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Robert L. Joseph

Publications and source records attributed to Robert L. Joseph.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2000

Status of water levels and selected water-quality conditions in the Sparta and Memphis aquifers in eastern and south-central Arkansas, 1999

During the spring of 1999, water levels were measured in the Sparta and Memphis aquifers in 321 wells in eastern and south-central Arkansas. Water samples were collected during the spring and summer of 1999 from wells completed in these aquifers. The specific conductance of the ground water was measured from 147 samples and dissolved chloride was measured from 98 samples. Maps of areal distribution of potentiometric surface and specific conductance generated from these data reveal spatial trends across the study area. The altitude of the potentiometric surface ranged from 214 feet below sea level in Union County to 332 feet above sea level in Grant County. The regional direction of ground-water flow in Arkansas is from the north and west to the south and east, away from the recharge zone in the outcrop and subcrop area, except near areas affected by intense ground-water withdrawals; such areas are characterized by large cones of depression centered in Columbia, Jefferson, and Union Counties. Heavy pumpage locally has altered or reversed the natural direction of flow in some areas. Flow in these areas is toward the cones of depression at the center of pumping. Comparison of potentiometric surface maps through time shows that the cones of depression in Columbia and Union Counties are coalescing at or near the Columbia and Union County line. Long-term hydrographs of 20 wells indicate trends of water-level decline over a 31-year period. During the period 1969-1999, average water-level declines generally were less than 0.7 foot per year in Craighead, Drew, Lee, Ouachita, and Phillips Counties, and between 0.7 and 1.1 feet per year in Bradley, Cleveland, Cross, Dallas, Poinsett, and Prairie Counties. Analysis of water-level data from Calhoun, Desha, Jefferson, Lonoke, Lincoln, and Union Counties indicates water levels declined between 1.1 and 2.0 feet per year since 1969. Water levels in Arkansas and Columbia Counties have declined more than 2.0 feet per year for the past 31 years. Water-level data from counties with cones of depressions indicate that water levels continued to decline in three cones of depression from 1995 to 1999; however, water levels increased in one cone of depression. Water levels declined an average of 2.5 feet per year in Union County, 1.4 feet per year in Jefferson County, and 1.7 feet per year in Cross County since 1995. One relatively new cone of depression has formed in Arkansas County. Water levels declined 4.0 feet per year in Arkansas County since 1995. However, water levels appear to be increasing in Columbia County where the same 11 wells were monitored in 1995 and 1999, and the water levels increased at a rate of 0.6 foot per year. Specific conductance measurements made on water samples collected during the study ranged from 44 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius at a well in Ouachita County to 1,510 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius at a well in Lee County. Dissolved chloride concentrations ranged from 1.1 milligram per liter at a well in Lincoln County to 220 milligrams per liter at a well in Union County.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2000

Potentiometric surfaces of aquifers in the Cockfield Formation in southeastern Arkansas and the Wilcox Group in southern and northeastern Arkansas, 2000

The Cockfield and lower Wilcox aquifers are sources of water for local use in southern and northeastern Arkansas, where in 1995 more than 51 million gallons per day of water was withdrawn. During January through April 2000, 54 water-level measurements were made in wells completed in the Cockfield aquifer, 13 water-level measurements were made in wells completed in the lower Wilcox aquifer in southern Arkansas, and 43 water-level measurements were made in wells completed in the lower Wilcox aquifer in northeastern Arkansas. The potentiometric surface data reveal spatial trends in both aquifers across the study areas. The regional direction of ground-water flow of the Cockfield aquifer is generally toward the east and south, away from the outcrop area, except in areas of intense ground-water withdrawals. The configuration of the potentiometric surface indicates that heavy pumpage has probably altered or reversed the natural direction of flow in these areas. A potentiometric low caused by the pumpage near Greenville, Mississippi, extends into Chicot, Desha, and Drew Counties. Water levels in five wells showed average declines between 0.5 and 0.8 foot per year. The regional direction of ground-water flow in the lower Wilcox aquifers is generally east and south, away from the outcrop, except in areas of intense ground-water withdrawals. Potentiometric depressions, where flow is toward centers of pumping, indicate that heavy pumpage has probably altered or reversed the natural direction of flow. Two potentiometric depressions are centered in the vicinity of Paragould and West Memphis, Arkansas, where ground-water withdrawals probably have altered the natural direction of flow. Long-term hydrographs of seven wells show water-level declines in the lower Wilcox aquifer in northeastern Arkansas. The average water-level decline in two wells was between 0.8 and 1.0 foot per year and in five wells was between 1.2 and 1.8 foot per year.

