| Abstract: | Water-quality records from two nationwide sampling networks are now of sufficient length to permit nationally consistent analysis of long-term water-quality trends at more than 300 locations on major U.S. rivers. Observed trends in 24 water-quality measures for the period 1974--81 provide evidence of both improvement and deterioration in stream quality during a time of major changes in atmospheric and terrestrial influences on surface waters. Particularly noteworthy are widespread decreases in lead and fecal bacteria concentrations and widespread increases in nitrate, arsenic, and cadmium concentrations. Changes in municipal waste treatment, leaded-gasoline consumption, highway-salt use, and nitrogen-fertilizer application, and regionally variable trends in coal production and combustion during the period, appear to be reflected in water-quality changes. There is evidence that atmospheric deposition of a variety of substances has played a surprisingly large role in water-quality changes. |
| Genre: | USGS Numbered Series |
| ProdID: | 2713 |
| Citation Author: | Smith, Richard A.; Alexander, Richard B.; Wolman, M. Gordon |
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| Citation Language: | ENGLISH |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | iv, 25 p. :ill., maps ; 28 cm. |
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| Citation Publisher: | U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Citation Series: | Water Supply Paper |
| Citation Series Code: | WSP |
| Citation Series Number: | 2307 |
| Citation Search Results Text: | Analysis and interpretation of water-quality trends in major U.S. rivers, 1974-81; 1987; WSP; 2307; Smith, Richard A.; Alexander, Richard B.; Wolman, M. Gordon |
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| Citation Year: | 1987 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Analysis and interpretation of water-quality trends in major U.S. rivers, 1974-81; 1987; WSP; 2307; Smith, Richard A.; Alexander, Richard B.; Wolman, M. Gordon |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/2307/report-thumb.jpg |
| URL (DOCUMENT): | http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/2307/report.pdf |
| Date Other: | Sat, 1 Jan 1994 00:00 -0600 |
| Publisher: | U.S. Geological Survey, |
