A COMPARISON OF RURAL AND URBAN FLUVIAL SYSTEMS AS A FUNCTION OF LAND COVER CHANGES IN SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO

Population growth during the 20^th century in Northeast Ohio has led to an overall increase in developed land cover and anthropogenic pollution such as fossil fuel combustion. The impacts of urban expansion and fossil fuel combustion results in increased run-off into fluvial systems, which jeopardizes water quality, undermines infrastructure, and stresses local ecosystems that buffer floods. This study compares heavy metal pollution levels and land cover change in dammed impoundments within rural Haskell Run watershed (Lake Butler) and urban Mud Brook watershed (Old Mill Pond) in Northeast Ohio. Surface sediment samples were collected from each impoundment to assess current pollution levels and sediment cores were collected for the past record of pollution. The two end-member watersheds have similar bedrock, glacial history, and climate, however land cover differs greatly. From 1985-2010 the Haskell Run watershed increased by 1.37% in developed land cover, and in 2010, 12% of the watershed was developed land cover. During the same period, developed land increased by 15.3% in the Mud Brook watershed, and in 2010, 74% was developed land cover. In urban Old Mill Pond, one surface sample and half the sediment core samples exceeded the lead Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) of 128 µg/g. In rural Lake Butler, no surface or core samples exceeded the lead PEC. Additionally, Old Mill Pond sediment has higher ferrimagnetic content than Lake Butler sediment. Ferrimagnetic content is often directly related to fossil fuel combustion particles. In Old Mill Pond, there is a decline in heavy metals concentration in the upper 30cm of the core. This decline possibly reflects the effectiveness of national environmental regulations (i.e., Clean Air and Clean Water Acts) despite the increase of urban development in the Mud Brook watershed. Studies, such as this one, can help inform local policy makers and land managers when considering the effects of urban expansion, preservation of ecosystems, and the effectiveness of environmental regulations.