Assessing selenium contamination in the irrigated stream-aquifer system of the Arkansas River, Colorado.

摘要: Prudent interventions for reducing selenium (Se) in groundwater and streams within an irrigated river valley must be guided by a sound understanding of current field conditions. An emerging picture the nature Se contamination Lower Arkansas River Valley Colorado is provided data from large number surface water sampling locations two study regions along river. Measurements show that dissolved concentrations are about double Department Public Health Environment (CDPHE) chronic standard 4.6 microg L(-1) aquatic habitat upstream region exceed factor 2 to 4 downstream region. Groundwater average 57.7 33.0 downstream, indicating subsurface source irrigation-induced dissolution mobilization loads its tributaries. Inverse correlation was found between concentration distance closest identified shale direction principal flow gradient. The also exhibited, among other relationships, moderate strong total solids water, with uranium groundwater, power relationships nitrate groundwater. relationship nitrate, derived primarily N fertilizers, reveals degree which depends on oxidation inhibited reduction due denitrification suggests there prospects through control. Current future results these ongoing studies will help provide foundation modeling discovery best management practices (BMPs) agriculture can diminish contamination.