The study focuses on evaluating the surface water quality of Georgia Southern University (GSU) campus and identifying potential sources of anthropogenic pollution. Aquatic pollution such as, eutrophication or algal growth, primarily caused by the runoff of pollutants such as nitrates and phosphates from nearby landscape management area, are being observed in campus lakes, ponds and wetlands. The possible source of chemical pollutants could be oil runoff, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used on-campus landscape, and/or in nearby agricultural farms and business facilities. There are also high chance of contamination of heavy metals, trace metals, and other anions and cations that may pollute the campus aquatic ecosystems through storm water drainage and runoff.<br/>With an overall objective of improving the environmental health and quality of GSU campus, this study was designed with four objectives, 1) to periodically test the pollutant levels of campus surface waters for one year, 2) to fully understand the storm water runoff/flow across campus, 3) to identify the on-campus and off-campus sources of pollutants, 4) to develop pollution prevention strategies and solutions and recommend those to the relevant authorities.<br/>For identification and quantification of the pollutants, water samples are being collected over a year from specific locations at the Georgia Southern campus. Two analytical techniques, mass spectrometry and ion chromatogram were chosen to quantify the trace metals (Fe, Cr, Zn), heavy metals (Hg, Pb, As, Al), alkali metals (Ca, Mg, Na, K) and anions like nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, halides, etc present in the water body.<br/>Upon completion of the study we will understand the pollution levels of the campus waters and also identify the different sources of pollution. The findings of the study will enable us to develop strategies and recommendations to reduce or eliminate water pollution and ensure campus-wide healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Ensuring environmental health by assessing and monitoring water quality at Georgia Southern University Campus

251st National Meeting (2016)

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