cover greater than 90 percent) 0.6 almost always were less than 1 mg/L 0.5

(as nitrogen). Concentrations increased 0.4 as the percentage of agricultural land increased; concentrations at sites with 0.3 greater than 75 percent agricultural 0.2 land use generally were about 3 mg/L, 0.1 but ranged from about 1 to 10 mg/L. NITROGEN AS LITER PER 0

MEDIAN NITRATE, IN MILLIGRAMS NITRATE, MEDIAN FORESTED AGRI- URBAN Median nutrient concentrations in CULTURAL ground water (wells and springs) sam- As was observed in streams, nitrate pled from 1970 to 1992 also were less concentrations in water from wells and in forested areas than in agricultural springs were higher in agricultural areas. Many wells in urban settings are deep areas (Davis and others, 1995). The public-supply wells overlain by layers of median nitrate concentration in ground confining rock. Samples collected water from urban settings was lower 1970-92. than in agricultural or forested areas. from about 10 to 20 colonies per 100 tural areas are greater than concentra- The wells in these urban settings com- milliliters (col/100 mL) at forested tions allowable by State regulatory monly are drilled through thick layers sites and about 60 to 460 col/100 mL agencies for public swimming areas or of confining rock before reaching the at agricultural sites. for primary contact. At most sites in more productive confined aquifer. State water-quality standards vary agricultural areas, more than 25 per- from State to State, by time of year, cent of the samples contained concen- Bacteria concentrations in streams and with use of the water body. How- trations of fecal coliform bacteria are higher in basins with greater ever, median fecal coliform bacteria greater than 200 col/100 mL. agricultural land use (mostly concentrations at some sites in agricul- pasture). Fecal coliform bacteria concentrations occasionally exceed State water-quality standards for 500 whole-body contact recreation. FORESTED 400 Fecal coliform bacteria concentra- AGRICULTURAL LAND tions in NAWQA samples collected in 300 FORESTED, AGRICULTURAL, AND URBAN LAND MIX 1993-95 generally are higher at stream 200 sites representative of agricultural URBAN LAND basins than at sites in forested basins. 100 Data for other bacteria and discharge 0 suggest that poultry and cattle are pri- 1234567891011121314

IN COLONIES PER 100 MILLILITERS 100 PER IN COLONIES SITE NUMBER (REFER TO PAGE 22) mary sources of the fecal coliform bac- BACTERIA, COLIFORM FECAL MEDIAN teria. Median concentrations ranged Bacteria concentrations are highest in agricultural areas. Samples collected 1993-95.

8 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Nutrients and Bacteria

Nutrient and bacteria concen- ferences probably are the result of trations are affected by hydrologic land-use differences and the presence and geologic factors. Stream or absence of a protective confining discharge and the presence or layer between the aquifer and the land absence of confining geologic layers surface. are two factors that are important in Karst features in the Springfield and predicting concentrations. Salem Plateaus result in substantial interaction between surface water and Concentrations of nutrients and bac- ground water. The quality of surface teria in streams and springs are water or ground water commonly is affected by discharge (Davis and oth- affected by the quality of the other. ers, 1995). Depending on the source Many Ozark streams gain or lose and constituent, concentrations may substantial amounts of their flow through increase or decrease with discharge. interactions with ground water. All of the For example, nutrients and bacteria water in this stream is going underground in this pool. (Photograph by J. Van concentrations downstream from Brahana, U.S. Geological Survey.) wastewater-treatment plants generally are lower during periods of higher dis- charge because of dilution. Concentra- tions of bacteria and nutrients in streams and springs may increase with increasing discharge in response to 3.0 rainfall in areas where nonpoint 2.5 SPRING sources are the major contributors. 2.0 WELL Median nitrate and phosphorus con- 1.5 centrations generally are higher in springs than in wells because water 1.0 from springs generally follows shal- 0.5 lower flow paths and thus is more sus- NITROGEN AS LITER PER 0 OZARK ceptible to surface contamination IN MILLIGRAMS NITRATE, MEDIAN SPRINGFIELD AQUIFER PLATEAU (Davis and others, 1995; Adamski, AQUIFER Springs are abundant in much of the 1997b). Median nitrate concentrations Nitrate (shown here) and phosphorus Ozarks and are vulnerable to of NAWQA samples collected in 1993 concentrations are higher in springs contamination. (Permission granted by than in well water. Samples collected the Missouri Division of Tourism.) were about 0.5 mg/L in Ozark aquifer 1993. springs and about 0.3 mg/L in Ozark aquifer wells. Median nitrate concen- trations in Springfield Plateau aquifer springs and wells were about 2.6 and 1.0 mg/L, respectively. Median con- 3.0 centrations of total phosphorus also 2.5 CONFINED were higher in springs (about 0.02 mg/L) than in wells (less than 2.0 UNCONFINED 0.01 mg/L). 1.5 Differences also were detected in 1.0 median concentrations of total phos- 0.5 phorus and nitrate in different aquifers NITROGEN AS LITER PER 0 and in confined and unconfined parts IN MILLIGRAMS NITRATE, MEDIAN OZARK SPRINGFIELD AQUIFER PLATEAU of the same aquifer (Davis and others, AQUIFER 1995). Concentrations generally were Nitrate (shown here) and phosphorus concentrations are higher in parts of higher in the Western Interior Plains aquifers near the land surface confining system and the Springfield (unconfined) than in parts of aquifers Plateau aquifer. Concentrations gener- that are deeper (and protected by an overlying confining layer). Samples ally were higher in the unconfined collected 1970-92. parts of the Springfield Plateau and Ozark aquifers than in the confined parts of these two aquifers. These dif-

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 9 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Pesticides and Other Organic Compounds in Water, Bed Sediment, and Tissue

More than 1,000 organic com- pounds are contained in various prod- ucts used to control pests in urban, agricultural, and forested areas and Salem along rights of way. Most pesticides Plateau Osage introduced in recent years are more Plains water soluble and more degradable in St. Francois the environment than many pesticides Mountains used extensively in the past. Most pres- ently used compounds tend to be found EXPLANATION SAMPLING SITE—Color indicates more often in water, whereas many pesticide commonly detected in surface-water samples formerly used compounds are found KANSAS Atrazine more in sediment and biological tissue. OKLAHOMA p,p’-DDE In addition, numerous other organic MISSOURI Metolachlor compounds (such as phenols, polyaro- ARKANSAS matic hydrocarbons, and phthalate Prometon esters) are used for various industrial Simazine Tebuthiuron and manufacturing processes. Many of Mississippi these compounds tend to associate Boston Alluvial No pesticide detected Mountains Plain with sediment particles rather than Springfield water. Plateau The greatest number of pesticides was found in the streams of the more agricultural Springfield Plateau. Concentrations were usually relatively low. Samples collected In streams and ground water, 1994-95. pesticides were more prevalent in agricultural areas than in forested areas. Concentrations generally were low and seldom exceeded U.S. EXPLANATION Environmental Protection Agency Salem Plateau SPRING drinking-water criteria or No pesticides detected standards, or criteria for the Pesticides detected protection of aquatic life. WELL—Domestic Concentrations of pesticides in No pesticides detected streams and ground water were usually Pesticides detected below method detection limits and KANSAS when detected were usually relatively OKLAHOMA low compared to detection limits and MISSOURI concentrations in samples from other ARKANSAS NAWQA Study Units (p. 24-25). Con- centrations seldom exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum contaminant levels or Springfield Plateau lifetime health-advisory levels for drinking water, EPA or National Acad- In springs and wells, more pesticides were found in the Springfield Plateau and in emy of Sciences/National Academy of other agricultural areas. Concentrations were usually relatively low. Samples collected Engineering (NAS/NAE) ambient 1993. water-quality criteria for the protection commonly and in higher concentra- agricultural basins. For most individual of aquatic life, or related State criteria. tions in streams in agricultural pesticides, the highest percentages of However, no standards or criteria exist basins than in streams in forested detections and the highest concentrations for about one-third of the detected pes- basins (Bell and others, 1997). Data were in samples from streams in larger, ticides. Dieldrin concentrations in two for a limited number of sites down- more agricultural basins. Atrazine (one ground-water samples exceeded levels stream from nearby urban areas of the more commonly used herbicides in estimated by EPA to increase the risk indicate that pesticide detection fre- the Study Unit) and its metabolites of cancer (Nowell and Resek, 1994). quencies and concentrations in (breakdown products) were the most In water samples collected in 1994- urban basins are similar to those in commonly detected organic pesticide 95, pesticides were detected more

