AN EVALUATION OF ANTHROPOGENIC POLLUTION FROM ONSITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS WITHIN FLOODPLAIN SOILS

Abstract

This study was conducted downstream of the Fishing Creek Reservoir in Frederick County, Maryland. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the level of pollutants discharging from onsite sewage disposal systems located within floodplain soils. The study area containing the onsite systems discharge to groundwater that subsequently discharges to a nearby creek. Therefore, water samples were collected from the creek on September 21 and October 21, 2009. Results showed that significant levels of fecal coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, and nitrates were discharging to the creek on September 21, however the results from both dates were still lower than expected under the circumstances, suggesting that the water table, soil conditions, and soil microbiota were highly influential factors relating to the discharge levels. This study sought to explain the detected levels of the aforementioned constituents based on the soil conditions, including the microbial consortia that inhabit the soil, and their responsibility in the treatment of wastewater effluent.