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W.O. Freeman

Publications and source records attributed to W.O. Freeman.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS1989

Assessment of processes affecting low-flow water quality of Cedar Creek, west-central Illinois

Water quality and the processes that affect dissolved oxygen, nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus species), and algal concentrations were evaluated for a 23.8-mile reach of Cedar Creek near Galesburg, west-central Illinois, during periods of warm-weather, low-flow conditions. Water quality samples were collected and stream conditions were measured over a diel (24 hour) period on three occasions during July and August 1985. Analysis of data from the diel-sampling periods indicates that concentrations of iron, copper, manganese, phenols, and total dissolved-solids exceeded Illinois ' general-use water quality standards in some locations. Dissolved-oxygen concentrations were less than the State minimum standard throughout much of the study reach. These data were used to calibrate and verify a one-dimensional, steady-state, water quality model. The computer model was used to assess the relative effects on low-flow water quality of processes such as algal photosynthesis and respiration, ammonia oxidation, biochemical oxygen demand, sediment oxygen demand, and stream reaeration. Results from model simulations and sensitivity analysis indicate that sediment oxygen demand is the principal cause of low dissolved-oxygen concentrations in the creek. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1987

Data-collection methods and data summary for the assessment of water quality in Cedar Creek, west-central Illinois

A water-quality, data-collection network on a 26.2-mile reach of Cedar Creek in west-central Illinois was operated from May through December 1985 and from March through October 1986. The study reach drains a 60.8-square-mile area of predominantly agricultural land. However, the city of Galesburg contributes combined- and storm-sewer discharge to the creek that can affect the water quality. This report presents the streamflow and water-quality data collected and describes the methods and instrumentation used. Continuous discharge data were determined at eight gaging stations--five on the main stem and three on tributaries of Cedar Creek. Flows ranged from 0 to 1,200 cubic feet per second. A total of 8 storm sewers and 51 combined sewers were monitored or inspected as part of the study. Continuous precipitation data were collected at five sites. The maximum hourly precipitation intensity during the study period was 1.97 inches per hour. The maximum total precipitation for a storm during the study period was 4.16 inches. Sediment-oxygen-demand rates were measured at 45 locations in the creek. The measured sediment-oxygen-demand rates ranged from 0.4 to 9.1 grams of oxygen per square meter per day. Ninety-seven bottom-material samples were collected and analyzed for chemical oxygen demand, percentage of volatile organic constituents, and concentrations of total organic plus ammonia nitrogen, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, and zinc. Traveltime and reaeration rates were determined for 15 subreaches of Cedar Creek during various flow conditions. The reaeration rates ranged from 3.10 to 20.8 per day. Three intensive diel (24-hour) data collections were conducted during low-flow conditions. Data included dissolved oxygen concentration, biochemical oxygen demand, nutrient concentrations, and metal concentrations. During storm-related high-flow conditions, water-quality samples were collected at 5 main-stem sites, 3 tributary sites, the Galesburg wastewater treatment-facility outfall, and 15 sewer outfalls. These samples were analyzed for nutrients and metals, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demands, and biochemical oxygen demands. This report describes methods for measuring stage, discharge, precipitation, sediment oxygen demand, traveltime, and reaeration rate. Collection methods for bottom-material samples, diel water-quality data and samples, combined-sewer overflow frequency and duration, and storm- related sampling of combined sewers, storm sewers, and streams are described. A brief discussion of streamflow computation methods also is presented.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1986

Assessment of low-flow water quality in the Du Page River, Illinois

The relations of several stream processes to concentrations of dissolved oxygen and other constituents during low-flow periods were evaluated for a 70.3-mile reach of the Du Page River in northeastern Illinois, using measured data and computer simulations. Reaeration rates and traveltimes were measured at various flow rates using a steady-state gas-tracer technique. Stream discharge, stage, temperature, and chemical constituent concentrations were measured during two 24-hour periods in July and August 1983. These data were used to describe water quality and to calibrate and verify the QUAL-II one dimensional, steady-state, water quality model. Dissolved oxygen concentrations did not meet the State water quality standards in several subreaches of the Du Page River. Concentrations were consistently below the State minimum dissolved oxygen standard in the downstream 8 miles of the East Branch Du Page River. Model simulations indicate that although ammonia oxidation played a role in the dissolved oxygen depletion, the primary factor was sediment oxygen demand. Other measured chemical constituents that did not comply with the State water quality standards in several subreaches of the river included ammonia, iron, fluoride, and total dissolved solids. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1986

Assessment of low-flow water quality in Richland Creek, Illinois

To study the effects of urbanization on water quality, the relations of several stream processes to concentrations of dissolved oxygen and other constituents were evaluated during low-flow periods for a 30.1-mi reach of Richland Creek in southwestern Illinois. The study used both measured data and computer simulations. Reaeration rates and traveltimes were measured at various flow rates using a steady-state, gas-tracer technique. Sediment-oxygen demands were measured at several locations throughout the study reach. Stream discharge, stage, temperature, and chemical-constituent concentrations were measured during two 24-hr periods in July and August 1984. The data were then used to describe water quality and to calibrate and verify the QUAL-II one-dimensional, steady-state, water quality model. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