Spatial and temporal analysis of physical and chemical properties of Short Creek

Abstract

Freshwater systems are vitally important. Ecologically, rivers and streams are responsible for immense biodiversity, providing habitat for terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna. Freshwater systems benefit humans in innumerable ways, providing drinking water to millions of people, means of transportation, food sources, and recreation areas. Nevertheless, the degradation of freshwater ecosystems continues to worsen at alarming rates. Long-term water quality monitoring can help determine the best management practices to improve and restore waterways. This study assessed changes in water chemistry in the Short Creek tributary located in Wheeling, WV, comparing historical data to current, focusing on physical and chemical water quality parameters data recorded from single monthly points obtained from historical data and averaged monthly points from current data. Short Creek represents 4 of 11 sites where data is collected weekly year-round. This data collection has been ongoing since 2018 and is part of a more extensive compilation hosted by Three Rivers Quest and the WVU Water Resource Research Institute. Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, chloride, specific conductivity, pH, and turbidity were recorded and analyzed utilizing Excel and RStudio. The increased frequency of monitoring provides a more accurate representation of Short Creek's overall condition. Both historical and current datasets were incomplete but generally did not show declines. A concerted effort in long-term water quality monitoring is necessary for understanding stream health. Current and historical data combined give us more resolution to estimate trends in water chemistry, better determine stream health progress, and assist in implementing best management practices.