10 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Pesticides and Other Organic Compounds in Water, Bed Sediment, and Tissue compounds in both forested and agri- centrations expected to have a high detected. The third sample contained cultural basins. Pesticides were probability of adverse effects on 23 compounds and was from Richland detected at 39 of the 43 sites. aquatic life (U.S. Environmental Pro- Creek near Witts Spring, Ark., in a for- The presence of pesticides in tection Agency, 1996). Criteria or ested basin. ground water in the Springfield and adverse effects levels have not been Sites with detected compounds are Salem Plateaus also is related to land established for most of the detected distributed throughout the Study Unit, use. Springs and domestic wells were compounds. Most of the compounds with respect to both physiography and sampled for pesticides in 1993-95 detected had maximum concentrations land use. Sites with 12 or more organic (Adamski, 1997b). Pesticides were of less than 100 micrograms per kilo- compounds detected are located in detected more frequently at sites asso- gram (parts per billion). each physiographic area and major land-use category. ciated with greater percentages of agri- Pesticides and semivolatile organic cultural land use. Pesticides were more compounds (SVOCs) in 27 bed-sedi- likely to be detected in samples from ment samples collected in 1992-95 In biological tissue, pesticides were springs than in samples from domestic were more frequently detected at sites detected at 5 of 26 stream sites. wells. downstream from urban areas (Bell Chlordane was detected and others, 1997). Samples were ana- downstream from Springfield, Mo. DDT, DDE, or dieldrin was detected In bed sediment, the greatest lyzed for 95 organic compounds. Two at four sites in agricultural basins. numbers of pesticides and other pesticides (chlordane compounds) and organic compounds generally were 44 SVOCs were detected. Samples Tissue samples from fish and fresh- detected at sites downstream from from three sites contained detectable water clams at 26 sites were analyzed urban areas. No concentrations concentrations of more than 16 com- for 26 organic compounds. Six com- exceeded U.S. Environmental pounds. Two of these sites (one from pounds were detected at five sites (Bell Protection Agency criteria for the the James River downstream from and others, 1996). Three chlordane protection of aquatic life. Springfield, Mo., one from Center compounds were detected in Asiatic Creek downstream from Joplin, Mo.) clam tissue at a site on the James River No organic compounds detected in were in urban basins. In the sample downstream from Springfield, Mo. the bed-sediment samples exceeded from the James River, 39 compounds These compounds frequently are either the preliminary sediment-quality were detected; in the sample from present downstream from urban areas. criteria developed by the EPA or con- Center Creek, 17 compounds were DDT, DDE, or dieldrin was detected in tissue at four widely separated sites. The concentrations in the tissues were below guidelines recommended as maximum concentrations to protect fish-eating wildlife (National Acad- emy of Sciences and National Acad- James River EXPLANATION emy of Engineering, 1973). The sum SAMPLING SITE— of the three chlordane compound con- Color indicates number of centrations (0.0223 milligram per kilo- detections Center gram [mg/kg]) was below the Creek 1 to 6 recommended chlordane concentration 7 to 11 of 0.1 mg/kg. The DDT, DDE, and Springfield 12 to 16 dieldrin concentrations were well KANSAS Joplin Greater than 16 OKLAHOMA below the recommended maximum concentrations. MISSOURI ARKANSAS

Richland Creek

In bed sediment, the greatest number of pesticides and other organic compounds was found near urban areas. Concentrations were usually relatively low. Samples collected in 1992-95.

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 11 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Lead, Zinc, and Other Trace Elements

Parts of the Ozark Plateaus have a torical or ongoing lead-zinc mining trict, the Old Lead Belt, and the Vibur- history as major producers of lead and than at sites in other areas. Sulfate, num Trend may have adverse zinc. Mining in the Study Unit has barium, copper, manganese, molybde- biological effects on benthic organ- occurred primarily in four main lead- num, and zinc concentrations were isms. Long and Morgan (1991) devel- zinc mining districts—the Southeast- higher in samples from sites down- oped guidelines called “effects range ern District (Old Lead Belt, Viburnum stream from mining areas. Lead con- thresholds” for use in assessing poten- Trend, and the Fredericktown subdis- centrations were not higher in mining tialadverseeffectsonbiota.Ingeneral, tricts), the Tri-State District, the Cen- areas. Concentrations of sulfate and the “effects range-low” threshold can tral District, and the North Arkansas trace elements generally decreased be considered to have adverse effects District. By far the most important ore with increasing distance downstream on some benthic organisms, while the deposits were in the Southeastern and from a mining activity. “effects range-median” threshold can Tri-State Districts. The Viburnum At most sites, concentrations usu- be considered frequently or always to Trend subdistrict is the only area still ally did not exceed U.S. Environmen- have adverse effects on these organ- mined for lead or zinc. tal Protection Agency drinking-water isms.Inatleastonebed-sedimentsam- standards or criteria for protection of ple from each of the three mining Concentrations of sulfate and some humanhealthoraquaticlife.However, areas, concentrations of lead and zinc trace elements in water from zinc concentrations often exceeded wereequaltoorhigherthantheeffects streams in areas of historical or freshwater aquatic life criteria in Cen- range-low threshold. Lead and zinc active lead-zinc mining tend to be ter Creek. concentrations from sites downstream higher than in areas where mining fromtheTri-StateDistrictandtheOld has not occurred. These trace Concentrations of lead and zinc in Lead Belt commonly were substan- element concentrations decrease bedsedimentandfishorclamtissue tially higher than the effects-range with increasing distance down- aresubstantiallyhigheratsiteswith median threshold. stream from the mining activity. mining activities (historical or Concentrations usually did not active) in the basin. Concentrations Concentrations of lead and zinc in exceedFederalstandardsorcriteria are high enough to suggest potential bed sediment were highest at sites fortheprotectionofdrinkingwater, adverse biological effects. The State downstream from historical lead-zinc human health, or aquatic life. of Missouri has issued a fish mining areas. Concentrations of both consumption advisory for some elements are similar at sites In water samples collected in 1992- streams. downstreamfromthehistoricalmining 95, dissolved sulfate and several trace areas in the Tri-State District and the elements were detected more com- Leadandzincconcentrationsinbed Old Lead Belt and at sites down- monly and were detected in higher sediment at sites downstream from stream from mining areas in the Vibur- concentrations at sites in areas of his- lead-zinc mines in the Tri-State Dis- num Trend. Lead and zinc concentrations in water, bed sediment, and fish or clam tissue from mining and background areas of the Ozark Plateaus [Backgroundvaluesareminimumandmaximumconcentrationsassociatedwithsitesnotconsideredtobeinfluencedbyminingintheseorotherareas. Sitesimmediatelyupstreamfromminingareasarenotincludedinbackgroundsites.TissueconcentrationsareinfishliverorsofttissueofAsiaticclam. Values in red substantially exceed background concentration data collected 1992-95.µg/L, micrograms per liter;µg/g, micrograms per gram; <, less than; --, not measured or not applicable]

Lead Zinc

Site Mining area Bed Bed Water Tissue Water Tissue sediment sediment (µg/L) (µg/g) (µg/L) (µg/g) (µg/g) (µg/g)

Center Creek Tri-State <1 370 0.3 67-270 5,600 770

Big River Old Lead Belt <1 2,300 134 8-19 670 514

Meramec River Old Lead Belt -- 180 12.2 -- 140 296

West Fork of Viburnum Trend <1-11 100-950 0.5-8.3 13-33 120-460 70-110 Black River

Strother Creek Viburnum Trend <1-3 200 0.7 33-148 1.200 150

Background -- <1-20 15-28 <0.1-0.6 <1-44 43-140 57-230

12 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Lead, Zinc, and Other Trace Elements

Lead concentrations in bed sedi- tions at sites throughout the Study were not higher than background con- ment were substantially higher than Unit. At sites about 15 miles down- centrations at sites in the Viburnum background at sites within, or down- stream from mines in the Viburnum Trend,butweresomewhathigherthan stream from, the Tri-State District and Trend,bed-sedimentconcentrationsof background concentrations at sites in the Old Lead Belt subdistrict and in the zinc were similar to concentrations the Tri-State District and downstream Viburnum Trend subdistrict. In the upstream from the mines. Viburnum Trend subdistrict, concen- from the Old Lead Belt. The elevated The relation between tissue concen- lead and zinc concentrations in tissue trations of lead returned to background trations at background sites and sites and reduced enzyme activity in fish levels at sites about 15 miles down- downstreamfromminingareasissimi- stream from mine discharges. lar to the relation between bed-sedi- exposed to lead in mining areas of the Zincconcentrationsinbedsediment ment concentrations at these same Ozark Plateaus (Schmitt and others, were highest at one site downstream sites. Lead concentrations in tissue 1993) suggest that both elements are fromtheTri-StateDistrictandonesite were somewhat higher than back- available to fish and Asiatic clams for downstream from the Old Lead Belt. ground concentrations at some sites in biological processing. The State of Concentrations at sites just down- the Viburnum Trend and substantially Missouri currently (1998) advises the stream from mines in the Viburnum higher at sites downstream from the public to not eat some species of fish Trendwerehigherthanconcentrations Old Lead Belt. The lead concentration at sites upstream from these mines or at the site in the Tri-State District was from some rivers affected by past min- farther downstream; however, these at background levels and substantially ing in the Old Lead Belt (Gale Carl- concentrations were not higher than lower than at sites downstream from son, Missouri Department of Health, the maximum background concentra- theOldLeadBelt.Zincconcentrations written commun., 1998).

Lead-zinc mining tailings near Joplin, Mo. Downstream from mining areas,concentrationsoflead,zinc,andotherelementsgenerallyare relatively low in water but are elevated in bed sediment and in fish and clam tissue. In bed sediment, concentrations at some locations may be harmful to aquatic wildlife.

Meramec River CENTRAL DISTRICT Big River OLD LEAD BELT * Farmington Strother Creek Center FREDERICKTOWN * Creek West Fork of TRI-STATE Black River DISTRICT Springfield VIBURNUM TREND * KANSAS Joplin OKLAHOMA

MISSOURI ARKANSAS Harrison

NORTH ARKANSAS * Indicates subdistrict of the DISTRICT Southeastern District

Lead-zinc mining areas of the Ozark Plateaus. The Viburnum Trend subdistrict is the only area currently (1998) being mined for lead or zinc. U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 13 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Radium and Radon

Radium and radon are naturally occurring radioactive elements that Ozark result from the radioactive decay of aquifer uranium, which is present in small lev- els in common rocks and minerals. EXPLANATION RADON-222 LEVELS, IN PICOCURIES Radium is present in the confined PER LITER part of the Ozark aquifer. However, Ozark aquifer Unconfined the levels of radium seldom exceeded (confined) aquifers KANSAS Less than 300 the U.S. Environmental Protection OKLAHOMA Agency drinking-water standard. 300 to 499 MISSOURI 500 to 700 Water samples collected from 20 ARKANSAS randomly selected municipal-supply Greater than 700 wells in the confined part of the Ozark aquifer were analyzed for the presence Springfield of radium (Adamski, 1997c). Radium Plateau aquifer levels ranged from 0.1 to 14 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). One sample had a Radon levels exceeded 300 picocuries per liter in almost one-half of the water samples level exceeding the interim U.S. Envi- from domestic and municipal-supply wells. ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 5 pCi/L. No levels exceeded the pro- posed MCL of 20 pCi/L for radium in drinking water. Radon levels exceeded a proposed (but withdrawn) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking-water standard in nearly one-half of the samples. Radon can enter homes through their water systems. Homes served by private domestic wells and small public waterworks using Radon entering a home through a water system (modified from Otton and others, 1993). ground water can be particularly vulnerable. ground water is the water source. Small the Ozark aquifer) were substantially higher public water systems and private domes- than levels in samples from the confined part Water samples were collected from tic wells often have closed systems and of the Ozark aquifer. 53 domestic wells in the unconfined short transit times that do not remove parts of the Springfield Plateau and radon from water or permit it to decay. Ozark aquifers, and 20 municipal sup- Exposures can occur from water used ply wells in the confined part of the Ozark aquifer (Adamski, 1997c). In for drinking, showering, and other com- 400 samples from these 73 wells, radon mon household purposes. Radon gas also can enter buildings from surround- 350 levels ranged from 99 to 2,065 pCi/L 300 with a median of 269 pCi/L. A pro- ing rock and soil through foundation cracks. 250 posed MCL of 300 pCi/L was recently 200 (1997) withdrawn by the EPA, pending 150 Radon levels are greater in the LITER PER further review. Radon levels exceeded 100 that level in nearly 44 percent of the Springfield Plateau aquifer and the 50 samples but are lower than levels in unconfined part of the Ozark aquifer 0

