SURFACE WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF OTTER CREEK, MEADE COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Changes in water quality can alter stream health and impact aquatic ecosystems in various types of catchments. We are evaluating the water quality of Otter Creek, which drains the Fort Knox Army Post and adjoining farm land in Meade County, Kentucky. Our objectives were to assess water quality based on chemical analyses, correlate water quality with local land use and land cover, and look at contributing factors influencing stream health. Weekly water samples were collected at three specific locations along Otter Creek from October 2^nd 2015 to April 22^nd 2016. We conducted analyses of field parameters (pH, total dissolved solids, salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen) and seven anions (Cl^-, Br^-, F^-, NO₃^-, NO₂^-, SO₄^2-, and PO₄^3-). Field parameters were measured with a YSI Multi-Parameter meter and sonde, while samples were analyzed for anions using a Dionex Ion Chromatograph (ICS) 3000 at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines on acceptable water quality parameters. The results of this study revealed that certain anions are shown to be above those outlined by the EPA, which could potentially deteriorate the water quality of Otter Creek.