Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Water Quality in the Lake St. Clair Region
Water quality parameters include Aluminum, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 5-Day, Total Organic Carbon, Chloride, Conductivity, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), E. Coli, Flow, Total Hardness, Mercury, Metals, Nitrogen-Ammonia, Nitrogen-Nitrate, Nitrogen-Total Kjeldahl, Oil/Grease, OrthoPhosphate, PCBs, PNAs, Pesticides, pH, Phosphate, Phosphorus, Total Dissolved Residue, Total Suspended Solids, Temperature, and Turbidity. For descriptions of the sources, chemical properties and effects on water quality click here.
Parameters were selected to achieve Project objectives, including to:
· Provide a comprehensive assessment of water quality throughout the Project area;
· Develop a baseline of water quality conditions in certain parts of the Project area;
· Determine trends in dry weather quality conditions;
· Evaluate wet weather dynamics throughout the study area and compute wet weather and dry weather loadings for the most important loadings;
· Improve overall understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes in the Clinton and St. Clair Rivers and Lake St. Clair; and
· Identify pollutant hotspots so that investigations and remedial actions can be initiated.
Current, factual water quality information is essential for (a) citizen awareness, (b) establishment of water quality management systems, public policies and necessary regulatory programs and (c) initiating remedial and other actions to improve water quality.
Many of the sources are the result of human activity, such as malfunctioning wastewater treatment plants, combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, surface water runoff including road salt and fertilizers, and discharges from individual on-site sewage disposal systems. Other sources can include agricultural pollutants and animal waste.
Citizens can:
· provide specific information to local, state and federal health, environmental and other regulatory agencies;
· join with others in advocating for action;
· inform local and state legislators, the press, etc.
Regulatory agencies have many investigational, informational, administrative and statutory tools for responding to demonstrable water pollution problems.
Some permanent streamflow stations were utilized and heavy duty steel boxes housed much of the Project equipment. Some minor damage occurred to unprotected equipment. To view one of the information placards that was posted to inform nearby residents and others of the purpose for this equipment click here.
Chemical characteristics, sources and effects of parameters that we selected are provided in the following discussion below:
Selection of parameters to be measured during the Project was based on the need to assess water quality where there was some evidence or suspicion of contamination, on knowledge of previously measured physical conditions or concentrations of chemical or biological substances, and on specific scientific interests. Measurement of one or more parameters at each monitoring or sampling location was determined by varying study objectives.
Maximum Acceptable Values have been established for some parameters for regulatory purposes; or for guiding decisions in the absence of regulatory standards. Several of these values and their reference sources are indicated below for the following parameters.
Aluminum is a naturally occurring metal in the environment, but may be present in elevated concentrations resulting from human sources. The presence of aluminum ions in streams may result from industrial wastes but is more likely to come from the wash water of drinking water treatment plants. Many aluminum salts are readily soluble; however, there are some that are very insoluble. Those that are insoluble will not exist long in surface water, but will precipitate and settle. Waters containing high concentrations of aluminum can become toxic to aquatic life if the pH is lowered (as in acid rain).
Ammonia is a plant nutrient, and a source of nitrogen, which is needed to build protein. Ammonia in aquatic systems is derived from the natural breakdown of nitrogenous organic material, or as a result of industrial discharge. Aqueous concentrations above 0.2 mg/L may indicate pollution. In sediments, ammonia concentrations between 75 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg (dry weight) suggest moderate pollution, while levels greater than 200 mg/kg indicate serious pollution.
Environmental Health Ready Reference, Michigan Environmental Health Assoc., 1995 [5th Edition, 2004].
Maximum Acceptable Value: Water - 0.2 mg/L; Sediment - 75 mg/kg
Biochemical Oxygen Demand is a measure of the amount of organic material in the body of water that is available for decomposition by aerobic (oxygen-consuming) microbiological processes. It usually reflects the amount of oxygen consumed in five days by biological processes breaking down organic waste. Clean water will have a BOD less than 1 mg/L. Values exceeding 4 mg/L may indicate pollution. Values greater than 10 mg/L are indicators of serious pollution.