MEDIAN RADON, IN PICOCURIES RADON, MEDIAN OZARK OZARK SPRINGFIELD many other aquifers in the Nation (p. than in the confined part of the Ozark AQUIFER AQUIFER PLATEAU (CONFINED) (UNCONFINED) AQUIFER 20). aquifer. Radon levels are lowest in the confined part Exposure to radon has been recog- of the Ozark aquifer. nized as a health risk, primarily as a Hydrogeology appears be significant cause of lung cancer. One pathway by in determining radon levels. Levels in which radon can enter a home is the samples from unconfined aquifers through its water system, especially if (Springfield Plateau aquifer and part of

14 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Instream and Riparian Habitats

Habitat characteristics can affect extending farther from the edge of bottom-dwelling insects) communities biological communities in many differ- water to the streambanks. Therefore, at mining sites and communities at refer- ent ways. For example, trees along larger streams in forested and agricul- ence locations. Kanehl and Lyons (1992) streambanks provide shade, erosion tural basins tend to be more separated reported similar physical and biological protection, and leaf litter to a stream. from their riparian zones. effects in other streams of the United These factors often affect the density States. and diversity of fish (p. 16-17), aquatic Some other habitat characteristics The severity of the effects of gravel insects, and algae. were different between the mining on streams probably is depen- agricultural and forested sites dent on several factors. These factors Several factors can affect aquatic studied. Of these characteristics, include hydrology, channel shape, and habitats, which then affect biological some are not likely the result of gravel removal methods and related communities. Many habitat agricultural practices, while others activities. characteristics appeared to be (canopy angle, channel width, and influenced more by basin size than sinuosity) may, at least in part, by land use. result from agricultural practices. These characteristics can affect Physiography, geology, basin size, and land use are among the factors that biological communities. can affect aquatic habitats. Most habi- Habitat characteristics that seem to tat characteristics appeared to be more differ between agricultural and for- influenced by basin size than by land ested sites (Femmer, 1997), but are not use (Femmer, 1997). Sites with larger the result of agricultural activities, basins tend to be wider, deeper, more include water velocity, sideslope gradi- sinuous streams with greater water ent, and flood-plain width. Some char- velocity and larger canopy angles. acteristics that may be influenced by Sites with smaller basins tend to have land use are canopy angle (discussed Small streams in agricultural areas commonly steeper basin and stream gradients. above), channel width, and channel have a narrow (or absent) band of riparian trees. sinuosity. Mean channel width and Small streams in agricultural areas mean channel sinuosity both tended to generally have fewer trees and other be greater at agricultural sites. woody plants in the riparian zone than do small streams in forested Although the effects of instream areas. This results in more sunlight gravel mining in the Ozarks were reaching the streams in the not studied by the NAWQA agricultural areas. More sunlight Program, some studies suggest that and the higher nutrient levels gravel mining has detrimental probably result in faster growing effects on instream habitat. attached algae in these streams. A study (Brown and Lyttle, 1992) of Cleared pastureland commonly several instream (between the banks of streams) gravel-mining sites on Small streams in forested areas generally have extends to (or nearly to) streambanks a wider band of riparian trees. Here an over- in agricultural areas, resulting in nar- streams in the Arkansas part of the head canopy shades much of the stream. row or absent riparian vegetation Ozark Plateaus indicated that stream zones. Small streams in agricultural channels were altered as pools became basins generally had lower mean shallower and larger and riffles were woody-plant densities than small less frequent downstream from the streams in forested basins (Femmer, mining sites. Game-fish biomass and 1997). Small streams in agricultural abundance of game fish and silt-sensi- basins also generally were more open tive fish were lower at and downstream to sunlight because of larger canopy from these sites than at upstream refer- angles than small streams in forested ence locations. On the basis of Arkan- basins. More sunlight and higher nutri- sas Game and Fish Commission data, ent levels (p. 6) in streams in agricul- Arkansas State University (1996) tural areas probably result in faster reported similar differences in fish growing attached algae in these communities in gravel mining areas of streams. the Spring River in northeastern Arkansas. Brown and Lyttle (1992) Larger streams often are more open to sun- Compared to smaller streams, larger also reported differences between light—either because of wide gravel bars or streams are wider and have gravel bars simply because the streams are wider. benthic invertebrate (animals such as

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 15 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Fish Communities

Compared to other parts of the

United States, many fish species live in 60 the Ozark Plateaus. Approximately 175 species (including introduced spe- STONEROLLERS SELECTED AGRICULTURAL BASINS 50 OTHER MINNOWS cies) are present in the Ozark Plateaus SUNFISH province part of the Study Unit; at DARTERS 40 least 16 of these species exist nowhere MADTOMS else in the world. Many of these 175 SUCKERS OTHERS species are intolerant of habitat or 30 water-chemistry degradation. 20 Fish communities are a useful tool in assessing water-chemistry and habi- 10 tat conditions of streams. Many fish species are sensitive to a wide array of 0 stresses that are integrated over their YOCUM CREEK DOUSINBURY CREEK ILLINOIS RIVER In streams in agricultural basins, algae-grazing stonerollers generally are lifetimes, are relatively widely distrib- the most abundant type of fish. Generally, 20 to 50 percent of the fish uted, and are relatively easy to identify. are stonerollers.

Stonerollers make up a greater 60 percentage of the fish at agricultural SELECTED FORESTED BASINS sites than at forested sites. Stone- 50 rollers graze on algae attached to IN PERCENT ABUNDANCE, RELATIVE 40 rocks and other surfaces. More algae probably grow on these 30 surfaces because of the higher nutrient concentrations and greater 20 amounts of sunlight reaching these streams. 10 A major difference between the 0 composition of fish communities at NORTH SYLAMORE CREEK PADDY CREEK JACKS FORK RIVER sites in forested basins and agricultural In streams in forested basins, minnows (other than stonerollers), sunfish, basins is the difference in the relative and darters are a larger percentage of the fish community than in abundance (percentage of total individ- agricultural basins. Generally, 10 to 20 percent of the fish are stonerollers. uals in the community) of two types of minnows called “stonerollers” that are and composition of benthic inverte- among the most abundant fish species brates (Gelwick and Matthews, 1992). in Ozark streams. Stonerollers graze on algae attached to rocks and other The increased abundance of stone- submerged surfaces. Streams in agri- rollers is an indication of increased cultural basins typically have high con- nutrients in Ozark streams. Other fac- centrations of nutrients and less tors (including toxicity and changes in riparian shading (which allows more channel shape) can also affect stone- sunlight to reach the streambed), pro- roller abundance. The relative abun- moting algal growth. Greater amounts dance (17 percent) of stonerollers at a of this food source encourage greater site on Center Creek, downstream from numbers of stonerollers. The median a lead-zinc mining area and from indus- relative abundance of stonerollers at trial and municipal wastewater-treat- forested sites (in 1995) was 14 percent; ment plant discharges near Joplin, Mo., Stonerollers are very common in the the median abundance at agricultural Ozarks. They generally are more abundant may be lowered because of toxicity. The in streams in agricultural basins. sites was 35 percent. Whether this abundance (46 percent) of stonerollers greater abundance can have detrimen- at a site on the Kings River, downstream tal effects on the aquatic community is from a small wastewater-treatment plant unknown, although apparently stone- and instream gravel mining, may be ele- rollers selectively graze on different vated because of nutrient enrichment types of algae and affect the density and other habitat changes.

16 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 MAJOR ISSUES AND FINDINGS Fish Communities

