Abstract
Utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) and statistics, objectives of this study were to evaluate: (a) the spatial distribution of nitrate concentrations in groundwater, and (b) associations between nitrate concentrations and: proximity to playa lakes, hydraulic conductivity of soil, well depth, and land use in the High Plains Aquifer, Texas. Data were compiled from wells sampled during 2000–2008. Nitrate concentrations in approximately 9% of wells exceeded the maximum contaminant level for drinking water. Concentrations were generally higher beneath urban and agricultural land, under permeable soil, and in shallow wells (especially in the southern part of the study area). However, concentrations were lower near playa lakes. While playas focus recharge to groundwater, denitrification in reducing environments lower nitrate concentrations beneath them. This study identifies areas vulnerable to nitrate contamination that warrant continued monitoring and mitigation efforts.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
De Roos AJ, Ward MH, Lynch CF, Cantor KP (2003) Nitrate in public water supplies and risk of colon and rectum cancers. Epidemiology 14(6):640–649
EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) (2002) National primary drinking water regulations. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington
Fish EB, Atkinson EL, Mollhagen TR, Shanks CH, Brenton CM (2000) Playa lakes digital database for the Texas portion of the Playa Lakes Joint Venture region. Texas Tech University, Lubbock
Fryar AE, Macko SA, Mullican WFIII, Romanak KD, Bennett PC (2000) Nitrate reduction during ground-water recharge, Southern High Plains, Texas. J Contam Hydrol 40:335–363
Gustavson TC, Holliday VT, Hovorka SD (1995) Origin and development of playa basins, sources of recharge to the Ogallala Aquifer, Southern High Plains, Texas and New Mexico. Bureau of Economic Geology. University of Texas, Austin, Texas
Hopkins J (1993) Water-quality evaluation of the Ogallala Aquifer. Texas. Texas Water Development Board, Austin, Texas
Howard T, Wells G, Prosperie L, Petrossian R, Li H, Thapa A (2003) Characterization of playa basins on the High Plains of Texas. Texas Water Development Board, Austin
Hudak PF (2000) Regional trends in nitrate content of Texas groundwater. J Hydrol 228:37–47
Hudak PF (2002) Associations between rural land uses and ground water quality in the Ogallala Aquifer, northwest Texas. Ground Water Monit Remediat 22(4):117–120
Knobeloch L, Salna B, Hogan A, Postle J, Anderson H (2000) Blue babies and nitrate-contaminated well water. Environ Health Perspect 108(7):675–678
Group Prism (2006) Annual climatology data (1971–2000). The Prism Group at Oregon State University, Corvallis
Jennings MD (2007) GAP analysis handbook. University of Idaho, Moscow
Scanlon BR, Goldsmith RS (1997) Field study of spatial variability in unsaturated flow beneath and adjacent to playas. Water Resour Res 33(10):2253–2261
Scanlon BR, Reedy R, Stonestrom D, Prudic D, Dennehy K (2005) Impact of land use and land cover change on groundwater recharge and quality in the southwestern US. Glob Change 11:1577–1593
Seni SJ (1980) Sand-body geometry and depositional systems, Ogallala Formation, Texas. Bureau of Economic Geology. University of Texas, Austin, Texas
Smith SJ, Stewart BA, Sharpley AN, Naney JW, McDonald T, Hickey MG, Sweeten JM (1993) Nitrate and other nutrients associated with playa storage of feedlot wastes. Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas A&M University, College Station
Spalding RF, Exner ME (1993) Occurrence of nitrate in groundwater: a review. J Environ Qual 22:392–402
TDC (Texas Data Center) (2007) Estimates of the total populations of counties and places in Texas for July 1, 2006 and January 1, 2007. Texas State Data Center, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio
TWC (Texas Water Commision) (1989) Groundwater quality of Texas. Texas Water Commission, Austin
TWDB (Texas Water Development Board) (2007) 2005 water use survey. Texas Water Development Board, Austin
Ward MH, Mark SD, Cantor KP, Weisenburger DD, Correa-Villasenor A, Zahm SH (1996) Drinking water nitrate and the risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Epidemiology 7(5):465–471
Wilhelm SR, Schiff SL, Robertson WD (1996) Biogeochemical evolution of domestic waste water in septic systems: 2. Application of conceptual model in sandy aquifers. Ground Water 34:853–864
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Enwright, N., Hudak, P.F. Spatial distribution of nitrate and related factors in the High Plains Aquifer, Texas. Environ Geol 58, 1541–1548 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1655-8
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1655-8