Data was collected as part of a basin-wide synoptic sample event in May, July and October. All three sample events included the following field chemistry measurements: temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH. In addition, field observations were made for rainfall and stream flow. Grab samples were collected based on seasonal priority and are detailed below.
The spring sample event occurred on May 15th with 60 sites reporting. Grab samples were collected for the following herbicides: 2,4 D, Alachlor, Chlorpyrifos, Metolachlor, and Triazines. Triazines were the only herbicide frequently found in the water. The complete results can be viewed at this link.
The summer sample event occurred on July 20th with 58 sites reporting. Grab samples were collected for fecal coliform bacteria with 9 sites found to be exceeding the Kentucky surface water standard of 400 CFU/100ml. Also, samples were analyzed for fecal strep bacteria. This analysis was used to generate a fecal coliform to fecal strep ratio that was believed to help indicate the origin of the bacteria. However, more recent information suggests that this method is not scientifically sound. The complete results can be viewed at this link.
The fall sample event occurred on October 2nd with 59 sites reporting. Grab samples were collected for wide range of metals and nutrients including: nitrate, nitrite, ortho-phosphate, sulfate, organic carbon, ammonia nitrogen, total kjeldahl nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bromide, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluoride, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, silver, selenium, sodium, strontium, tin, thallium, vanadium, and zinc. The complete results can be viewed at this link.