IDENTIFYING NITRATE CONTAMINATION SOURCES FOR GROUND WATER QUALITY IN NORTHERN CEDAR COUNTY, MISSOURI

Farmland may have negative impacts to water quality, as various agriculture practices have led nitrates and related contaminants (e.g., pesticides) into shallow and deep groundwater areas. Nitrates occur from atmospheric deposition, mineralization of soil, and possibly from anthropogenic sources. Those sources include chemical fertilizers, sewage waste, and animal waste. Contamination in ground water can lead to health concerns that could impact public health. Water from shallow wells in the study area is dark in color and smells of sulfur. The primary objective for this ongoing study is to investigate impaired water quality issues in karstic rural/agricultural areas to characterize the contamination, find the range of value of nitrates and their variation with time. Water samples will be collected and analyzed for pH, nitrates, sulfates, chlorides, turbidity and chemical oxygen demand for organic material. By having well water, water from creeks, rivers, and other waterways sampled on a regular basis, it can lead to better understanding the likelihood of nitrates leaching into groundwater systems which can help avoid future contamination. Expected results include measurement and distribution (in time and space) of nitrates, chlorides and organic contaminants in collected samples. Maps will be used to show final results. Further studies for this ongoing project include conducting an isotope analysis using δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O isotopes, which is commonly used to identify nitrate sources in groundwater.