Title: Water Quality in the Willamette River and its Effects on Aquatic Species

Author: Doug Bloom

Abstract: The Willamette River is known as one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. Point and nonpoint source pollution contaminates the Willamette to extreme levels. In this study I looked at how point and nonpoint sources are effecting the river and the aquatic species that call it home. I found that nonpoint sources account for the majority of the problem. Agricultural run off, and the effects of agrochemicals such as Nitrate have on fish and algae growth. A point source problem such as the Portland Harbor Superfund Site was also a point of focus due to the problems with bioaccumulation in the local fish and the effects that has had on human consumption. Major contamination is imbedded in the soils at this site but a lack of funding has slowed the clean up process.

Key References:
Wentz, D.D., Bonn, B.A., Carpenter, K.D., Hinkle, S.R., Janet, M.L., Rinella, F.A., Uhrich, M.A., Waite, I.R., Laenen, A., and Bencala, K.E., 1998, Water Quality in the Willamette Basin, Oregon, 1991-95: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1161, on line at , updated June 25, 1998.

Rinella, Frank. “Seasonal and Spatial Variability of Nutrients and Pesticides in Streams of the Willamette Basin, 1993-1995.” USGS- National Water-Quality Assessment Program. 1998. http://or.water.usgs.gov/pubs_dir/Pdf/97-4082c.pdf

Willams, Travis. “Portland Harbor Superfund Site.” Willamette Riverkeeper. January, 2006. Willamette Riverkeeper. 3 Apr 2009 http://willamette-riverkeeper.org/super1.htm

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Date: May 2009
Student: dbloom@willamette.edu
ENVR 327: Water Resources
Instructor: Dr. Karen Arabas
http://www.willamette.edu/~karabas/courses/envr327w