Arkansas↗
USGS1999

Quality of Ozark streams and ground water, 1992-95

This fact sheet summarizes a previous USGS publication, 'Water Quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992' (Circular 1158). The fact sheet describes the effects of some of the major land uses and human activities upon water quality in the Ozarks. Nutrients, bacteria, pesticides, and other organic compounds generally are found in high concentrations or more frequently in agricultural or urban areas than in forested areas. Several metals are found in higher concentrations in water, bed sediment, or biological tissue downstream from mining areas. Nutrient concentrations generally do not make water unsafe for drinking. Bacteria concentrations may be high enough to cause concern in some areas at some times. Pesticides and other organic compounds generally are not of concern. Metal concentrations in some mining areas are of concern to humans and wildlife. Biological communities are being altered by habitat and water-quality changes.

Fact Sheet↗
USGS1999

Status of water levels and selected water-quality conditions in the Mississippi River valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas, 1998

During the spring of 1998, water levels were measured in 656 wells completed in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas. Water samples were collected during the summer of 1998 from about 140 wells completed in the alluvial aquifer and measured for specific conductance, and samples from 119 wells were analyzed for dissolved chloride concentrations. The regional direction of ground-water flow in the alluvial aquifer is generally to the south and east except where water levels are affected by ground-water withdrawals. A large depression in the potentiometric surface is located in Arkansas, Lonoke, and Prairie Counties. Shallower depressions are located in Poinsett, Lee, St. Francis, and Woodruff Counties. Potentiometric depressions in the alluvial aquifer generally are a result of long-term pumping and probably are affected by variations in aquifer characteristics. Water-level data from 22 wells with 26 or more years of record indicate long-term water levels in the alluvial aquifer declined an average of about 0.38 foot per year. Specific conductance measurements made on water samples collected during the study ranged from 199 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius at a well in Drew County to 3,800 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius at a well in Chicot County. Dissolved chloride concentrations ranged from 2.1 milligrams per liter at a well in Mississippi and St. Francis Counties to 820 milligrams per liter at a well in Chicot County. The high chloride concentrations occurred in the same area of Chicot County as the high specific conductance.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1998

Water quality in the Ozark Plateaus, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, 1992-95

This report is intended to summarize major findings that emerged between 1992 and 1995 from the water-quality assessment of the Ozark Plateaus Study Unit and to relate these findings to water-quality issues of regional and national concern. The information is primarily intended for those who are involved in water-resource management. Yet, the information contained here may also interest those who simply wish to know more about the quality of water in the rivers and aquifers in the area where they live.

Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma↗
USGS1998

Potentiometric surface of the Sparta aquifer in eastern and south-central Arkansas and north-central Louisiana, and the Memphis Aquifer in east-central Arkansas, October 1996-July 1997

During the 1997 water year, the water level in the Sparta and Memphis aquifers was measured in about 274 wells in Arkansas, and the water level in the Sparta aquifer was measured in about 55 wells in Louisiana. The potentiometric surface data reveal spatial trends across the study area. In Arkansas, the altitude of the potentiometric surfaced ranged from 199 feet below sea level in Union County to 307 feet above sea level in Saline County. In Louisiana, the altitude of the potentiometric surface ranged from 224 feet below sea level in Ouachita Parish to 230 feet above sea level in Bienville Parish. The general direction of ground-water flow in the Sparta and Memphis aquifers is from the west to the Southeast. The regional direction of ground-water flow in Arkansas is from the north and west to the south and east, away from the recharge zone in the outcrop and subcrop area, except near areas affected by intense ground-water withdrawals; such areas are manifested by large cones of depression centered in Columbia, Jefferson, and Union Counties. The regional ground-water flow in the Sparta aquifer in north-central Louisiana generally is downdip in an easterly direction from the recharge zone in the outcrop and subcrop area in the west toward the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The potentiometric surface of the Sparta aquifer in Arkansas and Louisiana exhibits cones of depression descending below sea level. Comparison of potentiometric surface maps through time shows that the cones of depression in Columbia and Union Counties are coalescing at or near the Columbia and Union County line. However, the general direction of ground-water movement indicates that heavy pumpage locally has altered or reversed the natural direction of flow in some areas. Flow in these areas is toward the cones of depression at the center of pumping. Hydrographs from wells in the Sparta and Memphis aquifers reveals that water levels have declined more than 2.0 feet per year in some wells. Long-term hydrographs of eight wells in Arkansas, during the period 1972-1997, reveal water-level declines ranging from less than 0.8 foot per year in Phillips County to more than 2.0 feet per year in Union County. Long-term hydrographs of two wells in Louisiana, during the period 1972-1997, reveal water-level declines were more than 2.0 feet per year in Lincoln and Ouachita Parishes.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1998

