ANALYSIS OF STREAM WATER QUALITY IN CROOKSVILLE, OH: A CONTAMINATED WATERSHED

The Southeastern Ohio village of Crooksville, OH, is located within Perry County; the town is divided by the Moxahala Creek, a small meandering river, which flows to the north. Several smaller tributaries from around the village flow into this river. The water within these streams shows signs of iron contamination, and it is particularly prevalent within parts of the Moxahala Creek. Crooksville is bordered on nearly all sides by abandoned mines, which may be the source of stream water contamination in the watershed. This study takes a look at the various tributaries and ponds in the immediate area of the village of Crooksville in an attempt to analyze and characterize potential sources of contamination. We present results of stream water analysis including pH, water and soil quality tests and relate these results to stream flow and morphology. Information derived from these criteria suggests that the contamination is more concentrated on the western side of Crooksville in several small tributaries. The Moxahala, itself has proven to be contaminated as well, though to a lesser degree than the western tributaries. Other tributaries to the north and east sides of Crooksville have been shown to have slightly less contamination, though signs of iron contamination are still apparent.