thumbnail

Use of Real-Time Sensors to Temporally Characterize Water Quality in Groundwater and Surface Water in Mason County, Illinois, 2017–19

Scientific Investigations Report 2020-5108
Prepared in cooperation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20205108

Links

Abstract

The persistence of high nitrate concentrations in shallow groundwater has been well documented in the shallow glacial aquifer of Mason County, Illinois. Nitrates in groundwater can be a concern when concentrations exceed 10 milligrams per liter in drinking water. Additionally, nitrate in groundwater can contribute to surface water nitrogen loads that can cause increased algal growth. Algal growth increases oxygen consumption causing anoxic conditions as observed in the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxic Zone.

From March 8, 2017, to March 31, 2019, groundwater level, continuous nitrate, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, water temperature, and pH data were collected in a monitoring well to temporally assess changes in water quality using high frequency data. During this same period, instantaneous field measurements of water quality and groundwater levels were made in surface water and groundwater in and near Quiver Creek in the presumed groundwater flow path about 0.6 mile from the continuous monitoring well. Groundwater nitrate concentrations continuously measured in the aquifer during this time ranged from 14.7 to 23.2 milligrams per liter, whereas instantaneously measured nitrate concentrations in Quiver Creek ranged from 0.9 to 6.4 milligrams per liter. Nitrate concentrations measured by piezometer varied laterally and vertically in the Quiver Creek floodplain and beneath the stream. Irrigation and fertigation for agriculture is widely practiced in Mason County. This may seasonally affect the groundwater flow and movement as well as the persistence of nitrate in this area. Continuously and instantaneously measured nitrate concentrations and groundwater levels indicate that during the irrigation season, discharge to Quiver Creek from the shallow groundwater system may be limited. During and following periods when estimated irrigation use is highest, the low-nitrate deeper groundwater may be the dominant contributor to the Quiver Creek surface water, whereas during recharge events and when the system is not under the stress of irrigation, there is more contribution from the local and higher-nitrate shallow groundwater.

Suggested Citation

Gruhn, L.R., and Morrow, W.S., 2020, Use of real-time sensors to temporally characterize water quality in groundwater and surface water in Mason County, Illinois, 2017–19: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2020–5108, 26 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20205108.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Hydrology
  • Continuous Groundwater-Quality Data
  • Characterization of Water Quality in Quiver Creek Stream and Floodplain
  • Isotopic Characterization
  • Summary and Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Use of real-time sensors to temporally characterize water quality in groundwater and surface water in Mason County, Illinois, 2017–19
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2020-5108
DOI 10.3133/sir20205108
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Central Midwest Water Science Center
Description viii, 26 p.
Country United States
State Illinois
County Mason County
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details