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B. C. Ruddy

Publications and source records attributed to B. C. Ruddy.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2002

Probability of nitrate contamination of recently recharged groundwaters in the conterminous United States

A new logistic regression (LR) model was used to predict the probability of nitrate contamination exceeding 4 mg/L in predominantly shallow, recently recharged ground waters of the United States. The new model contains variables representing (1) N fertilizer loading (p < 0.001) , (2) percent cropland-pasture (p < 0.001), (3) natural log of human population density (p < 0.001), (4) percent well-drained soils (p < 0.001), (5) depth to the seasonally high water table (p <0.001), and (6) presence or absence of unconsolidated sand and gravel aquifers (p = 0.002). Observed and average predicted probabilities associated with deciles of risk are well correlated (r 2 = 0.875), indicating that the LR model fits the data well. The likelihood of nitrate contamination is greater in areas with high N loading and well-drained surficial soils over unconsolidated sand and gravels. The LR model correctly predicted the status of nitrate contamination in 75% of wells in a validation data set. Considering all wells used in both calibration and validation, observed median nitrate concentration increased from 0.24 to 8.30 mg/L as the mapped probability of nitrate exceeding 4 mg/L increased from less than or equal to 0.17 to > 0.83.

Environmental Science & Technology↗
USGS1997

Risk of nitrate in groundwaters of the United States - A national perspective

Nitrate contamination of groundwater occurs in predictable patterns, based on findings of the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The NAWQA Program was begun in 1991 to describe the quality of the Nation's water resources, using nationally consistent methods. Variables affecting nitrate concentration in groundwater were grouped as 'input' factors (population density end the amount of nitrogen contributed by fertilizer, manure, and atmospheric sources) and 'aquifer vulnerability' factors (soil drainage characteristic and the ratio of woodland acres to cropland acres in agricultural areas) and compiled in a national map that shows patterns of risk for nitrate contamination of groundwater. Areas with high nitrogen input, well-drained soils, and low woodland to cropland ratio have the highest potential for contamination of shallow groundwater by nitrate. Groundwater nitrate data collected through 1992 from wells less than 100 ft deep generally verified the risk patterns shown on the national map. Median nitrate concentration was 0.2 mg/L in wells representing the low-risk group, and the maximum contaminant level (MCL) was exceeded in 3% of the wells. In contrast, median nitrate concentration was 4.8 mg/L in wells representing the high-risk group, and the MCL was exceeded in 25% of the wells.Nitrate contamination of groundwater occurs in predictable patterns, based on findings of the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The NAWQA Program was begun in 1991 to describe the quality of the Nation's water resources, using nationally consistent methods. Variables affecting nitrate concentration in groundwater were grouped as `input' factors (population density and the amount of nitrogen contributed by fertilizer, manure, and atmospheric sources) and `aquifer vulnerability' factors (soil drainage characteristic and the ratio of woodland acres to cropland acres in agricultural areas) and compiled in a national map that shows patterns of risk for nitrate contamination of groundwater. Areas with high nitrogen input, well-drained soils, and low woodland to cropland ratio have the highest potential for contamination of shallow groundwater by nitrate. Groundwater nitrate data collected through 1992 from wells less than 100 ft deep generally verified the risk patterns shown on the national map. Median nitrate concentration was 0.2 mg/L in wells representing the low-risk group, and the maximum contaminant level (MCL) was exceeded in 3% of the wells. In contrast, median nitrate concentration was 4.8 mg/L in wells representing the high-risk group, and the MCL was exceeded in 25% of the wells.

Environmental Science & Technology↗
USGS1997

Logistic model of nitrate in streams of the upper-midwestern United States

Nitrate in surface water can have adverse effects on aquatic life and, in drinking-water supplies, can be a risk to human health. As part of a regional study, nitrates as N (NO3-N) was analyzed in water samples collected from streams throughout 10 Midwestern states during synoptic surveys in 1989, 1990, and 1994. Data from the period immediately following crop planting at 124 sites were analyzed during logistic regression to relate discrete categories of NO3-N concentrations to characteristics of the basins upstream from the sites. The NO3-N data were divided into three categories representing probable background concentrations (<3 mg L-1), elevated concentrations (3-10 mg L-1), and concentrations that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant level (MCL) for drinking water (>10 mg L-1). Nitrate-N concentrations were positively correlated to streamflow, upstream area planted in corn (Zea mays L.), and upstream N- fertilizers application rates. Elevated NO3-N concentrations were associated with poorly drained soils and were weakly correlated with population density. Nitrate-N and streamflow data collected during 1989 and 1990 were used to calibrate the model, and data collected during 1994 were used for verification. The model correctly estimated NO3-N concentration categories for 79% of the samples in the calibration data set and 60% of the samples in the verification data set. The model was used to indicate where NO3-N concentrations might be elevated or exceed the NO3-N MCL in streams throughout the study area. The potential for elevated NO3-N concentrations was predicted to be greatest for streams in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and western Ohio.

