Date of Award

11-26-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Integrated Science and Mathematics

First Advisor

Margaret McMillan

Abstract

Lake Maumelle is a reservoir in Pulaski County, Arkansas that was finished in 1958 for the purpose of supplying potable water to Little Rock and surrounding areas. It is an oligotrophic, monomictic lake with a generously forested watershed. There has been an increase of urbanization in the watershed which may influence the water quality. This research examines the reservoir's sensitivity to land use/land cover change for the lake by analyzing the benthic sediment. By using multidisciplinary methods, cores were examined using mass accumulation rates, grain size analysis, elemental analysis, phase identification, and diatom identification. Those results were then compared to land use classification maps created in ArcGIS®. Land use classification showed changes in land use within the watershed. Mass accumulation rates were used in order to approximately date the sections of the sediment cores. Grain size analysis revealed changes in grain size fractions in each core and in each location. Elemental analysis signified changes in nutrient loading. Phase identification reflected the geology underlying the watershed. Diatom identification and concentration indicated a stable trophic status in the lake. By linking historic events in the watershed to approximate dates in the sediment, the research was able to link land use change to potential changes in the water quality.

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