Possible effects of the Emporia water treatment plant sludge pond on the Cottonwood River.

Abstract

The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine if there might be any effect that the Emporia, Kansas Water Treatment Plant sludge pond was having on the concentrations of total phosphorus, dissolved inorganic phosphate, iron, sulfate, calcium, lead, magnesium, and zinc in the Cottonwood River. Water samples were taken monthly at the sludge pond as well as upstream (Prairie Street Bridge) and downstream (Soden's Grove dam) from the pond. Significantly higher values at the downstream site than at the upstream site could have been an indication of possible influence from the sludge pond. Analysis was performed by using a Hach DR3000 spectrophotometer and a Perkin-Elmer 603 spectrophotometer. Data was analyzed by the Quatro Pro spreadsheet program and graphs were constructed. Results obtained from the investigation indicated that there was no evidence of influence on the Cottonwood River by the sludge pond.