National Water-Quality Assessment Program; Northern Rockies Intermontane Basins
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L. H. Tornes
Publications and source records attributed to L. H. Tornes.
Nutrients, suspended sediment, and pesticides in streams in the Red River of the North basin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, 1993-95
Fifteen stream sites in the Red River of the North Basin were sampled during 1993-95 to assess levels of nutrients, organic carbon, and suspended sediment, and five sites were sampled for pesticides. Concentrations varied seasonally and were related to periods of fertilizer and pesticide application, and to runoff. Concentrations of several constituents were related to the physiographic area the stream drains, but other factors such as local land use frequently complicated that relation. Median dissolved nitrogen concentrations were highest in streams influenced by the Red River Valley Lake Plain physiographic area. Organic nitrogen comprised the largest part of the dissolved nitrogen in streams. Ammonia was negligible most of the year, but accumulated under ice in late winter. Nitrate concentrations generally were highest during snowmelt and rainfall runoff. Phosphorus in streams mostly was in the dissolved form, which is readily available to biota. Streams draining the Moraine and Lake-Washed Till Plain had the lowest concentrations of total phosphorus, while Drift Prairie and Red River Valley Lake Plain streams had the highest concentrations. Concentrations of both dissolved and suspended phosphorus increased substantially during runoff of snowmelt and rainfall. The Bois de Sioux River Basin had the highest nitrogen yield. High nitrogen and phosphorus yields probably were related to agricultural practices in the Bois de Sioux River Basin. High phosphorus concentrations in the Pembina River probably result from agricultural practices and runoff from the steep terrain in the basin. Improved wastewater treatment appears to have reduced ammonia concentrations in streams, but has resulted in increased nitrate concentrations. The loads of nitrogen and phosphorus in the Red River of the North during this study were about twice as high as historical loads, but still were only about 4.1 and 2.4 percent, respectively, of the amounts introduced to the study unit. Dissolved organic carbon concentrations above 15 mg/L were common in streams draining peatlands. Suspended organic carbon concentrations were highly variable and generally were highest during runoff. Most suspended sediment in streams was clay and silt sized particles. The Pembina River had the highest concentrations and yields of suspended sediment, probably the result of erosion along this relatively high-gradient stream. Streams having an abundance of lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands in their watersheds had the lowest sediment concentrations and yields. Several pesticides were frequently detected. Atrazine and other triazine compounds were detected in most stream-water samples throughout the study. Concentrations of triazine herbicides were highest in streams draining southern parts of the study unit where they are applied to corn. Triallate was commonly detected in northern streams where it is applied to small grains and sunflowers. Simazine and prometon were commonly detected, but generally are used only for nonagricultural purposes. Few insecticides were detected in stream-water samples. Carbofuran was the most commonly detected insecticide and was found in 16 percent of the samples. The most heavily used herbicides, 2,4-D and MCPA, were infrequently detected in stream-water samples. Of the estimated applications of atrazine, triallate, and 2,4-D, about 0.9, 0.06, and 0.02 percent of each of these compounds, respectively, was carried out of the study unit by the Red River of the North during 1993-95.
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota↗
Trace elements and organic contaminants in stream sediments from the Red River of the North Basin
To assess the presence and distribution of a variety of hydro-phobic chemicals in streams in the Red River of the North Basin, bottom sediments were analyzed for trace elements, organochlorines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Glaciolacustrine clays and carbonate minerals are common in fine sediments of the region, and can help explain the distribution of many elements. Aluminum (Al), an indicator of glaciolacustrine clay minerals, correlates strongly (r>0.75, p<0.05) with Cr, Co, Fe, La, Li, K, Sc, and Ti; and moderately (0.55<r<0.75) with Ce, Cu, Ga, Nd, Ni, Th, V, and Y. Excluding the tributary Pembina River Basin, Eu, Nb, Ce, La, Nd, and Ni also have strong correlations with Al. Al correlates negatively with major elements associated with carbonate minerals (Ca, Mg, and inorganic carbon). No significant correlations with Al, Ca, or Mg were observed for As, Pb, Mn, Hg, Se, or Ag, which implies that these elements have different environmental sources or behaviors than glaciolacustrine clays or carbonate minerals. Reduction-oxidation processes may influence Mn distribution. Lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are known to be anthropogenically enriched in the environment--their distribution may indicate environmental enrichment in Red River of the North Basin streams. Organochlorines detected are limited to traces of DDT and its metabolites (mostlyp,p'-DDE). Fourteen PAHs, which are constituents of fossil fuels and of combustion byproducts, were detected in at least halfthe sediment samples; pyrene and fluoranthene were detected in about 90 percent of samples. The contaminants detected in this study were present at low levels, likely indicative of diffuse or remote sources; they occur widely in the environment.