Maximum Acceptable Value: Water - 4 mg/L
COD is a non-specific measure of the organic content and pollution strength of a sample. It is a measure of the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize the organic material in a sample. The test measures the total oxidizable carbon content, excluding aromatics, pyridines and alkyl compounds. In sediments, COD concentrations between 40,000 mg/kg and 80,000 mg/kg (dry weight) suggest moderate pollution, while levels greater than 80,000 mg/kg indicate serious pollution.
Guidelines for the Pollutional Classification of Great Lakes Harbor Sediments, USEPA Region 5, Chicago, Illinois, 1977
Maximum Acceptable Value: Sediment - 40,000 mg/kg
Chloride
Chloride is an inorganic ion found in all natural waters. Sources of chloride include septic systems, wastewater treatment plant effluent, animal waste, potash fertilizer, and drainage from road-salting chemicals. Increases in chloride, either seasonally or over time, can mean that one or more of these sources is affecting the water body. An increase in chloride from human or animal waste suggests that other nutrients are also entering the water body. Higher chloride concentrations from spring to fall may be the effect of lawn fertilizer runoff or septic systems during heavy use by summer residents. Higher values in spring after the snow melts may signify runoff from drainage basins or highways as a major source of chloride.
MDEQ Part 4 Water Quality Standards, Administrative Rules, R 323.1051 (Pursuant to Part 31 of NREPA, 1994, PA 451).
Maximum Acceptable Value: Water – 50 mg/L
Conductivity
Conductivity is a measure of the ability of an aqueous solution to carry an electric current. This ability depends on the concentration of the ions in the solution. Solutions of most inorganic compounds are relatively good conductors. Conversely, molecules of organic compounds that do not dissociate in aqueous solution conduct a current very poorly, if at all. Discharges to streams can change the conductivity depending on their constitution. A failing septic system would raise the conductivity of the receiving water due to the presence of chloride, phosphate, and nitrate.
Dissolved Oxygen
A direct measurement of the amount of oxygen in the system available to support aquatic life. Most of the dissolved oxygen in water comes from the atmosphere. Waves on lakes, and tumbling waters on fast-moving rivers act to mix atmospheric oxygen with water. Algae and rooted aquatic plants also deliver oxygen to water through photosynthesis. Values above 7 mg/L are desirable, levels below 5 mg/L are considered problematic. Levels below 2 mg/L are lethal to many aquatic organisms.
Minimum Acceptable Value: Water - 5 mg/L
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
E. coli is a bacterium that is the predominant facultative anaerobe in the digestive tract of humans and warm-blooded animals. It is used as an indicator of the presence of human or animal fecal matter in water. Michigan Public Health Code (PA 368 of 1978, Part 125) Daily Total Body Contact Standard.
Maximum Acceptable Value: Water - 300 CFU/100mL
Hardness (Total)
Total Hardness is the sum of the calcium and magnesium concentrations, both expressed as calcium carbonate, in mg/L. "Hardness" is a measure of the ability of the water to precipitate soap.
Mercury
Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water, soil and rocks. Total mercury can be subdivided into three chemical forms: elemental, inorganic and organic. It is a persistent pollutant that bioaccumulates in the food chain. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. In Michigan, there is a special fish consumption advisory for all inland lakes due to mercury. The water quality criterion for wildlife protection is 1.3 mg/L, and for the protection of public health (via fish consumption) is 1.8 mg/L. The OMOE Low Effect Level for sediments is 0.2 mg/L.
MDEQ Part 4 Water Quality Standards, Administrative Rules, R 323.1057 (Pursuant to Part 31 of NREPA, 1994, PA 451).
Guidelines for the Protection and Management of Aquatic Sediment Quality in Ontario, OMOE, March 1993.
Maximum Acceptable Values: Water - 1.3 mg/L; Sediment - 0.2 mg/L
Metals
A wide variety of metals are found in aquatic sediments. Many metals are naturally occurring, but can also be derived from human activity. Low concentrations of many metals are necessary as nutrients for living organisms; however, higher concentrations in the environment may be toxic to aquatic organisms, especially benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms. Metals are persistent pollutants and can bio-accumulate in some forms.
