WATER QUALITY MONITORING OF FIVE SPRINGS IN POLK COUNTY, MISSOURI, TO DETERMINE CONTAMINATION RISKS TO THE SPRINGFIELD AQUIFER

The Springfield aquifer is an unconfined, karst aquifer that runs through southwestern Missouri and parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Little research has been reported on this aquifer since it is not used for drinking supply nor irrigation. There are karst features that have formed, such as springs that feed into streams, that sustain the nearby biota. The objective of this ongoing study is to evaluate the ground water quality through analysis of the nitrate and selected major ions in five springs and one stream in Polk County, a county that holds the second largest number of cattle in Missouri. Samples will be collected biweekly and analyzed for pH, alkalinity, turbidity, sulfate, chloride, calcium, magnesium and nitrate. By December 2021, I will have 12 months worth of data and will be able to determine seasonal changes besides water quality variation of springs. The data will serve as background data for the area and will also determine which springs have higher risk of contamination. Furthermore, I will tie well log data and topography to water quality to better explain the differences among springs as well as seasonal differences. The results will also show the extent of contamination of groundwater (springs) and their impact to receiving streams.