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota↗
Pesticide amounts are small in streams in the Red River of the North Basin, 1993-94
Pesticides are used extensively in the largely agricultural Red River of the North (Red River) Basin, but, unlike many other agricultural basins, only small amounts are routinely detected in samples from streams in the basin. The pesticides detected comprise less than 2 percent of the amount applied and usually are at concentrations far less than established drinking water standards. Most of the detected pesticides seem to come from sources near the headwaters in the southern part of the basin. Although low, concentrations are related to pesticide application and runoff. Flat land slope, organic soils, pesticide management, and degradation all may limit pesticide contamination that reaches Red River Basin streams.
Open-File Report↗
Hydrologic and water-quality data for streams and impoundments in the Coteau des Prairies-Upper Minnesota River basin, 1979-84
Water-quality and streamflow data were collected in the Coteau des Prairies region of southwestern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota from 1979- 84. Data were collected to (1) document the water-quality characteristics of streams and impoundments in the Coteau area, (2) predict the impact of proposed impoundments, (3) define the amount of dissolved and suspended material transported, and (4) determine the differences in water quality between the impoundment inflows and outflows. Streamflow and water-quality data were collected at 12 stream and four impoundment sites. Continuous-record gages, set to collect data at 15-minute intervals, and readings taken by local observers were used to complete discharge records at 10 stream sites and stage records at three impoundment sites. Automatic samplers and local observers collected storm runoff, sediment, and nutrient samples at 10 stream sites. Water-quality samples were collected at various time and stage intervals during high flow and periodically during low flow. Primary emphasis in the stream-sampling program was on analysis of samples for nutrients in 1980-82, and on analysis of suspended sediment and nutrients in 1983-84. Field measurements were made of pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, alkalinity, and bacteria. Secondary emphasis was on analysis of major dissolved substances. Primary emphasis in the impoundments was on analysis of samples for phosphorus and chlorophyll and on the measurement of transparency. Temperature and dissolved-oxygen concentrations were measured to determine the degree of stratification. All data collected during the study are given in tables 4-13 of this report. The tables list mean-daily stream discharge, mean-daily suspendedsediment concentration, daily suspended-sediment discharge, results of waterquality analyses, and bed-material particle-size analyses at stream sites. The tables also list information on pool stage, water temperature, and transparency, on dissolved-oxygen, chlorophyll a, phytoplankton, and nutrient concentrations, and on chemical and partical-size analyses of bed material at impoundment sites.
Minnesota↗
Effect of urban runoff on the quality of lakes in Eagan, Minnesota
Sixteen lakes in the city of Eagan, Minnesota, were sampled during 1982-83 to detect water-quality changes that might have occurred because of urbanization since a previous study conducted during 1972-78. Each of the lakes was sampled five times to determine pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, transparency, and concentration of dissolved chloride. Three determinations of chlorophyll were made for each of the lakes near the end of the study, and additional determinations were made for a few lakes of particular interest. Most of the lakes have been incorporated into the city's storm-runoff system for use as retention basins during large storms. The chemistry of the lakes appears to be degraded by urban runoff. Chloride concentrations were significantly higher in six lakes than during the previous study, and remained elevated (about 30 milligrams per liter) in four other lakes. The association between increased chloride and specific conductance with runoff from urban areas suggests that the lakes are subject to contamination by chloride commonly present in urban runoff, and chloride concentrations harmful to aquatic life may have been associated with high specific conductance measured in one of the lakes. Analysis of the data collected for this study indicate that the chemistry of the lakes changes, adjusting to a variety of influences including (1) alternate loading and flushing by runoff, (2) excessive average-annual precipitation, (3) changing ground-water and lake interactions, and (4) changing land use in the lake watersheds. Some lakes affected by urban runoff had reduced concentrations of total phosphorus; however, other lakes unaffected by urban runoff also had significantly lower phosphorus, suggesting that increased precipitation may have diluted the lake water. Ten phosphorus-loading models tested or developed during the previous study generally were found to be inadequate for describing the results of this study. The trophic status of 12 lakes improved but declined in the other 4 lakes, and productivity increased 38 percent in what had been the least-eutrophic lake.
