Water quality of streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Water samples from streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were analyzed for 16 physical, chemical, and bacteriological water quality parameters. Bacterial densities, pH, alkalinity, turbidity, and concentrations of Na, K, and Si were found to be higher in the low elevations than in the high. Nitrate concentrations increased with increasing elevation. Watersheds which had been logged prior to the establishment of the park had significantly lower stream water nitrate concentrations than unlogged watersheds at similar elevations. Bedrock geology was found to influence pH, alkalinity, conductivity, Hardness, and concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Si. Nitrate concentrations were highest in the late winter and early spring and lowest in the fall.