2010 - 19th Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Spring Symposium

Session Time : 4/22/10 12:15 PM - 4/22/10 1:30 PM

Content Area : Forestry & Environmental Resources

Student Presenters :
Rachael A Hobbs Environmental Technology

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
Elizabeth Nichols Environmental Technology

Abstract Title : Phytoremediation of Hog Lagoon Contamination in Groundwater

Abstract :
One of the major water quality concerns for eastern North Carolina is the seepage of contaminants from hog waste lagoons into groundwater. While regulations are growing stricter on the management of these lagoons, specific practices to remediate or prevent contamination in groundwater are needed. One possible approach is phytoremediation – using plants to remove contaminants in groundwater. This study looks at the feasibility of using hybrid poplar trees to remove hog lagoon contaminants from groundwater at an active swine facility in Nash County, North Carolina. According to the NC Division of Water Quality, dissolved nitrogen species are the best indicators of groundwater contamination due to lagoon seepage. These species are present in high concentrations in hog waste, and they are mobile in groundwater. Nitrates can therefore be used to identify changes in contamination levels in groundwater. To identify the effect that planted trees had on contamination levels at this swine facility, groundwater well data were collected and analyzed for nitrates (NO3+NO2 and NH3-N) for several years prior to tree plantings and after tree plantings. The study hopes to find that nitrate and ammonia levels will significantly decrease due to groundwater uptake by the hybrid poplar trees. Analysis of the data after one year of plantation growth indicates a trend towards reductions in nitrate, but the site should be monitored for a longer period of time to allow the trees to mature.