Source Identification of Phosphorus Contamination Pathways in Surface Water and Groundwater of Western Wisconsin; Recognizing a Phosphorus Problem

Abstract

This investigation involves a comprehensive source to sink assessment of phosphorus (P) transport pathways in the hydrologic system of western Wisconsin. Excess P loading in surface water causes eutrophication events that result in degradation of water quality. Understanding the source and mobility of P is becoming urgent as 60% of the 225 bodies of water on the WDNR 2016 Impaired Water list exceed the total P criteria. Western Wisconsin has seen an increase in silica sand mining (300% since 2011) and CAFOs (600% since 2000) making it vital to determine the potential impact that these growing industries have on surface water and groundwater quality.