Quantifying Nutrient Levels: Monitoring Water Quality near a Swine CAFO in Harnett County, NC
This project is designed to quantify nutrient concentrations in shallow groundwater and surface waters impacted by a swine concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) in Harnett County, NC.
Oceana (right) and Dr. Humphrey (left) install groundwater wells.
Monthly sampling is taking place to collect 6 months of water quality data. The ECU WaterCorps has been tasked with offering assistance with instrumenting groundwater and surface water monitoring locations, using handheld field meters, collecting water samples, measuring stream discharge, estimating watershed nutrient exports, and assisting with laboratory analysis. WaterCorps students who work on this project will hone field, laboratory, and analytical skills that they can leverage towards future employment opportunities.
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- Camryn standing on a capped hog waste lagoon.
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- Dr. Sirianni standing on a capped hog waste lagoon.
Client: Dr. Guy Iverson
Project Faculty Mentor: Dr. Guy Iverson
Project Owner: Camryn Landreth
Key Team Members: Camryn Landreth, Oceana Apollo
Necessary Skills: Water Sampling, Chemistry, Sensor Maintenance, Sensor Calibration, Sensor Data Downloads, Soil Sampling, Well Installation.
Are you interested in working with ECU WaterCorps?
If you are interested in working with ECU WaterCorps, please fill out the attached form and send it to water@ecu.edu. ECU WaterCorps will then review the project request and determine if we have the capability and staffing to assist with the proposed project. We encourage potential clients to directly contact us at water@ecu.edu prior to submitting the form to help with scoping the project.
Click here to download the ECU WaterCorps Client Application Form!
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