Minnesota↗
Water-quality data for Orwell reservoir and the Otter Tail River near Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Water-quality data were collected at five sites on Orwell Reservoir and two sites on the Otter Tail River, at the inflow and outflow points of the reservoir. The data, collected from April 1983 to July 1966, consist mainly of streamflow and nutrient concentrations at the river sites and nutrient concentrations, alkalinity, Secchi-disk transparency, phytoplankton counts, chlorophyll concentrations, and profiles of specific conductance, temperature, pU, and dissolved oxygen at the reservoir sites. Additional data collected at the outflow site include alkalinity and concentrations of major ions and organic carbon.
Minnesota↗
Suspended sediment in Minnesota streams
Suspended-sediment samples have been collected by the U.S. Geological Survey from 115 sites on Minnesota streams since October 1960. Data from 42 sites were sufficient for characterizing sediment concentrations and yields. Average concentrations ranged from 4.4 milligrams per liter on the Baptism River in northeastern Minnesota to 190 milligrams per liter on the Root River in the southeast. Log-linear equations that describe the sediment-transport curve were developed for 33 daily sediment stations and used to estimate long-term sediment yields. Average annual yields ranged from less than 1.0 ton per square mile on the Pelican River, to more than 200 tons per square mile on the Root and Whitewater Rivers and Deer Creek. Estimates indicated that under extreme circumstances the average annual sediment load for 2 years could be transported in slightly more than one day. Analysis showed that more than 90 percent of the annual sediment load was carried during 3 to 9 months of the year. On the average, almost 25 percent of the annual sediment load was transported during April. Generally, it was found that less than 4 percent of the average annual load was transported during December, January, and February, which indicates that sampling frequency could be reduced during winter.
Minnesota↗
Rainfall-runoff relationships and water-quality assessment of Coon Creek watershed, Anoka County, Minnesota
Rainfall-runoff relationships and results of water-quality analyses were studied to develop an understanding of flooding problems and to assess present and potential water-quality problems in the 96.9-square-mile Coon Creek watershed, Anoka County, Minnesota. Rainfall, runoff, and water-quality data were collected from March 1979 to November 1980 at five continuously recording streamflow sites, seven crest-stage sites, and three continuously recording rainfall sites. During the study, eight storms occurred with sufficient rainfall to produce measurable runoff at most of the gages in the basin. The resulting hydrographs show, as expected, higher unit peaks, shorter times to peak, and shorter durations of high flows in streams draining urban areas than in streams draining rural areas. Constrictive culverts and bridges at roadways resulted in attenuation of hydrograph peaks in urban areas. Runoff amounts were nearly the same in all the subareas for storms with uniformly distributed rainfall. The greatest recorded rainfall during this study was 3.95 inches on August 7, 1980. The basin-weighted rainfall for that date was 3.56 inches, which resulted in the greatest observed peak flow for Coon Creek at Coon Rapids Boulevard of 185 cubic feet per second. The eight storms produced eight hydrographs suitable for model simulation of Sand Creek, seven hydrographs for simulation of Coon Creek, and four hydrographs for simulation'of County Ditch 58. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HEC-1, Flood Hydrograph Package computer model was used with the parameteroptimization routine to develop parameter values to closely match observed hydrographs. A multiple-linear-regression technique was used to develop linear equations for relating HEC-1 parameters to variations in rainfall and antecedent moisture. Tftiis procedure resulted in generalized models of the three principal subareas that reasonably simulated 10 of the 19 observed hydrographs. Water-quality characteristics were determined based on 14 water samples from 4 sites and 1 bottom-mate rial sample from each site. Results of the analyses indicated that streams draining urban areas carry the highest concentrations of most constituents sampled. Sand Creek at Xeon Boulevard, which drains the most urbanized area, had the highest mean concentration of metals, chloride, dissolved solids, and suspended sediment. Concentrations of total phosphorus ranged from 0.04 to 0.43 milligram per liter at the rural sites on County Ditch 58 at Andover Boulevard and Coon Creek at Raddison Road. Average phosphorus concentrations at the rural sites are comparable to concentrations at the urban sites.
