Modeling background conductivity and biological extirpation
Citation:
Cormier, S. Modeling background conductivity and biological extirpation. NJ Water Monitoring Council, Trenton, NJ, September 26, 2018.
Impact/Purpose:
Presentation requested by NJ DEP, Sept. 26, 2018 in Trenton, NJ,
Description:
Specific conductivity (SC) is a measure of a mixture of dissolved ions (salts) in water. In 2011, conductivity was ranked as the #1 priority for national aquatic life criteria by state water quality managers and EPA regions. Increased salinization affects multiple designated uses; causes widespread aquatic life impairments; but many sources are man-made and thus controllable. Research was undertaken to: (1) Estimate natural background conductivity based on geology, climate, landcover and other natural drivers. (2) Develop a field-based method for determining effects to stream life relative to an increase in dissolved minerals. (3) Create a Story Map of background, biological effect levels and measured conductivity for streams across the contiguous U.S. The combination of this information is useful for evaluating salinization in streams in the United States.