Tracking Water Quality of the Flint River Watershed

摘要

With recent urbanization and increase in commercial areas at the Flint River watershed, it has become necessary to track water quality in the area to ensure environmental importance and the safety of residing citizens. Total bacteria, E. coli, turbidity, water temperature, nitrate and ammonia concentration, conductivity, total solids, and total dissolved solids were recorded over a six-month period. A relationship between water quality and flow rate has been proposed. It has been found that there is a net decrease of E.coli concentration as flow increases. Overall, turbidity and E. coli concentration were found to be higher in the summertime than in the fall. This may be caused by additional human recreational activities and growth as well as temperature. Additional data may be required over multiple years to accurately track the changes the watershed is experiencing.