Potentiometric surface of the Cockfield aquifer in southeastern Arkansas and the Wilcox aquifers in southern and northeastern Arkansas, October 1996-July 1997

The Cockfield and Wilcox aquifers are secondary sources of water for local use in southern and northeastern Arkansas, where in 1995 more than 51 million gallons per day of water was withdrawn. During October 1996 to July 1997, water levels in the Cockfield and Wilcox aquifers were measured in 104 wells in Arkansas. The potentiometric surface data reveal spatial trends in both aquifers across the study areas. The regional direction of ground-water flow of the Cockfield aquifer is generally southeastward, away from the outcrop area, except where affected by intense ground-water withdrawals. The potentiometric surface indicates that heavy pumpage has altered or reversed the natural direction of flow in some areas. Flow in these areas is toward centers of pumping within cones of depression. A cone of depression caused by the pumpage near Greenville, Mississippi, extends into Chicot, Desha, and Drew Counties. This cone of depression has altered flow patternArkansas. Long-term hydrographs of six wells, during the period 1971-1996, showed water levels declined at an average rate between 0.5 and 1.0 foot per year at these locations. The regional direction of ground-water flow in the Wilcox aquifers is generally toward the east and south, away from the outcrop except where water levels are affected by intense ground-water withdrawals. The potentiometric surface indicates that heavy pumpage has altered or reversed the natural direction of ground-water flow in some areas. Flow in these areas is toward centers of pumping within cones of depression. Two cones of depression are centered in the vicinity of Paragould and West Memphis, Arkansas, where ground-water withdrawals have altered the natural direction of flow. Long-term hydrographs of seven wells, during the period 1971- 1996, show water-level declines in the Wilcox aquifer in northeastern Arkansas generally were between 0.5 and 1.0 foot per year but were more than 1.0 foot per year in two wells. The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission and the Arkansas Geological Commission has monitored water levels in the Cockfield and Wilcox aquifers since the 1960's. During October 1996 to July 1997, 53 water-level measurements were made in wells completed in the Cockfield aquifer, 13 water-level measurements were made in wells completed in the Wilcox aquifer in southern Arkansas, and 38 water-level measurements were made in wells com- pleted in the Wilcox aquifer in northeastern Arkansas. The purpose of these measurements was to provide information to describe the recent potentiometric surfaces and long-term water-level trends in the Cockfield and Wilcox aquifers. This report presents the results as potentiometric surface maps and as long-term water-level hydrographs.

Arkansas↗
USGS1998

Status of water levels and selected water-quality conditions in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas, 1994-96

During the spring of 1994 and 1996, water levels were measured in more than 600 wells completed in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas. Water samples were collected during the summer of 1995 from about 375 wells completed in the alluvial aquifer and measured for specific conductance. Concentrations of dissolved chloride were analyzed in 314 of the samples, and concentrations of dissolved calcium, magnesium, and sodium were analyzed in 18 of the samples. The regional direction of ground-water flow is generally to the south and east except where affected by ground-water withdrawals. A large depression in the potentiometric surface is located in Arkansas, Lonoke, and Prairie Counties. The comparison of water-level altitudes from 1994 to 1996 reveals that water levels declined and the cone of depression became larger. The water-level altitudes did not decline in every well monitored from 1994 to 1996; however, most water-level altitudes declined during this period and cones of depression became deeper. Shallower depressions are located in Poinsett, Lee, St. Francis, and Woodruff Counties. Potentiometric depressions in this aquifer generally are a result of long-term pumping and probably are affected by variations in aquifer characteristics such as thickness and hydraulic conductivity. Long-term water levels typically declined an average rate of about 1.2 feet per year in the areas of potentiometric depression. Specific conductance ranged from 81 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius in Drew County to 4,640 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius in Chicot County. The lowest ground-water specific-conductance values generally occur along the western border of the study area. Several areas exhibited increased specific conductance with the most prominent areas centered in Chicot, Desha, and northern Arkansas County.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1997

Water-quality assessment of the Ozark Plateaus study unit, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma: Organic compounds in surface water, bed sediment, and biological tissue, 1992-95

