PERENNIAL STREAMS OF THE POTOMAC RIVER WATERSHED IN RURAL VERSUS URBAN AREAS: A COMPARISON OF FOREST CONSERVATION VERSUS RESIDENTIAL LAND USES

Abstract

This study compared the seven abiotic water parameters of temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity, pH, nitrates, phosphates, and dissolved oxygen between two perennial streams in a rural area versus in an urban area. This rural area (“Israel Creek”) was surrounded by zones of forest conservation and was thought to result in a higher water quality as opposed to the stream in the urban area (“Town Run”) surrounded by residences that may result in a stream with lower water quality. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in abiotic parameters within the stream and the alternative hypothesis was that there would be differences. In the case of total dissolved solids, nitrates, pH, and dissolved oxygen, the alternative was accepted. The measurements for TDS and nitrates were significantly higher in Town Run (urban stream) than in Israel Creek (rural stream). These differences suggest that Town Run had poorer water quality than Israel Creek. Future citizen science projects to help protect small streams on private properties are proposed and environmental stewardship in urban areas is acknowledged.