Project: Effect of watershed land use on freshwater quality in a rapidly urbanizing post oak savannah biome

J A Aitkenhead-Peterson and Nurun Nahar

Twelve local watersheds are being sampled under a long-term monitoring program by the NAWA lab group. Land use in these watersheds is variable (Figure 1) and range from 6-100% urbanized, 0-28% forested, 0-17% wetland, 0-27% rangeland and 0-67% agriculture (pasture and crop). Sampling these sites commenced in early March 2007. Samples are collected using a sterile whirlpak bag every two weeks. pH and conductivity are quantified on aliquots and the remainder of the sample is syringe filtered through ashed (400° C for 5 hours) Whatman GF/F filters (0.7 µm nominal pore size). Samples are frozen until analysis. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) are quantified using a Shimadzu TOC-V analyzer, anions using ion chromatography and in-organic nitrogen, ammonium and nitrate using a Westco Scientific discrete analyzer.

Preliminary stepwise multiple regression analysis shows that land use has a significant effect on freshwater quality in these creeks.

Construction and Carter Creek	Pasture Land in Peach Creek Watershed	Wolfpen Creek