Organic-compound samples, including pesticides and semi-volatiles, were collected from 1992-95 at 43 surface-water and 27 bed-sediment and biological-tissue sampling sites within the Ozark Plateaus National Water-Quality Assessment Program study unit. Most surface-water, bed-sediment, and biological-tissue sites have drainage basins predominantly in the Springfield and Salem Plateaus. At most surface-water sampling sites, one to three pesticide samples were collected in the spring and early summer of 1994 and 1995; two sites had additional samples collected either weekly, biweekly, or monthly from February 1994 through December 1994. At most bed-sediment and biological-tissue sampling sites, a single organic-compounds sample was collected. Agricultural pesticide use was approximately 4.9 million pounds of active ingredients per year from 1987-91 in the study unit and was generally greatest in the Springfield and Salem Plateaus pasturelands and in the Osage Plains and Mississippi Alluvial Plain cropland areas. The most frequently applied pesticide in the study unit was 2,4-D. Atrazine was the second most frequently applied pesticide. Corn, pasture, rice, sorghum, and soybeans received approximately 85 percent of the pesticides applied within the study unit. The highest pesticide application rate occurred on these crops in the Mississippi Alluvial and Osage Plains. Pastureland was the crop type that received the greatest amount of pesticides in 53 of the 96 counties in the study unit. The most commonly detected herbicide (63 samples) in surface water was atrazine. Five other pesticides--desethylatrazine, tebuthiuron, prometon, metolachlor, and simazine--were detected in 15 or more samples. The most commonly detected insecticide (13 samples) was p,p'-DDE. Two other insecticides, diazinon and cis-permethrin, were detected in seven or more samples. Pesticides were detected at 39 surface-water sites; samples collected at Yocum Creek near Oak Grove, Ark. had the most pesticide detections (13). Seventeen other sites had samples with six or more pesticide detections. Analysis of pesticide data collected at surface-water sites indicates that the largest variety of different pesticides detected (18) was in small, agricultural drainage basins; the largest percentage of detections of a single pesticide (about 80) was in medium, agricultural basins. Pesticide concentrations were small, and in most cases, at or near the detection limit. Maximum concentrations ranged from 0.001 to 0.007 micrograms per liter (mg/L) at small, forest sites; 0.001 to 0.029 mg/L at medium, forest sites; 0.001 to 0.079 mg/L at small, agricultural sites; and 0.003 to 0.29 mg/L at medium, agricultural sites. Pesticides were detected significantly more often in medium, agricultural basins in the Springfield Plateau. The most commonly detected (13 samples) organic compound in bed sediment, in concentrations noticeably above background levels, was 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene; the maximum concentration of 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene was 130 micrograms per kilogram. Seventeen or more compounds were detected in bed-sediment samples collected at three sites. Four compounds were detected in biological-tissue samples: p,p'-DDT in Corbicula fluminea (Asiatic clam) tissue collected at the Osage River near St. Thomas, Mo. and cis-chlordane, trans-chlordane, and trans-nonachlor in C. fluminea tissue collected at the James River near Boaz, Mo. Organic compounds collected at surface-water, bed-sediment, or biological-tissue sampling sites were not detected in concentrations that exceeded any health criteria or standards. Based on this information, organic compounds do not pose any widespread or persistent problems in the study unit.

Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma↗
USGS1996

Water-quality assessment of the Ozark Plateaus study unit, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma — Summary of information on pesticides, 1970–90

