alt

Author

Huaiwei Sun

Title

Linkages of Hydrologeology Factors, Groundwater Redox Conditions, and Nitrogen Dynamics in Septic Areas

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of monitoring data of water quality in eight sites of the Lower St. Johns River Basin (LSJRB), FL, where nitrogen due to septic systems is believed to be one of the causes for nutrient enrichment in surface water bodies. Nitrogen dynamics are controlled by both groundwater redox conditions and hydrogeology factors such as depth to water table, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and soil drainage characteristics. While the groundwater environment in the septic areas favors denitrification, with anoxic and mixed conditions in groundwater. However, the extent of nitrate reduction depends on the amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC).