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Dwyer-Master's Thesis.pdf (16.92 MB)

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EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER CHEMISTRY OF SPRINGS IN NORTH CENTRAL OHIO, AND RAMIFICATIONS FOR HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE ERIE

Dwyer, Trevor R
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1668700982928699

Abstract Details

2022, Master of Science, University of Akron, Geology.
In northern Ohio a complex aquifer system includes a surficial glacial drift aquifer and a carbonate bedrock aquifer. The bedrock aquifer carries regional flow and discharges through karst springs near and in Sandusky Bay. This investigation employed quarterly comprehensive geochemical analyses along with high-resolution temperature/ conductivity monitoring in the discharge zone at Castalia Blue Hole, Miller’s Blue Hole, and a flowing artesian well to give a better understanding of the groundwater system. Nutrient input to Lake Erie from the karst springs was also determined. In addition, the paleohydrology of the system under changing ice conditions and lake levels was explored. Temperature and electrical conductance were monitored at 15-minute intervals. Water samples determined major ion chemistry, agrichemicals, and nutrients. A paleocross-section was constructed based on ice sheet thickness to determine paleo recharge history to evaluate past groundwater flow. The regional water flows from potentiometric high areas in Logan and Morrow Counties towards Sandusky Bay. Groundwater recharge would formerly have taken place under the ice sheet, driving flow southward, which is opposite of modern-day flow. Low seasonal variation in chemistry suggests that the groundwater comes from a regional source and that the aquifer behaves as a diffuse medium. Further evidence is relatively invariant water temperature over the sampling period. Measured temperatures at the 3 sites differ, partially due to challenges with appropriate deployment. Specific conductance is high and relatively stable, but varies between sites with Miller’s Blue Hole having the highest variability and Stidham Well the least. Miller’s Blue Hole and Stidham Well are close in values for specific conductance but range differently for temperature from 7.65-12.56°C and 12.00- 12.12°C respectively. Small dips in specific conductance correlate with precipitation and suggest mixing from local and intermediate systems into the springs. Low seasonal variation in chemistry suggests that the groundwater comes from a regional source and that the aquifer behaves as a diffuse medium. The nutrients present in highest quantity in the groundwater are silicate, nitrate, and ammonium. No pesticide or agrichemical contamination was found. The overall evidence indicates that the regional flow aquifer is a low flow aquifer with a high residence time.
Ira Sasowsky (Advisor)
David Steer (Committee Member)
John Senko (Committee Member)
George Bullerjahn (Committee Member)
203 p.
Environmental Geology; Geology; Hydrology
Geology, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Karst, HABs, Regional Aquifers

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Dwyer, T. R. (2022). EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER CHEMISTRY OF SPRINGS IN NORTH CENTRAL OHIO, AND RAMIFICATIONS FOR HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE ERIE [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1668700982928699

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Dwyer, Trevor. EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER CHEMISTRY OF SPRINGS IN NORTH CENTRAL OHIO, AND RAMIFICATIONS FOR HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE ERIE. 2022. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1668700982928699.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Dwyer, Trevor. "EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER CHEMISTRY OF SPRINGS IN NORTH CENTRAL OHIO, AND RAMIFICATIONS FOR HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE ERIE." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1668700982928699

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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