Influence of Desert Springs on Habitat of Endangered Zuni Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus yarrowi)

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-329
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Frus ◽  
Laura J. Crossey ◽  
Clifford N. Dahm ◽  
Karl E. Karlstrom ◽  
Livia Crowley
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Spring Water ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
Southeastern Part ◽  
Hydrologic Controls ◽  
Desert Springs ◽  
Bluehead Sucker ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Gradient Surface

ABSTRACT Located on the southeastern part of the Colorado Plateau, the Zuni Mountains are home to the endangered Zuni Bluehead Sucker (ZBS) (Catostomus discobolus yarrowi). A 4-year study was conducted on a low-flow (<80 cm3/s) hillslope spring and intermittent stream, that are home to one of the three remaining ZBS populations. Seasonal measurements of physical and hydrochemical parameters were used to estimate the contribution of groundwater to the stream and to identify geologic and hydrologic controls for the spring discharge. Seasonal concentrations and standard deviations (s) of Mg2+ were used to determine that the spring water (5.6 mg/L; s = 0.4) and surface water up-gradient from the spring input (10.7 mg/L; s = 11.2) is from different sources. Surface water down-gradient from the spring input maintain ZBS populations and is a mixture of spring water and up-gradient surface water. Mass solution mixing was used to determine spring water contributes up to 99 percent of the down-gradient water during drier seasons. Isotopes (δD, δ18O, 3H) indicate that the spring water has been recharged primarily from snowmelt within the last 70 years, while up-gradient surface water is seasonal runoff from rain and snowmelt. Continuous monitoring of dissolved oxygen (DO) mean concentrations (up-gradient = 1.6 mg/L and down-gradient = 5.7 mg/L) indicated that surface water up-gradient from the spring input are anoxic and unable to support ZBS. Surface water down-gradient from the spring input maintain appropriate DO concentrations due to perennially discharging spring waters re-aerating downstream habitats.

Long term changes in the functioning of a karst aquifer under anthropogenic forcing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cousquer Yohann ◽  
Jourde Hervé
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Karst Aquifer ◽  
Active Management ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
Long Term Changes ◽  
And Storage

<p>A quantitative estimation of the sustainability of groundwater resources is a challenge for water supplies. This study focuses on karstic hydro systems, which provide water resources to a large part of the Mediterranean population. Here, we address the long-term changes in the functioning of the Lez karst aquifer, which has been providing water to the city of Montpellier since the XIX<sup>th</sup> century.  Before 1965, only the natural overflow of the spring was used, then pumping in the spring, down to -6.50 m below the overflow level of the spring, was performed until 1981. After this date, the management of the water resource consisted in pumping groundwater at a much greater flow rate (up to 2000 l/s) than the natural discharge during low flow (200 l/s), which seasonally generates important drawdowns (down to ~25 m) at regional scale.</p><p>The available time series consist in more than 70 years of discharge and water table (with some gaps) that encompass the three kinds of groundwater management, spanning from a passive management to the current active management. The change in water budget terms over time (before and after active management) highlights the modification of transfers and storage in the different karst compartments (epikarst, unsaturated zone, saturated zone), and the climatic variability of precipitation, evapotranspiration at inter-annual. A lumped parameter model was set up in order to simulate spring discharge, while accounting for surface water and grandwater level dynamics, and better assess the changes in the storage dynamics within the different compartments (matrix-conduits) of the karst. A robust parameter estimation, accounting for groundwater discharge and surface water discharge observations, has been conducted using a Monte-Carlo procedure. In order to obtaines a robust model, divers data type such as groundwater flow, surface flow and water level, have been used. [H1]  Once the model was calibrated over (1955-2020) reference period, several prospective management scenarios based on pumping discharge were simulated with an estimation of predictive uncertainty. This allowed evaluating the influence of pumping at large flow rate (active management) on the flux and storage on matrix-conduits exchanges of such karst hydrosystem. A modification on both the discharge rates and the direction of water exchanges between compartments, and especially between matrix and conduits, have been noted. The importance of climatic variability at inter-annual scale on water availability has been discussed as well.</p>

scholarly journals Estimation of recharge in mountain hard-rock aquifers based on discrete spring discharge monitoring during base-flow recession

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Segadelli ◽  
Maria Filippini ◽  
Anna Monti ◽  
Fulvio Celico ◽  
Alessandro Gargini
Keyword(s):  
Hard Rock ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
Aquifer Recharge ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Groundwater Circulation ◽  
Hard Rock Aquifers

AbstractEstimation of aquifer recharge is key to effective groundwater management and protection. In mountain hard-rock aquifers, the average annual discharge of a spring generally reflects the vertical aquifer recharge over the spring catchment. However, the determination of average annual spring discharge requires expensive and challenging field monitoring. A power-law correlation was previously reported in the literature that would allow quantification of the average annual spring discharge starting from only a few discharge measurements in the low-flow season, in a dry summer climate. The correlation is based upon the Maillet model and was previously derived by a 10-year monitoring program of discharge from springs and streams in hard-rock aquifers composed of siliciclastic and calcareous turbidites that did not have well defined hydrogeologic boundaries. In this research, the same correlation was applied to two ophiolitic (peridotitic) hard-rock aquifers in the Northern Apennines (Northern Italy) with well-defined hydrogeologic boundaries and base-outflow springs. The correlation provided a reliable estimate of the average annual spring discharge thus confirming its effectiveness regardless of bedrock lithology. In the two aquifers studied, the measurable annual outputs (i.e. sum of average annual spring discharges) could be assumed equal to the annual inputs (i.e. vertical recharge) based on the clear-cut aquifer boundaries and a quick groundwater circulation inferable from spring water parameters. Thus, in such setting, the aforementioned correlation also provided an estimate of the annual aquifer recharge allowing the assessment of coefficients of infiltration (i.e. ratio between aquifer recharge and total precipitation) ranging between 10 and 20%.

Nitrogen patterns in subsurface waters of the Yzeron stream: effect of combined sewer overflows and subsurface–surface water mixing

2013 ◽  
Vol 68 (12) ◽  
pp. 2632-2637 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Aucour ◽  
T. Bariac ◽  
P. Breil ◽  
P. Namour ◽  
L. Schmitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Cold Season ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Subsurface Water ◽  
Urban Stream ◽  
Nitrogen Forms ◽  
Combined Sewer Overflows ◽  
Combined Sewer ◽  
Subsurface Waters ◽  
Sewer Overflows

Urbanization subjects streams to increased nitrogen loads. Therefore studying nitrogen forms at the interface between urban stream and groundwater is important for water resource management. In this study we report results on water δ18O and nitrogen forms in subsurface waters of a stream (Yzeron, France). The sites studied were located upstream and downstream of combined sewer overflows (CSO) in a rural area and a periurban area, respectively. Water δ18O allowed us to follow the mixing of subsurface water with surface water. Dissolved organic nitrogen and organic carbon of fine sediment increased by 20–30% between rural and periurban subsurface waters in the cold season, under high flow. The highest nitrate levels were observed in rural subsurface waters in the cold season. The lowest nitrate levels were found in periurban subsurface waters in the warm season, under low flow. They corresponded to slow exchange of subsurface waters with channel water. Thus reduced exchange between surface and subsurface waters and organic-matter-rich input seemed to favor nitrate reduction in the downstream, periurban, subsurface waters impacted by CSO.

scholarly journals Assessment of source tracking methods for application in spring water

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 473-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Wicki ◽  
Adrian Auckenthaler ◽  
Richard Felleisen ◽  
Fatma Karabulut ◽  
Isabel Niederhauser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Microbial Source Tracking ◽  
Spring Water ◽  
Source Tracking ◽  
Animal Waste ◽  
Faecal Contamination ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
Host Strains

