Influences of agricultural practices on water quality of Tumbling Creek cave stream in Taney County, Missouri

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Publication Date

October 2003

Abstract

Influences of agricultural practices on water quality of the Tumbling Creek cave stream are of particular interest because of the karst nature of the area and the recent implementation of a Better Management Practice (BMP). Water quality parameters, measured bi-weekly during one year, consisted of pH, turbidity, water temperature, specific conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, and chloride. Heavy metals, nutrient and bacteria levels were also monitored during the study. Effects of land use were most obvious in turbidity, nitrate, chloride, and bacteria levels. Sites within the recharge area that pose a major threat to its water quality were identified. Results provide a baseline for these water quality parameters and their seasonal variability that can be used in future studies to address the effects of water quality and stream sediment contamination on the cave’s ecosystem and to determine the effectiveness of the BMP implemented in this karst area.

Keywords

Karst, Water Quality, Agricultural Practices, Cave, Groundwater, Ozarks, Missouri

Document Type

Article

Notes

Environmental Geology, Vol. 45 (2003-10-08).

Identifier

SFS0046424_00001

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