Sunfish (including the black basses) procedures used to group sites often do and darters make up a smaller not completely separate sites in agri- percentage of fish at agricultural cultural areas from those in forested sites than at forested sites. Members areas. This indicates that factors of the sunfish family (particularly related to land use are important in smallmouth bass) are important determining community structure, but game fish. Several species of darters that other factors also are important. that live in the Ozarks exist nowhere Several measures of stream size else in the world. appear related to community composi- tion. These measures include stream Stonerollers are more abundant (rel- width and depth, width-to-depth ratio, ative to other species) at sites in agri- and stream order. This result is reason- cultural basins, and sunfish (including Smallmouth bass, an important game fish, are sensitive to degraded habitat or water able, considering that several species the black basses—smallmouth, large- chemistry. (Photograph courtesy of Gregg of fish have preferences for smaller, mouth, and spotted bass) are less abun- Patterson.) steeper gradient, lower order streams, dant at these sites. Many of the sunfish degradation. At least seven species of while others have preferences for species in the Ozarks are sensitive to darters in the Ozarks (Arkansas sad- larger, lower gradient, higher order degraded water chemistry or habitat. dled darter, yoke darter, yellowcheek streams. Several other factors that can Much of this decrease in relative abun- darter, stippled darter, bluestripe be affected by stream size and land use dance (percentage of total individuals) darter, Missouri saddled darter, and also appeared to be related to commu- is because of the greater relative abun- Niangua darter) exist nowhere else in nity structure at the 18 sites. These fac- dance of stonerollers; but even after the world. The Niangua darter, which tors were canopy angle, substrate size, discounting the stoneroller data, sun- is found in only a few tributaries of the sinuosity, and velocity. fish generally have lower relative Osage River in central Missouri, is a abundance values at agricultural sites Several water-chemistry factors federally listed threatened species than at forested sites. The median rela- appeared to be related to the fish com- under the Endangered Species Act. tive abundance of sunfish at forested munity composition. Phosphorus, sedi- sites was 11 percent (26 percent of ment, and nitrate concentrations were individuals other than stonerollers); Fish community composition related to the community composition whereas, the median relative abun- appears to be related to stream size, in results from at least one of the mul- dance at agricultural sites was 4 per- canopy angle, substrate, and water tivariate procedures. cent (6 percent of other than stone- chemistry. Some of these factors are Many of these factors probably rollers). Members of the sunfish fam- affected by human activities. affect spawning success and food ily, especially smallmouth bass, are availability. Smallmouth bass, some Results of several statistical proce- important game fish in Ozark streams. other sunfish, many minnows, and dures (multivariate analyses, correla- Spotted bass, largemouth bass, longear most darters are intolerant of turbidity tion, and regression) used to group and sunfish, Ozark bass, shadow bass, and or siltation. Stonerollers are favored by compare the fish communities at 18 rock bass are less important, either increased algal growth, which results sites in the Study Unit indicate that because of fewer numbers or smaller from elevated nutrient concentrations these communities are substantially size. and large (open) canopy angles. affected by their habitat. However, the Darters also comprise a smaller per- The site on Center Creek (map, centage of the communities at sites in p. 19) has one of the highest percent- agricultural basins. As with sunfish, ages in the study area of individuals much of this is because of the greater tolerant of degraded water chemistry relative abundance of stonerollers; but or habitat. The site also has a relatively after discounting the stoneroller data, low percentage of stonerollers for a darters generally remain relatively site with elevated nutrient concentra- less abundant at sites in agricultural tions and an open canopy. This site, basins. The median relative abundance which is downstream from lead-zinc of darters at forested sites was 14 per- mining and urban areas, has elevated cent (18 percent of other than stonerol- concentrations of lead, zinc (table, lers). The median relative abundance p. 12), and semivolatile organic com- at agricultural sites was 4 percent (8 Darters also are sensitive to degraded habitat or pounds (p. 11) in bed sediment. These percent of other than stonerollers). water chemistry. This Niangua darter is one of chemicals may be a major factor Darters generally are considered to be seven species of darter found only in the Ozarks. (Photograph courtesy of Missouri Department of affecting the Center Creek fish com- sensitive to water-chemistry or habitat Conservation.) munity.

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 17 WATER-QUALITY CONDITIONS IN A NATIONAL CONTEXT Comparison of Stream Quality in the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit with Nationwide NAWQA Findings

Seven major water-quality characteristics were evaluated for stream sites in each NAWQA Study Unit. Summary scores for each characteristic were computed for all sites that had adequate data. Scores for each site in the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit were compared with scores for all sites sampled in the 20 NAWQA Study Units during 1992–95. Results are summarized by percentiles; higher percentile values generally indicate poorer quality compared with sites in the 20 Study Units. Water-quality conditions at each site also are compared to established criteria for protection of aquatic life. Applicable criteria are limited to nutrients and pesti- cides in water, and semivolatile organic compounds, organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in sediment. (Methods used to compute rankings and evaluate aquatic- life criteria are described by Gilliom and others, in press.)

EXPLANATION Nutrient concentrations in two NUTRIENTS in water Ranking of stream quality relative to all streams draining basins with pre- NAWQA stream sites — Darker colored dominantly agricultural land use circles generally indicate poorer quality. and one stream downstream from a wastewater-treatment plant were higher than the national Greater than the 75th percentile (among the highest 25 percent of NAWQA median. Beef cattle, dairy cattle, stream sites) and poultry production provides a Between the median and the 75th percentile Springfield major source of nutrients to streams. Ammonia concentra- tions did not exceed the EPA cri- Between the 25th percentile and the median terion for protection of aquatic life at any of the agricultural Fayetteville sites. Nutrient concentrations in Less than the 25th percentile (among the lowest 25 percent of NAWQA streams draining basins with pre- stream sites) dominantly forested land use were among the lowest in the 20 Insufficient data for analysis Study Units.

ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES and PCBs in bed sediment and PESTICIDES in water biological tissue

Springfield

Springfield

Fayetteville Illinois River Fayetteville

Pesticide concentrations in two intensively sampled Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs were rarely detected in bed streams in agricultural basins were among the smallest sediment or biological tissue. DDE, a breakdown product of DDT, in the 20 Study Units. No exceedances of existing crite- was detected at a low concentration in fish tissue from the ria occurred. The herbicides atrazine and simazine were Illinois River. the most commonly detected pesticides.

19 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 WATER-QUALITY CONDITIONS IN A NATIONAL CONTEXT Comparison of Stream Quality in the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit with Nationwide NAWQA Findings

The bed sediment at sites lo- TRACE ELEMENTS in bed sediment CONCLUSIONS cated in lead-zinc mining ar- eas and in or near the Boston Compared with other NAWQA Study Mountains had concentra- Units: tions of trace elements at a • Nutrient concentrations in streams higher level than most other draining forested basins were among sites in the 20 Study Units. the lowest in the Nation; concentra- Center Zinc concentrations and lead Creek tions in some streams draining basins concentrations at Center Springfield with other land uses were higher than Creek near Smithfield, Mo., most other sites in the Nation. were substantially higher • Concentrations of pesticides and oth- than the national median er organic compounds in water, bed zinc (about 50 times higher) Fayetteville sediment, and tissue generally were and lead (about 15 times lower than at sites in other Study higher) concentrations. Boston Mountains Units. Concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds in bed sediment SEMIVOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS Summed concentrations of at sites downstream from urban ar- in bed sediment semivolatile organic com- eas were among the highest in the pounds in bed sediment at most Nation. sites were lower than at most • Trace element concentrations in bed sites in the 20 Study Units. sediment in lead-zinc mining areas None of the sites had concen- were among the highest in the Nation. trations above which there is a high probability of adverse ef- • The quality of stream habitats and fish fects on aquatic organisms. communities at most sites was better Springfield Two sites with concentrations than at most other sites in the Nation. exceeding the national Study Unit median are in forested ar- eas. The two sites with the STREAM HABITAT DEGRADATION Fayetteville highest concentrations are in basins containing some of the more urban areas of the Study Unit.

Fish communities at most FISH COMMUNITY DEGRADATION sites were less degraded (fewer diseased, tolerant, and Springfield omnivorous fish) than at most other sites in the 20 Study Units. Sites with most degradation in the Study Unit Fayetteville generally are on larger rivers affected by agricultural, min- Springfield ing, or urban activities. The A well-vegetated riparian corridor contrib- fourth site is in a forested ba- utes substantially to healthy habitat scores at sin and was considered to many sites in the Study Unit. Gravel and have a degraded fish commu- lead-zinc mining probably have contributed to modified channels and increased sedimen- nity because of the large per- Fayetteville centage of omnivorous fish tation at some sites. A site on Center Creek, such as gizzard shad and which flows through an area of agricultural common carp. land use and historical lead-zinc mining, is the only site that was more degraded than the median of sites in the 20 Study Units.

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 21 WATER-QUALITY CONDITIONS IN A NATIONAL CONTEXT Comparison of Ground-Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit with Nationwide NAWQA Findings

Five major water-quality characteristics were evaluated for ground-water studies in each NAWQA Study Unit. Ground-water resources were divided into two catego- ries: (1) drinking-water aquifers, and (2) shallow ground water (in the Ozark Pla- teaus Study Unit, generally from wells less than 300 feet deep). Summary scores were computed for each characteristic for all aquifers and shallow ground-water ar- eas that had adequate data. Scores for each aquifer in the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit were compared with scores for all aquifers and shallow ground-water areas sampled in the 20 NAWQA Study Units during 1992–95. Results are summarized by per- centiles; higher percentile values generally indicate poorer quality compared with other ground-water studies in the 20 Study Units. Water-quality conditions for each sampled drinking-water aquifer also are compared to established drinking-water standards and criteria for protection of human health. (Methods used to compute rankings and evaluate standards and criteria were described by Gilliom and others, in press.) With the exception of the confined part of the Ozark aquifer (which is not considered shallow ground water), all groups of ground-water data for the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit could have been compared to both the national drinking-water aquifer scores and the national shallow ground-water scores. The results of the drinking-water aquifer comparisons are shown below.

EXPLANATION

RADON Radon levels in water Ozark aquifer (confined)—(OZ-C) from the unconfined Springfield Plateau OZ-C OZ-U Ozark aquifer (unconfined)—(OZ-U) aquifer and the con- fined and unconfined Springfield Plateau aquifer (uncon- parts of the Ozark fined)—(SP) aquifer were lower Springfield Plateau aquifer, uncon- than levels in most fined, pasture (cattle)—(SP-Ca) other aquifers in the Springfield Plateau aquifer, uncon- SP 20 NAWQA Study fined, pasture (poultry)—(SP-P) Units. Ranking of ground-water quality relative to all NAWQA ground-water studies— Darker colored circles generally indicate poorer quality. Bold outline of cir- cle indicates one or more standards or cri- teria were exceeded NITRATE Water from the Ozark aqui- fer had nitrate concentrations Greater than the 75th percentile lower than the median value (among the highest 25 percent of NAWQA for all NAWQA Study Units. ground-water studies) OZ-C OZ-U However, water from parts of the Springfield Plateau aqui- Between the median and the 75th percentile fer, which lies beneath a pri- SP-Ca marily agricultural area, had Between the 25th percentile and the median higher nitrate concentrations, greater than the national median. U.S. Environmental Less than the 25th percentile SP Protection Agency drinking- (among the lowest 25 percent of NAWQA ground-water studies) water standards were exceed- ed in less than 1 percent of SP-P Springfield Plateau aquifer samples.

