AN ANALYSIS OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON IN THE GROUNDWATER OF VIRGINIA COASTAL PLAIN AQUIFERS

The aquifer system of the Virginia Coastal Plain is broadly divided into pre-impact and post-impact. Presumably the nature of the organic and inorganic phases of the aquifer sediments differs in character and composition and hence quality of groundwater. The present study is focused to analyze the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the groundwater of the Virginia Coastal Plain aquifers. Using public well data from the Virginia Department of Health, DOC levels will be compared between the aquifers of the Virginia Coastal Plain in order to determine if DOC levels vary due to the Chesapeake Meteor Impact. DOC samples are in the process of being collected from public wells in the five aquifers of the coastal plain, from approximately Richmond to Mathews on the Middle and Virginia peninsulas. The groundwater temperature, pH, and conductivity will also be considered as these factors may affect the levels of DOC present in each aquifer, and may vary by aquifer themselves. It is hypothesized that aquifers that have formed since the Chesapeake Meteor Impact will have lower DOC levels. Ultimately, this will help to determine the relationship between DOC and dissolved metals in groundwater, since DOC can facilitate the movement of dissolved metals.