CONTAMINATION OF IOWA’S LAKES AND RIVERS

  Jeanie Tsamis, Linda Wright, and John Bumpus

   The water quality of Silver Lake was studied to determine possible point sources of pollution to the lake.  Nitrate, nitrite, pH, total dissolved solids, calcium, and chloride were analyzed from seven sites throughout the lake. A mesocosm of Silver Lake water and sediment was constructed and monitored to determine the rate of nitrate disappearance in the lake water.

   In addition to Silver Lake, several Iowa rivers were assayed for pollution, including the Cedar and Wapsipinicon Rivers.  The same tests were run to test the hypothesis that the water quality deteriorates along the river.  These rivers were included in what is referred to as the “hot spot” project, testing Iowa bodies of water in various locations throughout the state.