Journal of Environmental Quality↗
USGS1995

Nutrients in ground water and surface water of the United States; an analysis of data through 1992

Historical data on nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus species) concentrations in ground-and surface-water samples were compiled from 20 study units of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program and 5 supplemental study areas. The resultant national retrospective data sets contained analyses of about 12,000 Found-water and more than 22,000 surface-water samples. These data were interpreted on regional and national scales by relating the distributions of nutrient concentrations to ancillary data, such as land use, soil characteristics, and hydrogeology, provided by local study-unit personnel. The information provided in this report on environmental factors that affect nutrient concentrations in ground and surface water can be used to identify areas of the Nation where the vulnerability to nutrient contamination is greatest. Nitrate was the nutrient of greatest concern in the historical ground-water data. It is the only nutrient that is regulated by a national drinking-water standard. Nitrate concentrations were significantly different in ground water affected by various land uses. Concentrations in about 16 percent of the samples collected in agricultural areas exceeded the drinking-water standard. However, the standard was exceeded in only about 1 percent of samples collected from public-supply wells. A variety of ancillary factors had significant relations to nitrate concentrations in ground water beneath agricultural areas. Concentrations generally were highest within 100 feet of the land surface. They were also higher in areas where soil and geologic characteristics promoted rapid movement of water to the aquifer. Elevated concentrations commonly occurred in areas underlain by permeable materials, such as carbonate bedrock or unconsolidated sand and gravel, and where soils are generally well drained. In areas where water movement is impeded, denitrification might lead to low concentrations of nitrate in the ground water. Low concentrations were also related to interspersion of pasture and woodland with cropland in agricultural areas. Elevated nitrate concentrations in areas of more homogeneous cropland probably were a result of intensive nitrogen fertilizer application on large tracts of land. Certain regions of the United States seemed more vulnerable to nitrate contamination of ground water in agricultural areas. Regions of greater vulnerability included parts of the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast. The well-drained soils, typical in these regions, have little capacity to hold water and nutrients; therefore, these soils receive some of the largest applications of fertilizer and irrigation in the Nation. The agricultural land is intensively cultivated for row crops, with little interspersion of pasture and woodland. Nutrient concentrations in surface water also were generally related to land use. Nitrate concentrations were highest in samples from sites downstream from agricultural or urban areas. However, concentrations were not as high as in ground water and rarely exceeded the drinking-water standard. Elevated concentrations of nitrate in surface water of the Northeastern United States might be related to large amounts of atmospheric deposition (acid rain). High concentrations in parts of the Midwest might be related to tile drainage of agricultural fields. Ammonia and phosphorus concentrations were highest downstream from urban areas. These concentrations generally were high enough to warrant concerns about toxicity to fish and accelerated eutrophication. Recent improvements in wastewater treatment have decreased ammonia concentrations downstream from some urban areas, but the result has been an increase in nitrate concentrations. Information on environmental factors that affect water quality is useful to identify drainage basins throughout the Nation with the greatest vulnerability for nutrient contamination and to delineate areas where ground-water or surface-water contamination is most likely to oc

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1990

Summary of selected characteristics of large reservoirs in the United States and Puerto Rico, 1988

This report presents selected characteristics of 2,728 reservoirs and controlled natural lakes located within the 50 States of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Data are presented for reservoirs that have normal capacities of at least 5,000 acre-ft or maximum capacities of at least 25,000 acre-ft and that were completed as of January 1, 1988. Reservoir data include: location, maximum capacity, normal capacity, surface area, drainage area, year completed, and use. The normal capacities of the 2,728 reservoirs and controlled natural lakes total more than 467 million acre-ft, and the combined surface areas for 2,362 of those reservoirs total almost 16 million acres. More than 9% (259) of the reservoirs are located in California. The total normal capacity of reservoirs in California is more than 40 million acre-ft (about 8.6% of the total normal capacity for the United States and Puerto Rico), and the total surface area is almost 700,000 acres (about 4.4% of the listed total surface area for the United States and Puerto Rico). (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1989

Traveltime and reaeration of selected streams in the North Platte and Yampa River basins, Colorado