21 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 WATER-QUALITY CONDITIONS IN A NATIONAL CONTEXT Comparison of Ground-Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit with Nationwide NAWQA Findings

DISSOLVED SOLIDS CONCLUSIONS Compared with other NAWQA Study Units: • Radon levels were lower than in most OZ-U OZ-C other drinking-water aquifers. • Nitrate concentrations in parts of the Springfield Plateau aquifer were higher SP-Ca than in most other drinking-water aqui- fers. This aquifer lies beneath an agricul- tural area. SP • Dissolved-solids concentrations were less than in most other drinking-water aquifers. SP-P • Volatile organic compounds were detect- ed more frequently than in most other Median dissolved-solids concentrations in water from drinking-water aquifers. Concentrations sampled wells were less than the NAWQA national medi- generally were relatively low. an. However, samples from nearly all groups of data occa- sionally exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection • Pesticides were detected less frequently Agency drinking-water guideline. A small percentage of than in most other drinking-water aqui- the samples from the Springfield Plateau aquifer and un- fers. confined part of the Ozark aquifer had concentrations ex- ceeding the guideline; however, 15 percent of the samples from the confined part of the Ozark aquifer exceeded the guideline. Dissolved-solids concentrations in the confined aquifer were greatest near the western boundary of the Study Unit.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS PESTICIDES

OZ-C OZ-U OZ-U

SP-Ca

SP SP

SP-P

Volatile organic compound (VOC) detections were more Pesticides were detected less frequently in the Spring- frequent in samples from the Springfield Plateau aquifer field Plateau and Ozark aquifers than in most other drink- and part of the Ozark aquifer than in most other drinking- ing-water aquifers in the 20 Study Units. However, water aquifers sampled nationally by NAWQA. Detec- pesticides were detected more frequently in water in the tions of VOCs did not appear to be related to regional land Springfield Plateau aquifer (a mostly unconfined aquifer use, but could be related to very localized land uses at underlying areas with primarily agricultural land use). some sites or could be an artifact of well construction or Concentrations generally were low relative to detection sample collection. Concentrations generally were low rel- limits and concentrations in other Study Units and ex- ative to detection limits or drinking-water standards or ceeded drinking-water standards or guidelines in less guidelines. than 1 percent of samples.

22 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 STUDY DESIGN AND DATA COLLECTION IN THE OZARK PLATEAUS STUDY UNIT

Different study designs were used physiographic area, then by predomi- An emphasis of the NAWQA design for collecting data associated with nant land use and basin size. is the use of multiple lines of evidence stream chemistry and ecology and Springs and wells in the Springfield to describe water-quality conditions ground-water chemistry. For streams, Plateau aquifer and unconfined part of (Gilliom and others, 1995). Thus, data sites were selected to represent specific the Ozark aquifer were randomly have been collected for chemistry of environmental settings (combinations selected for sampling as part of the streams and ground water, bed sedi- of physiography, land use, and stream unconfined aquifer survey. Several ment, and biological tissue (tissue size). Ground-water networks and sites public-supply wells in the confined from clams and fish); stream ecologi- can be described in terms of their envi- part of the Ozark aquifer also were cal conditions; and environmental fac- ronmental setting (characteristics of selected for sampling. To aid study of tors such as land-use percentages and hydrogeology and land use). Physiog- the effects of land use and hydrogeol- human population. The sampling sites raphy, land use, stream size, and ogy on ground-water chemistry, associated with the various study com- hydrogeology are all factors that springs and wells were randomly ponents are shown on the appropriate should be considered because of their selected in a poultry-production area maps, and the designs of the individual effects on water quality. and a cattle-production area of the study components are described in the To the extent practical, stream sites Springfield Plateau. Land-use and table on the following page. represent areas of relatively homoge- hydrogeologic information was used to neous physiography and land use. characterize springs and wells after Sampling sites were first classified by they were selected and sampled. EXPLANATION STREAM-CHEMISTRY LAND USE AND ECOLOGY SITE Forested land 3 Basic/intensive site Agricultural land and number Urban land Synoptic site Mining area Bed sediment and biota site Water Salem Plateau Osage Plains BLACK RIVER TRACE ELEMENT STUDY St. Francois Mountains 9 3 5 6 EXPLANATION 7 CONFINING UNIT OR AQUIFER AQUIFER SURVEY, UNCONFINED Ozark Ozark Springfield Plateau Springfield Plateau Mississippi Other AQUIFER SURVEY, CONFINED 8 Alluvial Ozark Plain LAND-USE EFFECTS 4 2 Springfield Plateau, poultry 1 Springfield Plateau, cattle

LOCATION OF GROUND-WATER SITES Springfield Boston Plateau Mountains LOCATION OF STREAM SITES

List of basic and intensive stream-chemistry and ecology sites [Contaminants in bed sediment and aquatic biota also sampled at all of these sites] Site number Site number (see figure Site name (see figure Site name above right) above right) 1 Buffalo River near Boxley, Ark. 8 Yocum Creek near Oak Grove, Ark. 2 North Sylamore Creek near Fifty-Six, Ark. 9 Dousinbury Creek near Wall Street, Mo. 3 Paddy Creek above Slabtown Spring, Mo. 10 Elk River near Tiff City, Mo. 4 Buffalo River near St. Joe, Ark. 11 Illinois River near Tahlequah, Okla. 5 Black River near Lesterville, Mo. 12 Niangua River at Windyville, Mo. 6 Jacks Fork River at Alley Spring, Mo. 13 Kings River near Berryville, Ark. 7 Current River at Van Buren, Mo. 14 Center Creek near Smithfield, Mo.

22 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 STUDY DESIGN AND DATA COLLECTION IN THE OZARK PLATEAUS STUDY UNIT

SUMMARY OF DATA COLLECTION IN THE OZARK PLATEAUS STUDY UNIT, 1992-95

Sampling Number frequency Study component What data were collected and why Types of sites sampled of sites and period Stream Chemistry Basic sites—general Continuous streamflow, nutrients, major ions, trace Streams draining predominant land-use 14 Monthly plus storms water chemistry metals, bacteria, organic carbon, suspended types across Study Unit: forested, Apr. 1993-Sept. 1995 sediment, and physical parameters to describe agriculture, mining, and urban. (one site activated Jan. concentrations and seasonal variations. 1995) Intensive sites— In addition to the above constituents, 82 dissolved Subset of basic sites draining agricultural 2 Weekly to monthly pesticides, nutri- pesticides to determine concentrations and land-use areas. Feb. 1994-Jan. 1995 ents, bacteria seasonal variations. Synoptic sites—water Streamflow, nutrients, major ions, trace metals, Streams draining forested, agricultural, 29 Three in 1994-95 chemistry pesticides, bacteria, organic carbon, suspended and urban land-use areas. sediment, and physical parameters during high or low flow conditions to describe concentration and spatial distribution. Contaminants in Trace elements and hydrophobic organic Depositional zones for all basic and 27 Once in 1992-95 bed sediments compounds to determine occurrence and spatial intensive sites and many synoptic sites. distribution. Contaminants in Trace elements in clams (soft tissue) and fish livers All basic and intensive sites and some 25 Once in 1992-95 aquatic biota and organic compounds in clams (soft tissue) synoptic sites. Samples were taken and whole fishes to determine occurrence and from fish and clam species generally spatial distribution. common across the Study Unit. Stream Ecology Intensive assessments Fish, macroinvertebrates, algae, and aquatic and Stream reaches were collocated with basic 14 Once annually in 1993- riparian habitat to assess biological communities and intensive sites. Sites represent the 95; three reaches sam- in different land uses. variety of land uses within the Study pled at each of three Unit. sites one year Synoptic assessments Similar to intensive assessments, except only one Stream reaches were collocated with a 27 Once in 1994 reach per site and fish were sampled at only four subset of synoptic stream chemistry sites, for areal comparison of habitat and sites. community composition. Ground-Water Chemistry Aquifer survey— Nutrients, major ions, trace elements, pesticides, Domestic wells (49) and springs (50). 99 Once in 1993 bedrock, uncon- volatile organic compounds (wells), and fined radionuclides to determine overall water quality and natural chemical patterns in unconfined parts of Springfield Plateau and Ozark aquifers. Aquifer survey— Nutrients, major ions, trace elements, pesticides, Public supply wells located in 20 Once in 1993-94 bedrock, confined volatile organic compounds, and radionuclides northwestern Arkansas, southeastern to determine overall water quality and natural Kansas, southwestern Missouri, and chemical patterns in the confined part of the northeastern Oklahoma. Ozark aquifer. Land-use effects— Nutrients, major ions, pesticides, and radionuclides Domestic wells (20) and springs (22) for a 82 Once in 1994-95 agricultural to determine the effect of agricultural practices study that focused on land used for (poultry and cattle) on the quality of ground confined poultry; domestic wells (20) water in the Springfield Plateau aquifer. and springs (20) for a study that focused on land used for raising cattle. Special Studies Black River Similar to data collected for the study components Streams, depositional zones, and stream 10 Once in 1995 trace element for stream chemistry: basic sites, contaminants reaches located within an area of lead- study—water, bed- in bed sediment, and contaminants in fish tissue; zinc mining. sediment, and tissue and for stream ecology: synoptic assessments. chemistry; stream The data were collected to describe effects of ecology lead-zinc mining on water quality, bed sediment, aquatic biota, and biological communities. Small-basin study Nutrients, major ions, and pesticides to describe, on Domestic (18) and monitoring (11) wells, 36 Once in 1995 (not shown on map) a local scale, occurrence and distribution in a springs (4), and streams (3) within the small Springfield Plateau basin. Flint Creek Basin.

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 23 SUMMARY OF COMPOUND DETECTIONS AND CONCENTRATIONS

The following tables summarize data collected for NAWQA studies during 1992-95 by showing results for the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit compared to the NAWQA national range for each compound detected. The data were collected at a wide variety of places and times. In order to represent the wide concentration ranges observed among Study Units, logarithmic scales are used to emphasize the general magnitude of concentrations (such as 10, 100, or 1,000), rather than the precise number. The complete dataset used to con- struct these tables is available upon request. These tables were designed and compiled by Sarah Ryker, Jonathon Scott, and Alan Hag- gland, U.S. Geological Survey.

