Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of land use on chromium concentrations in aquatic environments. This relationship could have serious environmental implications as high concentrations of chromium can affect the survival of aquatic species and have been known to cause cancer in humans drinking contaminated water. Water samples were collected in twenty-four locations in collaboration with the College Creek Alliance. The samples were taken seasonally in April, July, and October, as well during a storm event, Hurricane Sandy in October. All samples were tested for sediment bound chromium. Eighteen of the ninety-five samples taken had detectable concentrations of sediment bound chromium. Overall, nine of the eighteen statistically significant samples were from the July sampling period, while only two statistically significant samples were taken during Hurricane Sandy. This could imply that chromium is a seasonally controlled, although the decreased concentrations in the storm sampling period implies that chromium concentrations could be diluted by increases of coarsegrained suspended sediment into aquatic systems during storm events. Pate’s Creek had the highest concentration recorded at 984 mg Cr/kg sediment and was the only watershed with statistically significant Cr levels during April, July and October. Although previous studies link Cr to industrial land use, this study found no correlation between Cr and development of land. Instead, the highest Cr sample seems to be linked to the land cover of pasture/hay and cultivated crops. This link is the foundation to the theory that high Cr concentrations are correlated with the presence of pesticides and pressure-treated posts used on farms. Although Cr is not currently monitored, this study implies that high chromium concentrations are found in regions that lack intense industry and therefore other Cr sources should be located and Cr should be monitored like other metal toxins.
Date Awarded
2013
Department
Geology
Advisor 1
James M. Kaste
Recommended Citation
Celata, Katharine B., "The Effects of Urban vs. Rural Land Use on Cr Concentrations in the College Creek Watershed" (2013). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 386.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/386