Traveltime characteristics were measured using rhodamine WT dye as a tracer in the Canadian and Michigan Rivers in the North Platte river basin and in the Yampa, Elk, and Williams Fork Rivers, and Trout and Fish Creeks in the Yampa River basin of Colorado. Reaeration coefficients were determined by use of the modified-tracer techniques using ethylene and propane gas for selected stream reaches during low-flow conditions. Stream reach velocities determined during traveltime and reaeration measurements ranged from 0.09 mi/hour at 5.1 cu ft/sec on the Canadian River to 4.04 mi/hour at 746 cu ft/sec on the Williams Fork. A modified longitudinal dispersion model or results from cumulative traveltime curves were used to estimate traveltimes in the measured streams for streamflow conditions other than those measured. Traveltime-discharge curves were developed by using the estimated and measured traveltimes. Reaeration coefficients were determined for 20 different subreaches in the study area. Rearation coefficients were determined for 20 different subreaches in the study area. Reaeration coefficients ranged from 1.6/day in a pooled subreach of the Yampa River Craig, Colorado, to 98/day in a turbulent subreach of Trout Creek near Oak Creek, Colorado. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1987

Sediment discharge in Muddy Creek and the effect of sedimentation rate on the proposed Wolford Mountain reservoir near Kremmling, Colorado

Stream-discharge data collected from May 1982 through October 1985 and sediment data collected from March 1985 through October 1985 at stream flow-gaging station 09041500 Muddy Creek at Kremmling, Colorado, were used to determine total-sediment discharge into the proposed Wolford Mountain Reservoir. The data were divided on a seasonal basis, and statistical relations between suspended-sediment discharge and stream discharge were determined for the rising stage, falling stage, and base-flow period. One statistical relation between bedload discharge and stream discharge was determined from all collected data. These relations were used with 3 years of daily stream-discharge data to estimate total-sediment discharge. Total-sediment discharge was largest prior to the annual peak stream discharge during the study period and decreased thereafter. At least 97% of the total-sediment discharge was suspended sediment. Mean annual total-sediment discharge in Muddy Creek near Kremmling was estimated to be 83,000 tons per year for the 1983 through 1985 water years. Water-storage capacity of the proposed Wolford Mountain Reservoir at site C would decrease 10% after 100 years at this rate of mean annual total-sediment discharge. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1984

Streamflow gain-and-loss and suspended-sediment characteristics of the South Platte River and three irrigation canals near Fort Morgan, Colorado

A 2-year study during 1982-83 was made to document the streamflow gain-and-loss and suspended sediment characteristics of the South Platte River, Fort Morgan Canal, Upper Platte and Beaver Canal, and the Lower Platte and Beaver Canal near Fort Morgan, Colorado, prior to possible construction of the proposed Narrows Reservoir. Six streamflow gain-and-loss investigations, conducted in 1982 along a 25.8 mi reach of the South Platte River, indicate an average downstream gain in discharge of 150 cu ft/sec during the irrigation season. The Fort Morgan Canal and the Lower Platte and Beaver Canal had decreasing discharges in the downstream direction. The Upper Platte and Beaver Canal had a slight increased in discharge at the second measurement site and decreases in the third and fourth measurement sites. Irrigation practices and some loss to the groundwater system account for the general decrease in discharge. Suspended sediment data were collected at the streamflow-gaging station 06758500 South Platte River near Weldona and on the three irrigation canals: Fort Morgan Canal, Upper Platte and Beaver Canal, and Lower Platte and Beaver Canal. The data indicate that relations exist between the suspended sediment concentrations at the South Platte River station and the suspended sediment concentrations at the most upstream measurement site on each canal. Relations between suspended sediment discharge and water discharge were developed at all canal measurement sites. For all the canals, suspended sediment discharge decreased in a downstream direction. Slight increases in suspended sediment occurred at the second measurement site on the Upper Platte and Beaver Canal and at the third measurement site on the Lower Platte and Beaver Canal. Laboratory analyses indicate that 75% of the suspended sediment is silt and clay size (particles finer than 0.062 mm).

Colorado↗
USGS1983

Reservoir evaporation in central Colorado

Evaporation losses from seven reservoirs operated by the Denver Water Department in central Colorado were determined during various periods from 1974 to 1980. The reservoirs studies were Ralston, Cheesman, Antero, Williams Fork, Elevenmile Canyon, Dillon, and Gross. Energy-budget and mass-transfer methods were used to determine evaporation. Class-A pan data also were collected at each reservoir. The energy-budget method was the most accurate of the methods used to determine evaporation. At Ralston, Cheesman, Antero, and Williams Fork Reservoirs the energy-budget method was used to calibrate the mass-transfer coefficients. Calibrated coefficients already were available for Elevenmile Canyon, Dillon, and Gross Reservoirs. Using the calibrated coefficients, long-term mass-transfer evaporation rates were determined. Annual evaporation values were not determined because the instrumentation was not operated for the entire open-water season. Class-A pan data were used to determine pan coefficients for each season at each reservoir. The coefficients varied from season to season and between reservoirs, and the seasonal values ranged from 0.29 to 1.05. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