EFFECTS OF LOCAL FISH HATCHERY ON NITRATE AND PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATIONS IN FALLING SPRING CREEK, FRANKLIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Nitrate and phosphorus concentrations in freshwater streams are a source of contamination that degrade aquatic habitat and water quality. Point source pollution has become a major issue and there are regulations to control and minimize effluent loads in urban areas. Falling Spring Creek, Franklin County, Pennsylvania is a spring fed stream that meanders through the town of Chambersburg in south- central Pennsylvania. There is minimal water quality data currently available. A fish hatchery located on a tributary is believed to be a source of pollution that impacts the water quality of Falling Spring Creek. The purpose of this project was to determine the effect of the fish hatchery on nitrate and phosphorus concentrations at the midway point on Falling Spring Creek. Water samples were taken bimonthly over the fall season across four sites that represent variation in land use and drainage area. Samples were analyzed by a Hach colorimeter to determine the concentration of nitrate and phosphorus. Field tests were also conducted for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity; alkalinity and hardness values were determined in the lab. This study concludes the fish hatchery does have an influence on the concentrations of nitrate and phosphorus downstream. Concentrations measured are not considered hazardous to human health, but are sufficiently elevated to impact aquatic health within Falling Spring Creek.