Concentrations of herbicides, insecticides, volatile organic compounds, and nutrients detected in ground and surface waters of the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit. [mg/L, milligrams per liter; µg/L, micrograms per liter; pCi/L, picocuries per liter; %, percent; <, less than; - -, not measured; trade names may vary]

a EXPLANATION Freshwater-chronic criterion for the protection of aquatic life Drinking water standard or guideline a Range of surface-water detections in all 20 Study Units Range of ground-water detections in all 20 Study Units Detection in the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit

Herbicide Rate Concentration, in µg/L Herbicide Rate Concentration, in µg/L (Trade or common of (Trade or common of name) detec- 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1,000 name) detec- 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1,000 tion b tion b Alachlor (Lasso) 1% Propanil (Stampede, <1% 0% Surcopur) 1% Atrazine (AAtrex, 21% Simazine (Aquazine, 5% Gesaprim) 3% Princep, GEsatop) 3% Deethylatrazinec 3% Tebuthiuron (Spike, 8% 6% (Atrazine metabolite) 3% Perflan) Benfluralin (Balan, <1% Terbacilc (Sinbar) <1% Benefin, Bonalan) <1% 0% Bentazon (Basagran, 0% Thiobencarb (Bolero, <1% bentazone) 1% Saturn, benthiocarb) 0% Bromacil (Hyvar X, 1% Trifluralin (Treflan, <1% Urox B, Bromax) 0% Trinin, Elancolan) <1% Butylate (Sutan, 1% Genate Plus, butilate) 0% Cyanazine (Bladex, 1% Insecticide Rate Concentration, in µg/L Fortrol) 0% (Trade or common of 2,4-D (2,4-PA) 2% name) detec- 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1,000 0% tion b DCPA (Dacthal, <1% Carbarylc (Sevin, 1% chlorthal-dimethyl) <1% Savit) 1% Diuron (Karmex, 0% Carbofuranc 1% Direx, DCMU) 1% (Furadan, Curaterr) 0% EPTC (Eptam) <1% Chlorpyrifos (Durs- <1% 0% ban, Lorsban) 1% Metolachlor (Dual, 1% p,p’-DDE (p,p’-DDT <1% Pennant) 1% metabolite) <1% Molinate (Ordram) 1% Diazinon 2% 0% 0% Prometon (Gesa- 6% Dieldrin (Panoram D- <1% gram, prometone) 7% 31, Octalox) 1%

24 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 SUMMARY OF COMPOUND DETECTIONS AND CONCENTRATIONS

Insecticide Rate Concentration, in µg/L Nutrient Rate Concentration, in mg/L (Trade or common of of name) detec- 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1,000 detec- 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000 tion b tion b gamma-HCH 0% Dissolved ammonia 67% 1% as nitrogen 79% cis-Permethrinc <1% Dissolved ammonia (Ambush, Pounce) 0% plus organic nitrogen 12% 3% Propargite (Comite, 0% as nitrogen <1% Omite, BPPS) Dissolved phospho- 51% rus as phosphorus 44% Volatile organic Rate Concentration, in µg/L Dissolved nitrite plus 81% compound of nitrate as nitrogen 86% detec- 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1,000 tion b 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2- -- Other Rate Concentration, in pCi/L trifluoroethane (Freon 2% of Dichloromethane -- detec- 1 10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000 b (Methylene chloride) 2% tion Methylbenzene (Tolu- -- Radon 222 100% ene) 6% total Trihalomethanes -- 13%

Volatile organic Rate Concentration, in µg/L compound of detec- 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000 tion b Tetrachloroethene -- (Perchloroethene) 2%

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 25 SUMMARY OF COMPOUND DETECTIONS AND CONCENTRATIONS

Herbicides, insecticides, volatile organic compounds, and nutrients not detected in ground and surface waters of the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit.

Herbicides Pendimethalin (Pre-M, alpha-HCH (alpha-BHC, 2,2-Dichloropropane trans-1,3-Dichloropropene Prowl, Weedgrass Control, alpha-lindane, alpha- Benzene ((E)-1,3-Dichloropropene) 2,4,5-T Stomp, Herbadox) hexachlorocyclohexane, Bromobenzene (Phenyl alpha-benzene hexachlo- 2,4,5-TP (Silvex, Fenoprop) Picloram (Grazon, Tordon) bromide) Nutrients ride) Bromochloromethane 2,4-DB (Butyrac, Butox- Pronamide (Kerb, Propyza- No non-detects one, Embutox Plus, Embu- mid) (Methylene chlorobro- Volatile organic tone) Propachlor (Ramrod, Sate- mide) compounds Bromomethane (Methyl 2,6-Diethylaniline (Metabo- cid) bromide) lite of Alachlor) Propham (Tuberite) 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane (1,1,1,2-TeCA) Chlorobenzene Acetochlor (Harness Plus, Triallate (Far-Go, Avadex (Monochlorobenzene) Surpass) BW, Tri-allate) 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (Methylchloroform) Chloroethane (Ethyl chlo- Acifluorfen (Blazer, Tackle Triclopyr (Garlon, Grand- 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane ride) 2S) stand, Redeem, Remedy) 1,1,2-Trichloroethane Chloroethene (Vinyl chlo- Bromoxynil (Buctril, Bro- (Vinyl trichloride) ride) minal) Insecticides 1,1-Dichloroethane (Eth- Chloromethane (Methyl chloride) Chloramben (Amiben, 3-Hydroxycarbofuran (Car- ylidene dichloride) Dibromomethane (Methyl- Amilon-WP, Vegiben) bofuran metabolite) 1,1-Dichloroethene ene dibromide) Clopyralid (Stinger, Lon- Aldicarb sulfone (Standak, (Vinylidene chloride) Dichlorodifluoromethane trel, Reclaim, Transline) aldoxycarb, aldicarb metab- 1,1-Dichloropropene olite) (CFC 12, Freon 12) Dacthal mono-acid (Dacthal 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene Dimethylbenzenes metabolite) Aldicarb sulfoxide (Aldi- (1,2,3-TCB) (Xylenes (total)) carb metabolite) 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Dicamba (Banvel, Dianat, Ethenylbenzene (Styrene) Aldicarb (Temik, Ambush, (Allyl trichloride) Scotts Proturf) Ethylbenzene (Phenyle- Pounce) 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Dichlorprop (2,4-DP, Seri- thane) Azinphos-methyl (Guthion, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene tox 50, Kildip, Lentemul) Hexachlorobutadiene Gusathion M) (Pseudocumene) Dinoseb (Dinosebe) Isopropylbenzene Disulfoton (Disyston, Di- 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropro- (Cumene) Ethalfluralin (Sonalan, Cur- Syston, Frumin AL, pane (DBCP, Nemagon) Solvirex, Ethylthiodemeton) Methyl tert-butyl etherd bit) 1,2-Dibromoethane (EDB, Ethoprop (Mocap, Ethopro- (MTBE) Fenuron (Fenulon, Feni- Ethylene dibromide) phos) Naphthalene dim) 1,2-Dichlorobenzene (o- Fonofos (Dyfonate, Capfos, Dichlorobenzene, 1,2- Tetrachloromethane (Car- Fluometuron (Flo-Met, Cudgel, Tycap) bon tetrachloride) Cotoran, Cottonex, Metu- DCB) Trichloroethene (TCE) ron) Malathion (Malathion) 1,2-Dichloroethane (Ethyl- Methiocarb (Slug-Geta, ene dichloride) Trichlorofluoromethane Linuron (Lorox, Linex, Sar- Grandslam, Mesurol) (CFC 11, Freon 11) clex, Linurex, Afalon) 1,2-Dichloropropane (Pro- Methomyl (Lanox, Lan- pylene dichloride) cis-1,2-Dichloroethene MCPA (Rhomene, Rhonox, nate, Acinate) 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene ((Z)-1,2-Dichloroethene) Chiptox) Methyl parathion (Penncap- (Mesitylene) cis-1,3-Dichloropropene MCPB (Thistrol) M, Folidol-M, Metacide, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene (m- ((Z)-1,3-Dichloropropene) Metribuzin (Lexone, Sen- Bladan M) Dichlorobenzene) n-Butylbenzene (1-Phe- cor) Oxamyl (Vydate L, Pratt) 1,3-Dichloropropane (Tri- nylbutane) n-Propylbenzene (Isoc- Napropamide (Devrinol) Parathion (Roethyl-P, Alk- methylene dichloride) ron, Panthion, Phoskil) 1,4-Dichlorobenzene (p- umene) Neburon (Neburea, Neb- Phorate (Thimet, Granutox, Dichlorobenzene, 1,4- p-Isopropyltoluene (p- uryl, Noruben) Geomet, Rampart) DCB) Cymene) Norflurazon (Evital, Pre- Propoxur (Baygon, Blat- 1-Chloro-2-methylben- sec-Butylbenzene dict, Solicam, Zorial) tanex, Unden, Proprotox) zene (o-Chlorotoluene) tert-Butylbenzene Oryzalin (Surflan, Dirimal) Terbufos (Contraven, 1-Chloro-4-methylben- trans-1,2-Dichloroethene Pebulate (Tillam, PEBC) Counter, Pilarfox) zene (p-Chlorotoluene) ((E)-1,2-Dichlorothene)

26 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 SUMMARY OF COMPOUND DETECTIONS AND CONCENTRATIONS

Concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds, organochlorine compounds, and trace elements detected in fish and clam tissue and bed sediment of the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit. [µg/g, micrograms per gram; µg/kg, micrograms per kilogram; %, percent; <, less than; --, not measured; trade names may vary]

EXPLANATION Guideline for the protection of aquatic life e Range of detections in fish and clam tissue in all 20 Study Units Range of detections in bed sediment in all 20 Study Units Detection in bed sediment or fish tissue in the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit Detection in clam tissue in the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit

Semivolatile organic Rate of Concentration, in µg/kg Semivolatile organic Rate of Concentration, in µg/kg compound detec- compound detec- tion b 0.11 10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000 tion b 0.11 10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000

