Chemical quality of bottom sediments in selected streams, Jefferson County, Kentucky, April-July 1992

Abstract

This report presents the results of a study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District, to describe the chemical quality of bottom sediments in selected streams of Jefferson County, Ky., April-July 1992. Bottom sediments from 25 stream sites in the county were analyzed for percent volatile solids and concentrations of nutrients, major metals, trace elements, miscellaneous inorganic compounds, and synthetic organic compounds. Statistical high outliers of the constituent concentrations analyzed for in the bottom sediments were defined as a measure of possible elevated concentrations. Statistical high outliers were determined for at least 1 constituent at each of 12 sampling sites in Jefferson County. Of the 10 stream basins sampled in Jefferson County, the Middle Fork Beargrass Creek Basin, Cedar Creek Basin, and Harrods Creek Basin were the only three basins where a statistical high outlier was determined for any of the measured constituents. In the Pennsylvania Run Basin, total volatile solids, nitrate plus nitrite, and endrin constituents were statistical high outliers. Pond Creek was the only basin where five constituents were statistical high outliers barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, and silver. Nitrate plus nitrite and copper constituents were the only statistical high outliers determined in the Mill Creek Basin. In the Floyds Fork Basin, nitrate plus nitrite, phosphorous, mercury, and silver constituents were the only statistical high outliers. Ammonia was the only statistical high outlier found in the South Fork Beargrass Creek Basin. In the Goose Creek Basin, mercury and silver constituents were the only statistical high outliers. Cyanide was the only statistical high outlier in the Muddy Fork Basin.