Hydroclimatic Influence on Groundwater Nitrate Variability in Western Wisconsin
Hydrology Aidan Matson
Wisconsin relies extensively on groundwater for agricultural and private uses, which can increase vulnerability to contamination risks under increasing climatic precipitation and recharge conditions. Nitrate (NO-3), a highly soluble and persistent anion derived from manure and fertilizer inputs, is concerning due to its rapid transport throughout the vadose zone and its associated human health risks, including methemoglobinemia in infants. In collaboration with a regional farmer-led watershed council, nearly one hundred private wells with various use cases have been tested across Western Wisconsin since 2018 to assess nitrate dynamics at both seasonal and interannual scales. Over this period, the region has experienced the wettest precipitation year followed by three consecutive drought years, allowing for a regional assessment of climate-driven variance in groundwater quality. Nitrate concentrations at each site were analyzed in relation to hydrologic parameters, including monthly precipitation intensity, to assess how climatic extremes can affect contaminant fluxes. Wells in the area draw from either sandstone or dolostone aquifers, which allows for a comparison of differing geologic systems. Most wells have shown relatively stable nitrate concentrations, while some others show monthly variance that correlate with precipitation data. Final analysis will be reported back to the watershed council to support land management strategies to reduce nitrate loading in groundwater.
Advisors: Jill Coleman Wasik, Ph.D. Katherine Clancy, Ph.D.
Subject Area: Fisheries and Water
Type: Poster
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Jim and Katie Krause CNR Student Research Symposium
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