Date of Award
8-1982
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Richard N. Passero
Second Advisor
Dr. W. Thomas Straw
Third Advisor
Dr. Lloyd Schmaltz
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Nitrate levels from 1,978 wells were compiled and analyzed to identify areas having levels above the Federal and State Drinking Water Standards of 10 ppm, identify possible sources of nitrate in each area and determine factors that produce high concentrations of nitrate in groundwater.
Eighteen areas in which nitrate concentrations exceeded 10 ppm were identified. County-wide, 465 (23 percent) of the wells for which data were available produced water with nitrate concentrations above drinking water standards.
Septic tank effluent is thought to be the most common source of nitrate in the problem areas. Agricultural practices are also likely nitrate contrbutors; however, in areas where they were found to be associated with high nitrate levels, septic tank systems were also present. Apparently there is more than one source of nitrate in these areas.
High nitrate concentrations in wells were found to be related to natural and cultural factors. These include land-use, soil type, glacial geology, well density, and well depth.
Recommended Citation
Norman, William Robert, "Nitrate Levels in the Groundwater of Kalamazoo County, Michigan" (1982). Masters Theses. 1718.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1718