Title:
The impact of on-site wastewater treatment systems on the nitrogen load and baseflow in urbanizing watersheds of Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia
The impact of on-site wastewater treatment systems on the nitrogen load and baseflow in urbanizing watersheds of Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia
Author(s)
Oliver, C.
Risse, L. Mark
Radcliffe, David E.
Habteselassie, M.
Clarke, John S.
Risse, L. Mark
Radcliffe, David E.
Habteselassie, M.
Clarke, John S.
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Abstract
On-site wastewater treatment systems
(OWTSs) are widely used in the Southeastern United States
for municipal wastewater treatment. As urban and suburban
populations increase, the use of OWTSs is expected to further
increase. This region heavily depends on surface waters
for its water supply, therefore, the impact of OWTSs on surface
water quality and quantity must be investigated. Conventional
OWTSs can be potential sources of N pollution for
groundwater and streams that can cause human health concerns
and stimulate algal growth resulting in eutrophication.
The overall goal of this project is to determine the impact of
OWTSs on the N load and baseflow in urbanizing watersheds
of Ocmulgee and Oconee River basins in Georgia. This paper
presents preliminary results of the differences in the N load
and baseflow as well as other water quality indicators such as
electrical conductivity (EC) and chloride (Cl-) in streams of
watersheds impacted by high (HD) and low density (LD)
OWTSs. Synoptic samples and discharge measurements of
24 watersheds were taken 3 times per year in fall, spring, and
summer under baseflow conditions. EC and Cl- concentrations
were significantly higher in HD OWTS watersheds for
all three sampling events. N concentrations were not statistically
different between HD and LD watersheds for all three
sampling events. Baseflow measurements in the fall and
spring were not statistically different between HD and LD
watersheds, but summer measurements were significantly
higher in the HD watersheds. The results indicate the presence
of OWTS effluent in streams of watersheds with HD
OWTSs, while N analysis indicates a reduction in concentration
through dilution and denitrification. However, increased
baseflow in watersheds impacted by HD OWTSs results in
an increase in total N load. Further analysis is needed to accurately
determine and quantify the impact of OWTSs on
water quality and quantity at the watershed-scale.
Sponsor
Sponsored by: Georgia Environmental Protection Division; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Water Resources Institute; The University of Georgia, Water Resources Faculty.
Date Issued
2013-04
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Text
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Proceedings