Minnesota↗
Quality of surface water before implementation of a flood-control project in Chaska, Minnesota
Samples were collected for 1 year from East Creek, Chaska Creek, and Courthouse Lake in Chaska, Minnesota, to determine the water quality before implementation of a flood-control project proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The creeks had similar water-quality characteristics. Data indicate that ground water may be the primary source of dissolved solids, sulfate, chloride, and chromium in the creeks. The pesticides alachlor, atrazine, simazine, and 2,4-D were found in water samples from both creeks but were well below the lethal concentrations for fish. Courthouse Lake, a 57-foot-deep stream-trout lake, had a mean summer trophic-state index of 35. Phytoplankton populations varied seasonally, and blue-green algae were predominant only in late summer. The algal-pollution index was highest in late summer, but did not provide evidence of high organic pollution. The apparently successful recovery of Courthouse Lake from past inundations by Minnesota River floodwaters having total phosphorus concentrations as high as 0.66 milligram per liter suggests that the lake, in time, will also recover from the added runoff expected as a result of implementing the flood-control project. The runoff could temporarily raise the total phosphorus concentration in the lake from 0.03 to 0.12 milligram per liter and raise the spring trophic-state index from 49 to 69.
Minnesota↗
Water quality of four lakes in Lakeville, Minnesota
Water-quality characteristics were determined for four selected lakes to provide background data for evaluating changes that may occur in the lakes because of urbanization. Precipitation of calcium carbonate is suggested by high pH values and a decrease in the calcium concentration when magnesium, sodium, and chloride concentrations increase. Pollution is indicated by chloride concentrations that increased from 18 to 57 milligrams per liter in 1978. The eutrophic state of the lakes is suggested by dissolved oxygen supersaturated near the surface and less than 0.1 milligram per liter near the deepest parts of the lakes. Determination of the trophic state of the lakes provided trophic state indices as high as 69-2. Phosphorus concentrations were significantly higher in two of the lakes sampled. Anacystic and Oscillatoria were the dominant phytoplankton genera. Phytoplankton blooms occurred throughout the year with the highest sampled concentration yielding 890,000 cells per milliliter.
Minnesota↗
Preimpoundment water quality of the Wild Rice River, Norman County, Minnesota
Water samples have been collected at two sites on the Wild Rice River since September 1974 to establish baseline water-quality characteristics before construction of a reservoir for recreation and flood control near Twin Valley, Minn. A decline in water quality between the sites is shown by mean total phosphorus concentrations, which increase from 0.06 to 0.10 milligram per liter downstream, and mean turbidity, which increases from 12 to 24 units downstream. Phosphorus and ammonia concentrations, as high as 0.31 and 2.7 milligrams per liter, respectively, could be the result of domestic waste input to the river upstream from Hendrum. Biochemical oxygen demand concentrations were significantly higher during spring runoff than during the rest of the year. Four out of 90 bacteria samples taken at Twin Valley indicate the presence of human fecal material, though bacteria densities do not exceed recommendations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for public-water supplies. The dominace of organic-pollution tolerant phytoplankton in 49 out of 78 samples also indicates degradation of the river quality at Twin Valley. Nutrient concentrations at Twin Valley have no apparent effect on phytoplankton concentrations. None of the consitituents sampled were found to exceed recommended concentrations for public-water supplies.
Minnesota↗