WATER QUALITY ALONG A RIVER PROFILE IN RURAL AGRICULTURAL SETTING IN THE MIDWEST, NORTHEAST INDIANA

An increase in anthropogenic activities in rural areas may be contributing to issues with surface water quality in Northeast Indiana. The water chemistry of the Pigeon River in Howe, Indiana has been examined. This area is prominent due to the dominant farming industry within the area. Agriculture along with pollution from the community from septic systems and lawn care could be the main cause of the contaminants in the surface water.

The parameters used for water quality along the Pigeon River include nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, chlorine, lead, iron, pH, and temperature. The main areas along the river that were tested include a dam, runoff area, lakes in which the river intersects, and several others. The results indicate that the nitrate levels average 25ppm, phosphates at 0.23ppm, and sulfates at 43ppm. This is an ongoing research project; new data will be presented at the conference. In addition to this, the results will be made available to those involved in the community.