Guidelines for the Protection and Management of Aquatic Sediment Quality in Ontario, OMOE, March 1993
Chemical Contamination and Physical Characteristics of Sediments in Upper Great Lakes Connecting Channels, EPA-905/9-91/018.
Maximum Acceptable Values: (All for Sediment) Arsenic (As) - 6 ppm, Cadmium (Cd) - 0.6 ppm, Chromium (Cr) - 26 ppm, Copper (Cu) - 16 ppm, Lead (Pb) - 31 ppm, Nickel (Ni) - 20 ppm, Zinc (Zn) - 90 ppm
Nitrate (NO3-)
Nitrate is a plant nutrient, a source of nitrogen which is needed to build protein. It is the most oxidized form of nitrogen. Nitrate is derived from the natural breakdown of nitrogenous organic material, agricultural run-off or the discharge of sewage. Underground soil and bedrock structure and the direction of groundwater flow influence when and where nitrate is found. In some areas nitrate contamination may be associated with other groundwater contaminants. Although nitrate is found naturally in many types of food, high levels in drinking water pose a serious acute health threat for infants less than six months of age. Levels above 0.3 mg/L may also stimulate excessive algal growth if phosphorus is not limiting.
Maximum Acceptable Value: Water - 0.3 mg/L
Oil & Grease and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)
Both are measurements of total freon extractable compounds. TPH excludes the more polar materials which are removed with silica gel. Both measurements may include naturally occurring and anthropogenic material, although TPH is more likely to include only materials of anthropogenic origin.
Pesticides
A substance intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating target pests. Pesticides monitored in this project are an environmental concern due to their persistence in the environment and known deleterious effects. Pesticides tested are: a-BHC, b-BHC, g-BHC (Lindane), heptachlor, Aldrin, Heptachlor epoxide, Chlordane, Endosulfan I, 4,41-DDE, Dieldrin, Endrin, Endosulfan II, 4,41-DDD, Endrin aldehyde, Endosulfan sulfate, 4,41-DDT, Methoxychlor, Toxaphene, and Endrin Ketone.
pH
pH is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen-ion concentration. An improper concentration of hydrogen ions may adversely affect water for one or more beneficial uses. pH also controls the degree of disassociation of many substances. Most states that have established stream standards or effluent standards have limits for pH. Michigan regulations state that pH in streams must be maintained between "6.5 and 9.0" (R 323.1053 Michigan Administrative Code) unless the stream naturally exceeds these limitations.
MDEQ Part 4 Water Quality Standards, Administrative Rules, R 323.1053 (Pursuant to Part 31 of NREPA, 1994, PA 451).
Minimum Acceptable Value: Water - 6.5
Maximum Acceptable Value: Water - 9.0
Phosphate (Ortho)
The anions PO4-3, H PO4-2, and H2 PO4- are the simplest form of phosphorus found in aquatic systems. Since algae readily consume them, they are usually found in low concentrations.
Phosphorus (Total)
Phosphorous is an essential plant nutrient, which is usually in short supply in aquatic systems. Therefore, it often serves as a limiting factor for algal growth. Phosphorous is also found in fertilizers and detergents. It is desirable to have levels <0.05 mg/L. The discharge limit is 1 mg/L.
The Deerwood Soil and Water Management Association- http://www.deerwood.mb.ca/deerwood/sediment/sediment04.html.
Maximum Acceptable Value: Water - 0.05 mg/L
Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls refers collectively to 209 compounds, which are composed of biphenyl rings in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by a chlorine atom. PCBs were commonly used as electrical insulators and extreme pressure lubricants because they are stable, thermoplastic, and non-flammable. When released into the environment, PCBs are persistent and tend to bioaccumulate in the food chain. As a result of this, PCB use has been severely restricted. Many fish advisories in Michigan are due to PCBs. PCBs tested are: Aroclor-1 16, Aroclor-1221, Aroclor-1232, Aroclor-1242, Aroclor-1248, Aroclor-1254, Aroclor-126.