1,2-Dimethylnaphtha- -- Acenaphthylene -- lene 7% 3% 1,6-Dimethylnaphtha- -- Anthracene -- lene 21% 14% 1-Methyl-9H-fluorene -- Anthraquinone -- 3% 3% 1-Methylphenan- -- Azobenzene -- threne 17% 3% 1-Methylpyrene -- Benz[ a ]anthracene -- 7% 28% 2,3,6-Trimethylnaph- -- Benzo[ a ]pyrene -- thalene 14% 14% 2,6-Dimethylnaphtha- -- Benzo[ b ]fluoran- -- lene 41% thene 28% 2,6-Dinitrotoluene -- Benzo[ ghi ]perylene -- 3% 3% 2-Ethylnaphthalene -- Benzo[ k ]fluoran- -- 10% thene 28% 2-Methylanthracene -- Butylbenzylphthalate -- 7% 62% 4,5-Methyle- -- Chrysene -- nephenanthrene 7% 34% 4-Bromophenyl-phe- -- Di- n -butylphthalate -- nylether 3% 100% 4-Chloro-3-meth- -- Di- n -octylphthalate -- ylphenol 3% 10% 4-Chlorophenyl-phe- -- Dibenz[ a,h ] -- nylether 3% anthracene 3% 9H-Carbazole -- Dibenzothiophene -- 3% 10% 9H-Fluorene -- Diethylphthalate -- 7% 24% Acenaphthene -- Dimethylphthalate -- 7% 3%

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 27 SUMMARY OF COMPOUND DETECTIONS AND CONCENTRATIONS

Semivolatile organic Rate of Concentration, in µg/kg Trace element Rate Concentration, in µg/g compound detec- of tion b 0.11 10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000 detec- 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1,000 10,000 tion b Fluoranthene -- Arsenic 93% 41% 100% Indeno[1,2,3- cd ] -- Cadmium 97% pyrene 14% 100% N-Nitrosodi- -- Chromium 90% phenylamine 7% 100% Nitrobenzene -- Copper 100% 3% 100% Phenanthrene -- Lead 30% 31% 100% Phenol -- Mercury 60% 72% 79% Pyrene -- Nickel 83% 41% 100% bis(2-Ethyl- -- Selenium 87% hexyl)phthalate 97% 100% p-Cresol -- Zinc 100% 52% 100%

Organochlorine Rate Concentration, in µg/kg compound of detec- (Trade name) 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000 tion b total-Chlordane 3% 3% p,p’-DDE 6% 0% total-DDT 10% 0% Dieldrin (Panoram D- 3% 31, Octalox) 0%

28 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 SUMMARY OF COMPOUND DETECTIONS AND CONCENTRATIONS

Semivolatile organic compounds, organochlorine compounds, and trace elements not detected in fish and clam tissue and bed sediment of the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit.

Semivolatile organic Chloroneb (chloronebe, Perthrine, Picket, Picket G, compounds Demosan, Soil Fungicide Dragnet, Talcord, Outflank, 1823) Stockade, Eksmin, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene DCPA (Dacthal, chlorthal- Coopex, Peregin, Sto- 1,2-Dichlorobenzene (o- dimethyl) moxin, Stomoxin P, Qam- Dichlorobenzene, 1,2- lin, Corsair, Tornade) Endosulfan I (alpha- DCB) Endosulfan, Thiodan, delta-HCH (delta-BHC, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene (m- Cyclodan, Beosit, Malix, delta-hexachlorocyclohex- Dichlorobenzene) Thimul, Thifor) ane, delta-benzene 1,4-Dichlorobenzene (p- Endrin (Endrine) hexachloride) Dichlorobenzene, 1,4- Heptachlor epoxide (Hep- gamma-HCH (Lindane, DCB) tachlor metabolite) gamma-BHC, Gammex- 2,2-Biquinoline Heptachlor (Heptachlore, ane, Gexane, Soprocide, 2,4-Dinitrotoluene Velsicol 104) gamma-hexachlorocyclo- hexane, gamma-benzene 2-Chloronaphthalene Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) hexachloride, gamma-ben- 2-Chlorophenol Isodrin (Isodrine, Com- zene) 3,5-Dimethylphenol pound 711) o,p’-Methoxychlor Acridine Mirex (Dechlorane) p,p’-Methoxychlor (Mar- Benzo [c] cinnoline PCB, total late, methoxychlore) C8-Alkylphenol Pentachloroanisole (PCA, pentachlorophenol metabo- trans-Permethrin(Ambush, Isophorone lite) Astro, Pounce, Pramex, Isoquinoline Toxaphene (Camphechlor, Pertox, Ambushfog, Kafil, N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine Hercules 3956) Perthrine, Picket, Picket G, Dragnet, Talcord, Outflank, Naphthalene alpha-HCH (alpha-BHC, Stockade, Eksmin, alpha-lindane, alpha- Pentachloronitrobenzene Coopex, Peregin, Sto- hexachlorocyclohexane, moxin, Stomoxin P, Qam- Phenanthridine alpha-benzene hexachlo- lin, Corsair, Tornade) Quinoline ride) bis (2-Chloroethoxy)meth- beta-HCH (beta-BHC, ane beta-hexachlorocyclohex- Trace elements ane, alpha-benzene hexachloride) No non-detects Organochlorine compounds cis-Permethrin (Ambush, Astro, Pounce, Pramex, Aldrin (HHDN, Octalene) Pertox, Ambushfog, Kafil,

a Selected water-quality standards and guidelines (Gilliom and others, in press). b Rates of detection are based on the number of analyses and detections in the Study Unit, not on national data. Rates of detection for herbicides and insecticides were computed by only counting detections equal to or greater than 0.01 µg/L in order to facilitate equal comparisons among com- pounds, which had widely varying detection limits. For herbicides and insecticides, a detection rate of “<1%” means that all detections are less than 0.01 µg/L, or the detection rate rounds to less than 1 percent. For other compound groups, all detections were counted and minimum detection limits for most compounds were similar to the lower end of the national ranges shown. Method detection limits for all compounds in these tables are summarized in (Gilliom and others, in press). c Detections of these compounds are reliable, but concentrations are determined with greater uncertainty than for the other compounds and are reported as estimated values (Zaugg and others, 1995). d The guideline for methyl tert-butyl ether is between 20 and 40 µg/L; if the tentative cancer classification C is accepted, the lifetime health advisory will be 20 µg/L (Gilliom and others, in press). e Selected sediment-quality guidelines (Gilliom and others, in press).

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 29 REFERENCES

Adamski, J.C., 1997a, Nitrate and pes- Brown, A.V., and Lyttle, M.M., 1992, consin Department of Natural ticides in ground water of the Impacts of gravel mining on Resources PUBL-RS-155 92, Ozark Plateaus region in Arkan- Ozark stream ecosystems: Fay- 32 p. sas, Kansas, Missouri, and Okla- etteville, Arkansas Cooperative Long, E.R., and Morgan, L.G., 1991, homa: U.S. Geological Survey Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The potential for biological Fact Sheet FS-182-96, 4 p. Department of Biological Sci- effects for sediment-sorbed con- ———1997b, Nutrients and pesticides ences, University of Arkansas, taminants tested in the National in ground water of the Ozark Pla- 118 p. Status and Trends Program: teaus in Arkansas, Kansas, Mis- Davis, J.V., Petersen, J.C., Adamski, NOAA, NOAA Technical Memo- souri, and Oklahoma: U.S. J.C., and Freiwald, D.A., 1995, randum NOS OMA 52, Seattle, Geological Survey Water- Water-quality assessment of the Washington. Resources Investigations Report Ozark Plateaus study unit, Arkan- National Academy of Sciences and 96-4313, 28 p. sas, Kansas, Missouri, and Okla- National Academy of Engineer- ———1997c, Radium and radon in homa—Analysis of information ing, 1973 [1974], Water quality ground water of the Ozark region on nutrients, suspended sediment, criteria, 1972: U.S. Environmen- in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and suspended solids, 1970-92: tal Protection Agency R3-73-033, and Oklahoma: U.S. Geological U.S. Geological Survey Water- U.S. Environmental Protection Survey Fact Sheet FS-181-96, Resources Investigations Report Agency, Washington, D.C., 594 p. 95-4042, 112 p. 4 p. Nowell, L.H., and Resek, E.A., 1994, Femmer, S.R., 1997, Water-quality Adamski, J.C., Petersen, J.C., Frei- National standards and guidelines assessment of the Ozark Plateaus wald, D.A., and Davis, J.V., 1995, for pesticides in water, sediment, study unit, Arkansas, Kansas, Environmental and hydrologic and aquatic organisms—Applica- Missouri, and Oklahoma—Habi- setting of the Ozark Plateaus tion to water-quality assess- tat characteristics at selected sites, study unit, Arkansas, Kansas, ments: New York, Springer- 1993-95: U.S. Geological Survey Missouri, and Oklahoma: U.S. Verlag, 221 p. Open-File Report 97-236, 44 p. Geological Survey Water- Otton, J.K., Gundersen, L.C.S., and Fenneman, N.M., 1938, Physiography Resources Investigations Report Schumann, R.R., 1993, The geol- of eastern United States: New 94-4022, 69 p. ogy of radon: U.S. Geological York, McGraw-Hill Book Co., Survey General Interest Publica- Arkansas State University, 1996, An Inc., 689 p. tions of the U.S. Geological Sur- economic impact analysis of Gelwick, F.P., and Matthews, W.J., vey, 29 p. stream bed gravel mining: State 1992, Effects of an algivorous University, Arkansas, report sub- minnow on temperate stream eco- Schmitt, C.J., Wildhaber, M.L., Hunn, mitted to Arkansas Gravel Mining system properties: Ecology, v. 73, J.B., Tieger, M.N., Steadman, Task Force, unpaginated. p. 1630-1645. B.L., and Nash, T., 1993, Bell, R.W., Davis, J.V., Femmer, S.R., Gilliom, R.J., Alley, W.M., and Gurtz, Biomonitoring of lead-contami- and Joseph, R.L., 1997, Water- M.E., 1995, Design of the nated Missouri streams with an quality assessment of the Ozark National Water-Quality Assess- assay for d-aminolevulinic acid Plateaus study unit, Arkansas, ment Program—Occurrence and dehydratase (ALA-D) activity in Kansas, Missouri, and Okla- distribution of water-quality con- fish blood: Archives of Environ- homa—Organic compounds in ditions: U.S. Geological Survey mental Contaminants and Toxi- surface water, bed sediment, and Circular 1112, 33 p. cology, v. 25, p. 464-475. biological tissue, 1992-95: U.S. Gilliom, R.J., Mueller, D.K., and Now- U.S. Department of Commerce, 1990, Geological Survey Water- ell, L.H., in press, Methods for 1990 Census of population and Resources Investigations Report comparing water-quality condi- housing summary, population and 97-4031, 30 p. tions among National Water- housing characteristics—Arkan- Bell, R.W., Joseph, R.J., and Freiwald, Quality Assessment Study Units, sas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma. D.A., 1996, Water-quality assess- 1992-95: U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Environmental Protection ment of the Ozark Plateaus study Open-File Report 97-589. Agency, 1988, Maximum con- unit, Arkansas, Kansas, Mis- Kanehl, Paul, and Lyons, John, 1992, taminant levels (subpart 13 of souri, and Oklahoma—Summary Impacts of in-stream sand and 141, National revised drinking- of information on pesticides, gravel mining on stream habitat water regulations): U.S. Code of 1970-90: U.S. Geological Survey and fish communities, including a Federal Regulations, Title 40, Water-Resources Investigations survey on the Big Rib River, Mar- parts 100 to 149, revised as of Report 96-4003, 51 p. athon County, Wisconsin: Wis- July 1, 1988, p. 530-533.

