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INVESTIGATING SURFACE WATER QUALITY IMPACTS ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY UNDER VARYING FLOW CONDITIONS IN THE BARTON SPRINGS SEGMENT OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER, CENTRAL TEXAS
Impact/Purpose:
It is critical to understand the processes that control groundwater quality, especially in arid regions with a high dependence on groundwater that are managing increasing rates of urban development and aridity associated with climate change. Karst terrains add complexity as solutional features (i.e., caves and sink holes) allow rapid infiltration and subsurface transport of water through the system. This research investigates the hydrological and geochemical dynamics affecting groundwater quality in the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards aquifer (a karst aquifer) in central Texas by investigating the question of how surface water quality impacts groundwater quality under varying rainfall conditions.
Synopsis:
In karst systems, groundwater is especially vulnerable to contamination via surface water. The nature of surface and groundwater interaction is dependent on antecedent moisture conditions, and I work to understand the dynamics of surface and groundwater mixing under varying rainfall conditions in the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards aquifer in central Texas.
Description:
The expected results from this research include: i) the quantification of the proportion of surface water comprising spring discharge under varying flow conditions; ii) the characterization of surface watersheds under varying antecedent moisture conditions, and evaluation of how these characterizations reflect the degree of watershed urbanization; iii) identifying the controls on groundwater quality under varying antecedent moisture conditions. Groundwater quality is likely more vulnerable to surface water quality during dry antecedent moisture conditions when aquifer levels are insufficient to effectively buffer (i.e., dilute) surface water compositions.
Potential to Further Environmental/Human Health Protection:
Demonstrating the impact of surface water quality on groundwater quality will be useful to water resource managers and law and policy makers as they make decisions regarding the protection of surface water quality in the contributing and recharge zones of the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards aquifer. More specifically, this research will lend insight about the consequences of discharging treated wastewater into surface streams that recharge the Edwards aquifer.