For discriminating between human and animal faecal contamination in water, microbial source tracking (MST) approaches using different indicators have been employed. In the current study, a range of 10 such MST indicators described in the scientific literature were comparatively assessed. Bacteriophages infecting host strains of Bacteroides (GA-17, GB-124 and ARABA 84) as well as sorbitol-fermenting bifidobacteria proved useful for indicating human faecal contamination while Rhodococcus coprophilus was associated with animal-derived faecal contamination. These potential source indicators were present in samples of faecal origin, i.e. either in human wastewater or animal waste, from many different regions in Switzerland and therefore showed a geographic stability. In addition, the MST indicators were abundant in surface water and were even sensitive enough to detect faecal contamination in spring water from two study areas in Switzerland. This is the first study that has compared and successfully applied MST methods in spring water.

scholarly journals Enhanced Characterization of the Krania–Elassona Structure and Functioning Allogenic Karst Aquifer in Central Greece

Geosciences ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonios Manakos ◽  
Maria Ntona ◽  
Nerantzis Kazakis ◽  
Konstantinos Chalikakis
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Moving Average ◽  
Karst Aquifer ◽  
Groundwater Vulnerability ◽  
Spring Water ◽  
Geological Mapping ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
Water Type ◽  
Central Greece

The present study highlights the importance of geological, hydrogeological, and hydrogeochemical characterization of a karst aquifer in building a conceptual model of the system. The karst system of Krania–Elassona in central Greece was chosen for this application. Hydrogeological research included geological mapping and hydrogeological analysis. Additionally, hydrochemical analysis of water samples was performed in boreholes, rivers, and the system’s main spring. The Krania–Elassona aquifer consists of three horizons of marbles and is characterized by mature karstification. The karst aquifer is characterized by allogenic recharge mainly from the River Deskatis that accounts for up to 92% of the total flow. Groundwater and spring water are generally characterized as good quality and are suitable for irrigation and domestic use. The water type of the spring water is classified as Mg-HCO3. The application of a SARIMA (Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model) model verified the conceptual model and successfully simulated spring discharge for a two-year period. The results of this study highlight the importance of basic hydrogeological research and the initial conceptualization of karst systems in reliably assessing groundwater vulnerability and modeling.

scholarly journals A review of methods for measuring groundwater–surface water exchange in braided rivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 4397-4417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Coluccio ◽  
Leanne Kaye Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Exchange ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Hyporheic Exchange ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Braided Rivers ◽  
River Bed ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract. Braided rivers, while uncommon internationally, are significant in terms of their unique ecosystems and as vital freshwater resources at locations where they occur. With an increasing awareness of the connected nature of surface water and groundwater, there have been many studies examining groundwater–surface water exchange in various types of waterbodies, but significantly less research has been conducted in braided rivers. Thus, there is currently limited understanding of how characteristics unique to braided rivers, such as channel shifting, expanding and narrowing margins, and a high degree of heterogeneity affect groundwater–surface water flow paths. This article provides an overview of characteristics specific to braided rivers, including a map showing the regions where braided rivers are mainly found at the global scale: Alaska, Canada, the Japanese and European Alps, the Himalayas, Russia, and New Zealand. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first map of its kind. This is followed by a review of prior studies that have investigated groundwater–surface water interactions in braided rivers and their associated aquifers. The various methods used to characterise these processes are discussed with emphasis on their effectiveness in achieving the studies' objectives and their applicability in braided rivers. We also discuss additional methods that appear promising to apply in braided river settings. The aim is to provide guidance on methodologies most suitable for future work in braided rivers. In many cases, previous studies found a multi-method approach useful to produce more robust results and compare data collected at various scales. Given the challenges of working directly in braided rivers, there is considerable scope for the increased use of remote sensing techniques. There is also opportunity for new approaches to modelling braided rivers using integrated techniques that incorporate the complex river bed terrain and geomorphology of braided rivers explicitly. We also identify a critical need to improve the conceptual understanding of hyporheic exchange in braided rivers, rates of recharge to and from braided rivers, and historical patterns of dry and low-flow periods in these rivers.

