Identifying Bacteria Contamination Sources in Pigg River
Location
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Entry Number
97
Start Date
4-5-2023 3:30 PM
End Date
4-5-2023 3:45 PM
College
Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Environmental Science
Keywords
Water Quality, Sediment, E. coli, Pigg River
Abstract
The Pigg River, a southern central Virginia tributary of Leesville Lake, is experiencing increased levels of bacteria and E. coli, likely due to agricultural land use and related activities. Furthermore, the removal of a dam in 2016 caused the release of built-up sediment, which raised additional concerns. To identify significant bacterial sources, a study was conducted to examine land use properties, stream health, and sediment contamination.
Several sampling sites along the Pigg River were used to collect water quality data, E. coli samples, and bacterial source tracking samples during both normal flow and high precipitation events. Volunteers simulated a storm event during normal flow to determine whether bacteria originated from storm runoff or whether it was already present in the stream or sediment. The results showed that bacterial levels were higher in manually disturbed samples than in normal flow conditions, indicating that significant bacteria was present within the sediment.
This finding has important implications for policymakers and resource managers as it will assist in identifying sources of high bacteria and E. coli levels in the Pigg River. By identifying the sources of contamination, appropriate mitigation measures can be developed to protect both the river and Leesville Lake, a crucial resource for the region's power and recreational activities. In conclusion, the study provides crucial information for policymakers and resource managers to take appropriate action to mitigate the bacterial contamination of the Pigg River.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Thomas Shahady
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Identifying Bacteria Contamination Sources in Pigg River
Room 232, Schewel Hall
The Pigg River, a southern central Virginia tributary of Leesville Lake, is experiencing increased levels of bacteria and E. coli, likely due to agricultural land use and related activities. Furthermore, the removal of a dam in 2016 caused the release of built-up sediment, which raised additional concerns. To identify significant bacterial sources, a study was conducted to examine land use properties, stream health, and sediment contamination.
Several sampling sites along the Pigg River were used to collect water quality data, E. coli samples, and bacterial source tracking samples during both normal flow and high precipitation events. Volunteers simulated a storm event during normal flow to determine whether bacteria originated from storm runoff or whether it was already present in the stream or sediment. The results showed that bacterial levels were higher in manually disturbed samples than in normal flow conditions, indicating that significant bacteria was present within the sediment.
This finding has important implications for policymakers and resource managers as it will assist in identifying sources of high bacteria and E. coli levels in the Pigg River. By identifying the sources of contamination, appropriate mitigation measures can be developed to protect both the river and Leesville Lake, a crucial resource for the region's power and recreational activities. In conclusion, the study provides crucial information for policymakers and resource managers to take appropriate action to mitigate the bacterial contamination of the Pigg River.