Areal Distribution and Concentrations of Contaminants of Concern in Surficial Streambed and Lakebed Sediments, Lake Erie-Lake St. Clair Drainages, 1990-1997, USGS.
Maximum Acceptable Value: Sediment - 32 ppb
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PNA)
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons are a class of organic compounds with fused ring aromatic structures. PNAs result from incomplete combustion of organic carbon including wood, municipal solid waste, and fossil fuels, as well as, from natural or anthropogenic introduction of uncombusted coal and oil. PNAs tested are: Naphthalene, 2-Methylnaphthalene, Acenaphthylene, Acenaphthene, Fluorene, Phenanthrene, Anthracene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene, Benzo(a)anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene, Benzo(k)fluoranthene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, Benzo(g,h,i)perylene.
Area Distribution and Concentrations of Contaminants of Concern in Surficial Streambed and Lakebed Sediments, Lake Erie-Lake St. Clair Drainages, 1990-1997, USGS.
Maximum Acceptable Value: Sediment - 260 ppb
Total Dissolved Solids and Total Suspended Solids (Filterable Residue)
"Total solids" is the term applied to the material residue left in the vessel after evaporation of a water sample and its subsequent drying in an oven at a defined temperature (usually 105 oC). "Total solids" includes "Total Suspended Solids" (the portion of total solids retained by a 2.0 micron filter), and "Total Dissolved Solids" (the portion of total solids that passes through this filter).
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater 20th Ed. - 1998, p.2-54
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
TKN is a measure of non-bioavailable nitrogen forms; ammonia and organic nitrogen. These forms may become bioavailable if oxidized by natural processes. Kjeldahl nitrogen may result from municipal and industrial discharges, fertilizer runoff, or natural bio-reduction. In sediments, TKN concentrations between 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg (dry weight) suggest moderate pollution, while levels greater than 2000 mg/kg indicate serious pollution.
Guidelines for the Pollutional Classification of Great Lakes Harbor Sediments, USEPA Region 5, Chicago, Illinois, 1977.
Maximum Acceptable Value: Sediment - 1000 mg/kg
Temperature
Temperature readings are used in the calculation of various forms of alkalinity, in studies of saturation and stability with respect to calcium carbonate, in the calculation of salinity, and in general laboratory operations. Elevated temperatures resulting from discharges of heated water may have significant ecological impact. Industrial plants often require data on water temperature for process use or heat-transmission calculations.
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater 20th Ed. - 1998, p.2-60
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
TOC is a measure of all carbon atoms covalently bonded in organic molecules in a water sample. It includes aromatic hydrocarbons, straight chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, and other complex carbon-containing molecules. To determine the amount of organically bound carbon, the organic molecules must be broken down and converted to a single molecular form that can be measured quantitatively. TOC methods use various techniques (high temperature, catalysts, and oxygen) to convert this organic carbon to carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 is then purged from the sample, dried, and transferred with a carrier gas to a nondispersive infrared analyzer or coulometric titrator. TOC measurements are important because the presence of organic contaminants may degrade ion-exchange capacity, serve as a nutrient source for undesired biological growth, or be otherwise detrimental to the process for which the water is to be utilized.
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater 20th Ed. - 1998, p.5-18
Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of cloudiness in the water. This measurement is quantified by the extent to which light is scattered or diffracted, and this is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Turbidity results from the disturbance of sediments or from surface water runoff. Turbidity particles may be a transport mechanism for E. coli and pathogenic microbes and may also shield them from the effects of the disinfectants used in water treatment. Natural levels of turbidity and suspended solids vary among aquatic systems. Levels above 25 NTU may be objectionable.
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater 20th Ed. - 1998, p.2-8
Maximum Acceptable Value: Water - 25 NTU
For more information related to recent health issues and risks pertaining to the Great Lakes basin, including summaries, reports, and beach closings, click here.
