Land use effects on stream nutrients at Beaver Lake Watershed

摘要

The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between stream nutrients-both in the water column and stream bed material-to catchment land use within Beaver Lake Watershed in northwest Arkansas. Nutrient concentrations in streams during low-flow and storm events increased with an increase in human influence, measured as both agriculture and urban development. Nutrient concentrations in the water column were strongly related to those measured in stream bed material across the study area. The bed material represented a storage zone of nutrients, potientially releasing nutrients back into the water column of streams. Environmental managers at drinking water utilities should consider the effects of land use on stream nutrient concentrations and in-stream nutrient storage within the bed material during watershed management planning and source water protection.