Historical pesticide data from 1970-90 were compiled for 140 surface-water, 92 ground-water, 55 streambed-sediment, and 120 biological-tissue sampling sites within the Ozark Plateaus National Water-Quality Assessment Program study unit. Surface-water, bed-sediment, and biological-tissue sites have drainage basins predominantly in the Springfield and Salem Plateaus; ground-water sites are predominantly located in the Osage Plains and Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Many sites were sampled only once or twice during this period. A large percentage of the samples were collected in the mid-1970's and early 1980's for surface water, 1990 for ground water, the late 1980's for surface water, 1990 for ground water, the late 1980's for bed sediment, and the early 1980's for biological tissue. Pesticide use was approximately 4.2 million pounds per year of active ingredients from 1982-85 in the study unit and was generally greatest in the Springfield and Salem Plateaus pasturelands and in the Osage Plains and Mississippi Alluvial Plain cropland areas. The most frequently applied pesticide in the study unit was 2,4-D. Alachlor was the second most applied pesticide. Corn, pasture, rice, sorghum, and soybeans received approximately 90 percent of the pesticides applied within the study unit. The highest pesticide application rate per acre occurred on these crops in the Osage Plains and Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Pastureland was the predominant crop type in 50 of the 94 counties in the study unit. Toxaphene, the pesticide having the most number of detections in surface water, was found in 17 of 866 samples from 5 of 112 sites. Concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 6.0 micrograms per liter. Six other pesticides or pesticide metabolites were detected in 12 or more surface-water samples: DDE, dieldrin, DDT, aldrin, 2,4-D, and lindane. The maximum concentration for these pesticides was less than 1.0 micrograms per liter. Atrazine, the pesticide having the most number of detections in ground water, was found in 15 of 95 samples from 15 of 79 wells with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 8.2 micrograms per liter. Metolachlor, alachlor, and prometon were detected more than once with maximum concentrations less than 1.0 micrograms per liter, except for prometon (2.4 micrograms per liter). Chlordane was the pesticide having the most number of detections in bed sediment and biological tissue. Chlordane was detected in 12 of 73 samples from 10 of 45 bed-sediment sites with concentrations ranging from 2.0 to 240 micrograms per kilogram. In biological tissue, chlordane was found in 93 of 151 samples from 39 of 53 sites with concentrations ranging from 0.009 to 8.6 milligrams per kilogram. Other pesticides or pesticide metabolites detected more than once in bed sediment include DDT, DDD, p,p'-DDE, DDE, and hexachlorobenzene and in biological tissue include DDT, p,p'-DDE, and hexachlorobenzene. Quality criteria or standards have been established for 15 of the pesticides detected in the study unit. For surface-water samples, the drinking water maximum contaminant level for alachlor was exceeded in one sample from one site in 1982. For ground-water samples, the drinking water maximum contaminant level for atrazine was exceeded in four samples from four wells in 1990. For biological-tissue samples collected during the years 1982-89, the fish tissue action levels for chlordane (19 sites; 26 samples), heptachlor epoxide (3 sites; 3 samples), p,p'-DDE (2 sites; 2 samples), dieldrin (2 sites, 2 samples), and mirex (1 site; 1 sample) were exceeded. For bed-sediment samples, quality criteria or standards were not exceeded for any pesticide. Pesticides do not pose any widespread or persistent problems in the study unit, based on the limited number of samples that exceeded quality criteria and standards.

Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma↗
USGS1994

Water-quality conditions and streamflow gain and loss of the South Prong of Spavinaw Creek basin, Benton County, Arkansas

A study of the South Prong of Spavinaw Creek Basin conducted baween July 14 and July 23. 1993. described the surface- and ground-water quality of the basin and the streamflow gain and loss. Water samples were collected from 10 sites on the mainstem of the South Prong of Spavinaw Creek and from 4 sites on tributaries during periods of low to moderate streamflow (less than 11 cubic feet per second). Water samples were collected from 4 wells and 10 springs located in the basin. In 14 surface-water samples, nitrite plus nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.75 to 4.2 milligrams per liter as nitrogen (mg/L). Orthophosphorus concentrations ranged from 0 03 to O. 15 mg/L as phosphorus. Fecal coliform bacteria counts ranged from 61 to 1,400 colonies per 100 milliliters (col/lOO mL), with a median of 120 col/100 mL. Fecal streptococci bacteria counts ranged from 70 to greater than 2,000 col/100 mL with a median of 185 col/lOO mL. Analysis for selected metals collected at one surface-water sites indicates that concentrations were usually below the reporting limit. Diel dissolved oxygen concentrations and temperatures were measured at an upstream and downstream site on the mainstem of the stream. At the upstream site, dissolved oxygen concentrations ranged from 7.2 to 83 mg/L and temperatures ranged from 15.5 to 17.0 C. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were higher and temperature values were lower at lhe upstream site, which is located close to two springs that produce all of the flow at that site. Dissolved nitrite plus nitrate was present in all four wells sampled in the basin with concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 3.5 mg/L as nitrogen. Orthophosphorus was present in concentrations ranging from less than 0.01 to 0.07 mg/L as phosphorus. Volatile organic compound analyses in two wells indicate that toluene was present in both wells and chloroform was present in one well. All other volatile organic compounds were found to be below the reporting limits. Analysis for common constituents and selected metals indicated that fluoride concentrations in one well exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's primary maximum contamination levels for drinking water. Analyses of water samples collected from springs indicate that nitrite plus nitrate concen- trations ranged from 0.43 to 3.9 mg/L as nitrogen. Dissolved ammonia plus organic nitrogen concentrations ranged from less than 0.20 to 0.64 mg/L as nitrogen. Dissolved ammonia plus organic nitrogen concentrations ranged from less than 0.20 to 0.64 mg/L at nitrogen. Orthophosphorus concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.09 mg/L as phosphorus. Fecal coliform bacteria counts ranged from less than 3 to more than 2,000 col/100 mL, with a median of 370 col/100 mL. Fecal streptococci bacteria counts ranged from less than 4 to greater than 2,000 col/100 mL with a median of 435 col/100 mL. Streamflow in nine reaches of the mainstream increased an average of 20 percent. Six losing reaches were identified during the study, one located on the mainstem and the other five located on tributaries to the mainstem.

Open-File Report↗