Abstract
This study compares chloride concentrations and a series of corrosiveness indexes to determine whether trends in statewide databases appropriately detect local conditions. Chloride concentrations in local, urban streams generally persist at higher levels than what is typical of natural waters. Data collected for statewide water quality assessments are often at a broader geographical scale. Results and subsequent policies may indicate little to no environmental concern, meanwhile degradation at the local scale remains relatively undetected. Pulses of local snowmelt runoff may violate water quality criteria, but long-term trends measured at the statewide scale are in decline. Results highlight the need for data at varying scales when assessing freshwater salinization and subsequent effects in urban watersheds.
Recommended Citation
Kauten, Rebecca L.
(2020)
"Scale Mis-Matches When Assessing Chloride Concentration and Corrosiveness Using Statewide Data for Trend Analysis,"
International Journal of Geospatial and Environmental Research: Vol. 7:
No.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://dc.uwm.edu/ijger/vol7/iss2/4