IDENTIFICATION OF GROUNDWATER-STREAM INTERACTIONS WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR BIOGEOCHEMICAL HOTSPOTS IN ELTON CREEK, WESTERN NEW YORK

An important factor influencing stream ecology is the interaction between groundwater and surface water, creating zones of biogeochemical activity. In Western New York, few of the streams in the area are understood ecologically due to a lack of data. Having biogeochemical hotspot data from groundwater stream interaction studies would provide useful information for successful stream restoration efforts. Elton Creek is one of such streams undergoing restoration efforts. Such efforts are made with goals to improve stream ecological function. This study focuses on the quantification of nitrate concentrations, hydraulic head, dissolved oxygen, and temperature to determine these mixing zones in a meander section of Elton Creek, as well as the groundwater effects on benthic invertebrate life. Thirteen wells were installed within the stream reach to take samples and measure the different parameters. Results from sampling show that nitrates are higher in the groundwater than in the stream, likely due to agriculture and subsurface ecology in the basin. Hydraulic head data confirms upwelling in the pool area and downwelling in the riffles. Dissolved oxygen and temperature correlate and indicate mixing zones. The correlation between head, nitrate, and benthic invertebrates opens up the opportunity for future work, such as a more in depth study of ecological response to nutrient hotspots. These data can help further the restoration process and be compared with other streams in the area to enhance future ecological research.