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Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Poster
Degree Type
Graduate
Department
Geography, Geology and the Environment
Mentor
Dr. Wondwosen Seyoum
Mentor Department
Geography, Geology and the Environment
Abstract
In recent years, phosphorus concentration in watersheds in Illinois has been a major concern, where studies have shown an increasing trend in streams and rivers in Illinois. Phosphorus affects water quality and negatively impacts humans and the aquatic ecosystem. Results from the 2023 Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy biennial report showed that phosphorus concentrations in Illinois waterways increased in 2021 and 2022 compared to historical baseline data and the Illinois River basin is a major contributor of P load to the Gulf of America. Excessive P in waterbodies leads to nutrient enrichment and eutrophication and causes algal bloom, and this disrupts water quality. Living organisms in water grow rapidly, they turn to die and decompose. Decomposition can deplete oxygen in water and result in hypoxia and fish kills. It is important to understand the factors influencing P load in Illinois watersheds that eventually flow into the Gulf of America. Various measures are being put in place to reduce and control the conditions of the hypoxic zones in the Gulf of America.
This project investigates phosphorous trends and factors (e.g., watershed characteristics (e.g., area, perimeter), climate factors (precipitation, temperature), hydrology (discharge), human factors (e.g., point sources), landuse, and soil) influencing phosphorus load trend in Illinois river basin. We will use historical water quality data to analyze the trend and determine the factors influencing the trend. Non-parametric Mann-Kendal and Sen’s slope methods will be used to determine the trends in phosphorous data. A database constituting the factors will be created for each watershed, and a comparative analysis will be conducted to assess the controlling factors. A positive increase in trend is expected in areas showing high precipitation, runoff from urban areas, and agriculture dominated areas. Understanding the analysis from this study can help devise a strategy to control the increase of phosphorus in Illinois watersheds.
Recommended Citation
Lartey, Hannah, "Understanding Phosphorus Load Trends and Controlling Factors in Illinois Watersheds" (2025). University Research Symposium. 509.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/rsp_urs/509
