Surface waters such as lakes, rivers, and streams are often used for drinking water, yet, because they do not undergo natural filtration, surface waters often require more treatment for contaminants before consumption than groundwaters. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established maximum contaminant level goals (MCLG) for various contaminants in drinking water for public safety. However, most contaminants including nitrogen and phosphorus are not measured before the water is treated because current chemical testing procedures are labor-intensive. Spectro-radiometry, a remote sensing strategy, has shown potential for faster and more practical measurement of nitrogen and phosphorous in plant systems. This study aimed to correlate the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorous analytes measured by EPA methods to radiometric data in Otter Lake (Girard, IL). Multiple sites throughout the lake were sampled once a month for eight months (Mar. 2021-Nov. 2021). Spectro-radiometric measurements were made on site. The concentrations of total Kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, total Kjeldahl phosphorus, total phosphorus, ortho-phosphorus, and hydrolyzable phosphorus were determined off-site by flow injection analysis (FIA) and spectrometric analysis following EPA approved methods. Correlations between concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous analytes, as well as with radiometric data will be presented. The relationship between spectro-radiometric data and various analyte concentrations could be used to make on-site analysis, aiding optimal practices for surface water treatment facilities and reducing time and cost of testing.

Spectro-radiometric correlation to nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations of pre-treated surface water for consumption

ACS Spring 2022

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