Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC)

Carbon transport is of interest to determine potential watershed sources (e.g. point or diffuse sources) in sub-surface and overland pathways, quantify the carbon cycle in the Northeastern US, and better understand mobilization due to climate change. Carbon in drinking water supply watersheds reacting with Chlorine can be harmful to humans and hence understanding these carbon transport mechanisms allows for remediation of contaminated water bodies. We specifically investigate two study sites in the Northeast with available data records (the Neversink Watershed, NY; the Sleeper’s River watershed, VT) and a new local research station: the Amherst Mill River watershed in western Massachusetts. USGS water quality data for Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) concentrations are compared to discharge at Sleeper’s River (1991-2014) and the Neversink Watershed (1991-2014) using a hysteresis analysis. Seasonal and decadal patterns for DOC, δ18O, and δ2H were analyzed. Isotope analysis is performed using an LGR Liquid Isotope Analyzer (T-LWIA 912-0050) for collected water samples along Mill River, Amherst. DOC concentrations for Neversink Watershed at Site ID: NSTMB0001 and Sleeper’s River near Danville, Vermont were 191 mg/L and 2.2 mg/L respectively. Stream water stable water isotope values δ18O at Neversink watershed’s Claryville Station, Sleeper’s River, and Mill River watershed were found to be -9.0‰ (25 years of data), -12.5‰ (23 years of data), and 7.9‰ (2 years of data) respectively. Continued study of DOC concentrations will provide an understanding of carbon cycle processes entering drinking water reservoirs in the Northeast.

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