Geological Society of America

T61 A Showcase of Undergraduate Research in Hydrogeology (Posters)

Sunday, 9 October 2022
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Exhibit Hall F

A COMPARISON OF GEOLOGIC INFLUENCE ON PHOSPHORUS LOADING THROUGH LACUSTRINE GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE IN THREE LAKES IN WESTERN WISCONSIN

Paper number: T61-1
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Authors

Madeline Marchiafava Presenting Author
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, N/A
Bryanna Rayhorn
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Jacob Huffaker
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Sarah Vitale
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Holly Dolliver
University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI
J. Brian Mahoney
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI

Abstract

Lake eutrophication in Wisconsin and throughout the upper Midwest has resulted in severe environmental and economic impacts across the region. Most lake eutrophication events are attributed to excess phosphorus loading. Historically is has been assumed that phosphorus is primarily contributed from agricultural sources and migrates through sediment runoff. Recent investigations have demonstrated that phosphorus is elevated in both surface water and groundwater in western Wisconsin, and that bedrock geology may be a significant contributor of phosphorus to the hydrologic system. Furthermore, a case study in Barron County demonstrated that groundwater with P contamination resurfaced into surface water through lacustrine groundwater discharge. In response to these findings, case studies were expanded to include lakes positioned in three different geologic settings common to western Wisconsin- thick sand and gravel overlying Cambrian Mt. Simon sandstone (Barron County), shallow Cambrian Mt. Simon sandstone (Eau Claire County), and thick glacial deposits overlying the Ordovician Prairie du Chien Group (St. Croix County). This study provides a preliminary understanding of how geologic setting may influence groundwater P loading in the investigated lake systems.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 54, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2022AM-383991

© Copyright 2022 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.