CONTAMINATION RISKS TO THE SPRINGFIELD AQUIFER BY ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF FIVE SPRINGS IN POLK COUNTY, MISSOURI

The Springfield Plateau groundwater provenance is an unconfined, karst aquifer that extends over southwestern Missouri and parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. This aquifer is vulnerable to waste contaminants from animals or other surface activities. Polk County holds the second largest number of cattle in Missouri. During a 12-month period samples were collected biweekly and analyzed for pH, alkalinity, turbidity, sulfate, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and nitrate; to determine which springs had a higher risk of contamination. The area’s geology was inferred using well logs close to the sample sites. Topographic maps were collected to provide more detail on the watershed, confirm drainage patterns for the streams, and elevation for the sample area. The results will show the extent of contamination of groundwater (springs) and their impact on receiving streams and will aid in deciphering what rock layers the springs are in contact with and to better explain the differences between springs. Then a comparison between these springs, and nearby springs will be made using statistical analysis.