30 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 REFERENCES

———1996, The national sediment quality survey—A report to Con- gress on the extent and severity of sediment contamination in surface waters of the United States: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Science and Technology, EPA-823-D-96-002. Zaugg, S.D., Sandstrom, M.W., Smith, S.G., and Fehlberg, K.M., 1995, Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory—Determina- tion of pesticides in water by C-18 solid-phase extraction and capil- lary-column gas chromatography mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-181, p. 54.

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 31 GLOSSARY

The terms in this glossary were com- Canopy angle - Generally, a measure Habitat - The part of the physical piled from numerous sources. Some of the openness of a stream to environment where plants and animals definitions have been modified and sunlight. Specifically, the angle live. may not be the only valid ones for formed by an imaginary line from the Human health advisory - Guidance these terms. highest structure (for example, tree, provided by U.S. Environmental shrub, or bluff) on one bank to eye Algae - Chlorophyll-bearing Protection Agency, State agencies or level at midchannel to the highest nonvascular, primarily aquatic species scientific organizations, in the absence structure on the other bank. that have no true roots, stems, or of regulatory limits, to describe leaves; most algae are microscopic, Community - In ecology, the species acceptable contaminant levels in but some species can be as large as that interact in a common area. drinking water or edible fish. vascular plants. Confined aquifer (artesian aquifer) Karst - A type of topography that Anomalies - As related to fish, - An aquifer that is completely filled results from dissolution and collapse externally visible skin or subcutaneous with water under pressure and that is of carbonate rocks such as limestone disorders, including deformities, overlain by material that restricts the and dolomite, and characterized by eroded fins, lesions, and tumors. movement of water. closed depressions or sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage. Aquatic-life criteria - Water-quality Criterion - A standard rule or test on guidelines for protection of aquatic which a judgment or decision can be Maximum contaminant level (MCL) life. Often refers to U.S. based. - Maximum permissible level of a Environmental Protection Agency contaminant in water that is delivered Detection limit - The concentration to any user of a public water system. water-quality criteria for protection of below which a particular analytical aquatic organisms. See also Water- MCL's are enforceable standards method cannot determine, with a high established by the U.S. Environmental quality guidelines and Water-quality degree of certainty, a concentration. criteria. Protection Agency. Dissolved solids - Amount of Mean - The average of a set of Aquifer - A water-bearing layer of minerals, such as salt, that are observations, unless otherwise soil, sand, gravel, or rock that will dissolved in water; amount of specified. yield usable quantities of water to a dissolved solids is an indicator of well. salinity or hardness. Median - The middle or central value in a distribution of data ranked in Benthic invertebrates - Insects, Drinking-water standard or order of magnitude. The median is mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and guideline - A threshold concentration also known as the 50th percentile. other organisms without a backbone in a public drinking-water supply, that live in, on, or near the bottom of designed to protect human health. As Method detection limit - The lakes, streams, or oceans. defined here, standards are U.S. minimum concentration of a substance that can be accurately identified and Biomass - The amount of living Environmental Protection Agency regulations that specify the maximum measured with present laboratory matter, in the form of organisms, technologies. present in a particular habitat, usually contamination levels for public water expressed as weight per unit area. systems required to protect the public Milligrams per liter (mg/L) - A unit welfare; guidelines have no regulatory expressing the concentration of Blue-baby syndrome - A condition status and are issued in an advisory chemical constituents in solution as that can be caused by ingestion of high capacity. weight (milligrams) of solute per unit amounts of nitrate resulting in the volume (liter) of water; equivalent to Fecal bacteria - Microscopic single- blood losing its ability to effectively one part per million in most celled organisms (primarily fecal carry oxygen. It is most common in streamwater and ground water. One coliforms and fecal streptococci) young infants and certain elderly thousand micrograms per liter equals 1 found in the wastes of warm-blooded people. mg/L. animals. Their presence in water is Breakdown product - A compound used to assess the sanitary quality of National Academy of derived by chemical, biological, or water for body-contact recreation or Sciences/National Academy of physical action upon a pesticide. The for consumption. Their presence Engineering (NAS/NAE) breakdown is a natural process which indicates contamination by the wastes recommended maximum may result in a more toxic or a less of warm-blooded animals and the concentration in water - Numerical toxic compound and a more persistent possible presence of pathogenic guidelines recommended by two joint or less persistent compound. (disease producing) organisms. NAS/NAE committees for the

32 Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95 GLOSSARY protection of freshwater and marine element radium; damaging to human Tolerant species - Those species that aquatic life, respectively. These lungs when inhaled. are adaptable to (tolerant of) human guidelines were based on available alterations to the environment and aquatic toxicity studies, and were Relative abundance - The number of often increase in number when human considered preliminary even at the organisms of a particular kind present alterations occur. time (1972). The guidelines used in in a sample relative to the total Trace element - An element found in this report are for freshwater. number of organisms in the sample. only minor amounts (concentrations Nonpoint source - A contamination Riparian zone - Pertaining to or less than 1.0 milligram per liter) in source that cannot be defined as located on the bank of a body of water or sediment; includes arsenic, originating from discrete points such cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, water, especially a stream. as pipe discharge. Areas of fertilizer mercury, nickel, and zinc. and pesticide applications, Sediment - Particles, derived from atmospheric deposition, manure, and Unconfined aquifer - An aquifer rocks or biological materials, that have natural inputs from plants and trees whose upper surface is a water table; been transported by a fluid or other are types of nonpoint-source an aquifer containing unconfined natural process, and are suspended or contamination. ground water. settled in water. Physiography - A description of the Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) surface features of the Earth, with an Semivolatile organic compound - Organic chemicals that have a high emphasis on the origin of landforms. (SVOC) - Operationally defined as a vapor pressure relative to their water group of synthetic organic compounds solubility. VOCs include components Picocurie (pCi) - One trillionth of gasoline, fuel oils, and lubricants, -12 that are solvent-extractable and can be (10 ) of the amount of radioactivity determined by gas as well as organic solvents, fumigants, represented by a curie (Ci). A curie is chromatography/mass spectrometry. some inert ingredients in pesticides, the amount of radioactivity that yields and some by-products of chlorine SVOCs include phenols, phthalates, 10 disinfection. 3.7 x 10 radioactive disintegrations and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons per second (dps). A picocurie yields (PAHs). Water-quality criteria - Specific 2.22 disintegrations per minute (dpm) levels of water quality which, if or 0.037 dps. Sideslope gradient - The reached, are expected to render a body Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) - representative change in elevation in a of water unsuitable for its designated A mixture of chlorinated derivatives given horizontal distance (usually use. Commonly refers to water-quality of biphenyl, marketed under the trade about 300 yards) perpendicular to a criteria established by the U.S. name Aroclor with a number stream; the valley slope along a line Environmental Protection Agency. designating the chlorine content (such perpendicular to the stream (near the Water-quality criteria are based on as Aroclor 1260). PCBs were used in water-quality or biological sampling specific levels of pollutants that would transformers and capacitors for point). make the water harmful if used for insulating purposes and in gas pipeline drinking, swimming, farming, fish systems as a lubricant. Further sale for Sinuosity - The ratio of the channel production, or industrial processes. new use was banned by law in 1979. length between two points on a Water-quality guidelines - Specific channel to the straight-line distance levels of water quality which, if Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon between the same two points; a reached, may adversely affect human (PAH) - A class of organic measure of meandering. compounds with a fused-ring aromatic health or aquatic life. These are structure. PAHs result from Stream order - A ranking of the nonenforceable guidelines issued by a governmental agency or other incomplete combustion of organic relative sizes of streams within a institution. carbon (including wood), municipal watershed based on the nature of their solid waste, and fossil fuels, as well as tributaries. The smallest unbranched Water-quality standards - State- from natural or anthropogenic tributary is called first order, the adopted and U.S. Environmental introduction of uncombusted coal and stream receiving the tributary is called Protection Agency-approved ambient oil. PAHs include benzo(a)pyrene, second order, and so on. standards for water bodies. Standards fluoranthene, and pyrene. include the use of the water body and Radon - A naturally occurring, Substrate size - The diameter of the water-quality criteria that must be colorless, odorless, radioactive gas streambed particles such as clay, silt, met to protect the designated use or formed by the disintegration of the sand, gravel, cobble, and boulders. uses.

U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1158 33 Petersen and others • Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus USGS Circular 1158 • 1998

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