scholarly journals A study of the quality and hygienic conditions of spring water in Mongolia

2007 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Altanzagas Badrakh ◽  
Tsolmon Chultemdorji ◽  
Robert Hagan ◽  
Salik Govind ◽  
Tsevegdorj Tserendorj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Central Region ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Spring Water ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Hygienic Conditions

An assessment on quality and hygienic conditions of spring water was undertaken in Mongolia in 2004 with financial and technical support from the World Health Organization through AGFUND. Methodology: A total of 127 springs, 99 from rural areas and 28 from Ulaanbaatar city were included in the study. The study included hygienic conditions, physical, microbiological and chemical parameters of springs. Based on the results of laboratory analysis, the quality of springs were classified into five degrees of contamination. Results: The majority of springs studied and especially in UB city and the Central region had poor hygienic conditions such as low flow rate, turbidity or pollution sources in the vicinity of springs. 78% of the total studied springs did not have any protection or upgrade and 22% have only wooden, iron and stone fences. The water quality parameters such as hardness, total dissolved solids, oxygen demand, nitrogenous compounds, total microbial count, Escherichia coli were also significantly higher in springs located in UB city, the Central region and the East region. 47.6% of all studied aimag's (countryside) spring water were significantly polluted by more than three parameters especially E. coli, ammonia, oxygen demand, which indicated a recent contamination by human and animal excreta in water. Conclusion: The current study revealed that the majority of springs in peri urban areas close to UB city and the Central region had poor hygienic conditions. Different levels of contamination using both microbiological and chemical tests were found in studied springs. It is recommended that regular assessment of spring water quality be undertaken to create awareness among communities and local authorities for further protection and upgrading of spring water sources.

scholarly journals Transport and retention of phosphorus in surface water in an urban slum area

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 10277-10312
Author(s):  
P. M. Nyenje ◽  
L. M. G. Meijer ◽  
J. W. Foppen ◽  
R. Kulabako ◽  
S. Uhlenbrook
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
Suspended Sediments ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Surface Erosion ◽  
Wastewater Management ◽  
Bed Sediments ◽  
Total P

Abstract. The transport of excessive phosphorus (P) discharged from unsewered informal settlements (slums) due to poor on-site sanitation is largely unknown. Hence, we investigated the processes governing P transport in a 28 km2 slum-dominated catchment in Kampala, Uganda. During high runoff events and a period of base flow, we collected hourly water samples (over 24 h) from a primary channel draining the catchment and from a small size tertiary channel draining one of the contributing slum areas (0.5 km2). Samples were analyzed for orthophosphate (PO4-P), particulate P (PP), total P (TP) and selected hydro-chemical parameters. Channel bed and suspended sediments were collected to determine their sorption potential, geo-available metals and dominant P forms. We found that P inputs in the catchment originated mainly from domestic wastewater as evidenced by high concentrations of Cl (36–144 mg L-1), HCO3 and other cations in the channels. Most P discharged during low flow conditions was particulate implying that much of it was retained in bed sediments. Retained P was mostly bound to Ca and Fe/Al oxides. Hence, we inferred that mineral precipitation and adsorption to Ca-minerals were the dominant P retention processes. Bed sediments were P-saturated and showed a tendency to release P to discharging waters. P released was likely due to Ca-bound P because of the strong correlation between Ca and total P in sediments (r2 = 0.9). High flows exhibited a strong flush of PP and SS implying that part of P retained was frequently flushed out of the catchment by surface erosion and resuspension of bed sediment. Our findings suggest that P accumulated in the channel bed during low flows and then was slowly released into surface water. Hence, it will likely take some time, even with improved wastewater management practices, before P loads to downstream areas can be significantly reduced.

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