Abstract
Tributaries often play an important role in the chemical properties, productivity and species diversity in a river channel. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of tributaries on the water quality of the Spring River, AR. The Spring River has an approximate length of 92 km and has been divided into four zones according to the water source(s) that feed that segment of river. In this study approximately 30 km of the upstream river segment were sampled, which included nine tributaries contributing to the main river channel and incorporated the upper three previously defined zones. Samples were collected from the headwaters located at Mammoth Spring, AR, as well as within the tributaries and above and below the confluence of each tributary with the Spring River. Water-quality parameters analyzed included pH, conductivity, alkalinity, total suspended solids, fecal coliforms, nutrients (orthophosphate, nitrate, nitrite), and total dissolved ions. Results of total dissolved ions indicated a slight shift in the defined zones. Seven of the nine tributaries indicated chemical contributions ranging from 3.5 to 66.7% to the main stream. Results from this study demonstrate the extent of tributary contribution to the Spring River systems.
Recommended Citation
Brueggen, T. R.; Dowling, C. B.; and Bouldin, Jennifer L.
(2010)
"Tributary contribution to the Spring River, AR as determined by water quality analyses,"
Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 64, Article 15.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol64/iss1/15
