Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2008AL71B

Grountwater-Surface Water Contributions of Nitrate Contamination and Discharge to Coastal Surface Waters, Baldwin County, Alabama

Institute: Alabama
Year Established: 2008 Start Date: 2008-03-01 End Date: 2009-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $16,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $34,041

Principal Investigators: Geoffrey Tick

Project Summary: This project will identify the extent of nitrate contamination in the aquifers and in major surface water sources discharging to coastal estuaries and wetlands of southern Baldwin County. This research will determine the sources and contributions of nitrate/nitrogen input to the regional aquifer system and discharge to coastal surface water bodies and the Gulf of Mexico. It is critical to understand the important role that coastal wetlands play as "buffering" systems which can act as natural attenuators of contaminant loading. It is important to understand how elevated levels of nitrate may adversely impact these ecosystems. Identifying the extent of nitrate contamination in groundwater and determining the sources and contributions of nitrate/nitrogen input to regional coastal surface water bodies is vital to protect both human health and the ecological health of coastal water bodies.