| Popis: |
Stormwater runoff from highways has been a relevant focus of study both in terms of its characterization during construction phases as well as during the years following its operation. Highways have been thought to have adverse impacts on the water quality of nearby water bodies in terms of parameters such as solids, turbidity, metals, among others. This study presents results of a 18-month long monitoring of the Little Cahaba Creek (LCC), a perennial headwater tributary of the Cahaba River, located north of Trussville, AL. In this study, levels of nitrate, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, and total suspended solids (TSS) were monitored and recorded upstream and downstream of Interstate-59. Such monitoring with samples taken biweekly was complemented with continuous monitoring of pH, temperature, conductivity and turbidity over an 18-month period. The differences in nutrient levels upstream and downstream of the interstate are generally less than 1% of the total value. During rain events the largest increase in downstream parameters was found in the levels of turbidity, up to 34.4 NTU increase. Conductivity readings spike immediately following rainfall events; however, there were no significant changes found in pH and temperature during rain events. These findings indicate that I-59 runoff does not have significant impacts on water quality parameters selected for monitoring in the LCC. By recording and analyzing the levels of these nutrients, physical parameters and other water quality indicators in the LCC, this study intends to provide a better understand of the impact of highway runoff on receiving water bodies in the context of post-construction stormwater management of highways. |
