29 Undergraduate Research, Part II (Posters)

Session showcases undergraduate research. Topics include geoscience-related fields (e.g., resources, hydrology, oceanography, climate, environmental science, geospatial, informatics, health, policy, & education). Undergraduate student/s must be the lead author/s presenters with faculty mentor/s as co-author/s. This session welcomes both poster and oral presentation submissions.

Tuesday, 10 March 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
RCC, Lower Level Hall

Geochemical Indicators of Non-Native Inputs in Surface Waters and Sediments of the Cumberland River Watershed, Tennessee

Paper number: 29-5
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Authors

  • Keegan Barrett Presenting Author
    Middle Tennessee State University , Murfreesboro , Tennessee
  • Saania Aslam
    MIddle Tennessee State University , Murfreesboro , Tennessee
  • Riley Baumstark
    Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
  • Oliver Hall
    Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
  • Warner Cribb
    Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Abstract

          This study examines the quality of surface water and sediment in portions of the Cumberland River watershed in and east of Nashville, Tennessee, to evaluate potential relationships between land use and contaminant distribution. Sampling focused on low-order tributaries discharging into the Cumberland River along the west bank within Shelby Park, approximately 2 km east–southeast of downtown Nashville, as well as on additional sites, including Coopers Creek, Sevier Lake, Old Farm Pond, and Pages Branch. Surface water and sediment samples were analyzed in conjunction with publicly available U.S. Geological Survey water-quality data. Suspended and bedload sediments were collected directly from stream channels. Surface water chemistry was measured using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and sediment mineralogy was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Analytical results indicate measurable concentrations of environmentally sensitive trace elements, including bromine, mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic, in surface waters. Sediment samples contain Fe–Ti oxide minerals such as rutile, ilmenite, and magnetite. The identified trace elements and mineral assemblages are inconsistent with the expected geochemical and lithologic characteristics of local Nashville-area bedrock and surficial geology. These findings suggest that the observed water and sediment compositions are unlikely to be solely the result of natural weathering processes and may reflect non-native inputs to the watershed. Ongoing work aims to further constrain spatial patterns and assess potential sources influencing contaminant distribution.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 1

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026SE-411654

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