Monday, November 13, 2006
26-5
Nutrient Loading and Fecal Coliform Analysis of the Sauk River (St. Cloud, MN).
Jacob Galzki, St Cloud State Univ, 1005 S 7th Avenue, St Cloud, MN 56301 and M.R. Bender, ETS Dept, St. Cloud State Univ, 720 S Fourth Ave, St. Cloud, MN 56301.
Anthropogenic activity can degrade both recreational and natural values of waterways. Over use of fertilizers and mismanaged animal wastes are two causes of water quality degradation. Both fertilizers and animal wastes contain nutrients which can be carried to nearby waterways during periods of rainfall. This can lead to eutrophication, which can result in a loss of biodiversity, fish kills, and ultimately a loss of the natural beauty of the affected body of water. Animal wastes also contain harmful bacteria, such as fecal coliform and E.coli; the latter of which can be a direct threat to human health. From September 2005 through September 2006, a study was conducted to examine the levels of nutrients and coliform bacteria in the Sauk River near St. Cloud, MN. When weather permitted, grab samples were taken from the Sauk River biweekly and after significant rain events. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory for NO3-N, PO4-P, and NH3-N. The samples were also analyzed for fecal coliform and E.coli contamination. Findings from this study will be used to determine the overall quality of the Sauk River.
Handout (.ppt format, 4273.0 kb)