SPECTACLE POND SURVEY At the request of the Permit Branch of Region I, EPA, a water quality survey of Spectacle Pond was conducted during May and June, 1974. The purpose of the survey was to 'ascertain whether, eutrophic conditions exist in Spectacle Pond and whether effluent from the Fallstaff Brewery was responsible or contributes to this condition. Spectacle Pond, located in Cranston, Rhode Island, is approximately 1-2 kilometers (3/4 of a mile) long and 0.4 kilometers (1/4 of a mile) wide. Several homes and business establishments are located along the bank of the lower half of the pond but no apparent discharges were discernible from them. The only visible influent to the pond was from two 45 centimeter (18 inches) diameter pipes. Flow from this source formed a channel approximately 7.5 meters (25 feet) long and 3 meters (10 feet) wide and entered into Spectacle Pond. The source of this influent is Tongue Pond, a man-made lagoon which is owned by the Fallstaff Brewery. Tongue Pond receives and holds waste from the brewery's boiler blow-down, cooling and bottling opera- tions and general floor drains wash down bottle washing operation. The brewery waste is discharged into the local sanitary sewer system and treated at Cranston and Providence facilities. No domestic waste from the brewery is reportedly discharged into Tongue Pond. A water quality survey was planned and conducted by personnel of the Surveillance and Analysis Division of Region I,_ EPA. Ten sampling stations were selected with Station One located at the point where -1- ------- effluent from Tongue Pond enters into Spectacle Pond and Station Ten located where water leaves Spectacle Pond through a conduit that disappears in a highway ernbankr tent. The remaining stations were located along a mid-line in the Pond between these two points. Those physical, chemical and biological parameters, that would establish eutrophication or a contrib ition to it were selected for sampling. As many tests and measurements of these parameters as possible were made at the site. Otherwise, samples were returned to the Region I labora- tory for analysis. In all cases, tests, measurements, collection, preservation and storage of samples was in accordance with EPA and Standard Methods procedures. Meteorological Conditions During the study, no precipitation occurred. Weather conditions at the time were clear and warm with no noticeable winds. As a result of these conditions, factors attributable to weather phenomena would have to be dis counted. The tests and analyses performed at each station as well as the results obtained are presented in the following tables: 2 ------- Sample Analyses abbreviation and Units of Measure Analysis Reported Description units of Measure T (°C) Temperature degrees Centigrade (°C) Probe D. 0. Dissolved oxygen milligrams/liter (mg/i) pH (S. U.) Hydrogen ion concentration standard units (S .U.) Lgt Penet (Secchi Disc) Light penetration inchest Susp S Suspended solids milligrams/liter (mg/i) Tot Total suspended solids Vol Volatile suspended solids Il U Fix - - Fixed suspended solids Total Kjeldahi nitrogen N0 2 +N0 3 Nitrites and nitrates I BOD 5 d Biochemical oxygen demand I 5day Total P (Nutrients) Total phosphorus dry weight phosphorus (ug/gm) Total P Total phosphorus phosphorus (mg/i) ColiTotal Total coliform bacteria unit per 100 milliliters ColiFecal Fecal coliform bacteria Menth Pu Membrane Filter standard test Phyto Phytoplankton unit per milliliter thlor a Chlorophyll a miliigrams/cu ic meter (mg/rn 3 ) Storet code value less than given value Storet code - value greater than given value 3 ------- Table I Analyses and Results Spectacle Pond Survey Cranston, Rhode Island June1974 Station - 0]. 6/5/74 0520 220 3.6 0645 220 .4.0 ., 0810 240 4.0 6.8 255 40 215 1 ].9 0 02 15 1.81 280x10 3 1,700 25° . - 7.5 240 60 180 K0.02 . 2.23. L4X10 6 L250X10 3 0845 23° 7.8. . 6/4/74 0500 21°. ...70 0700 19° 7O Date : Time T (°C) D.O. Probe Probe Surf Bot Surf mg/i Bot pH (s.u.) . Lgt Penet (Xnchs) : . Tot Susp S TKN mg/i mg/i Vol Fix N0 2 +N0 3 mg/i . SOD 5 d m /1 Tot P ug/gm dry Tot P Coli 100/mi mg/i Tot Fecal (Mernb Fil) Phyto per ml chior mg/rn 3 7.6 245 ,, . 60 185 0.26 347 176 110X10 3 7,600 6/6/74 0540 24° 6.9 13X10 3 96.87 0705 .4 ------- Table II Analyses and Results Spectacle Pond Survey Cranston, Rhode Island June 1974 Station - 02 Date Time T (°C) D,O, mg/i pH Lgt Susp S TKN N0 2 +N0 3 BOD Tot P Tot P Coil 100/mi Phyto Chior Probe Probe (s,u.,) Penet mg/i mg/i mg/i 5 d ug/gm mg/i Tot Fecai per ml mg/rn 3 Surf Bot Surf Bot (Inchs) Tot Vol Fix mg/i dry (Memb Fil) 5/4/74 0515 20° 18° 12.2 10.4 0725 20° 18° 13.9 11.2 93 10.0 240 65 175 K0.02 17,400 1.36 33X10 3 1,500 636X10 3 98 ,56 5/5/74 0522 22° 19° 5.6 6.2 0655 22° 22° 5.8 12.6 7,5 233 72 161 1.19 KO.02 15 1.62 52X10 3 1,400 0815 22°. 210 7.6 12.4 6/6/74 0545 21° 23° 10.7 8.0 0715 21° 24° 235 60 175 KQ.02 1.57 17X10 6 L270X10 3 0850 21.5° 23°13.6 12.4 5 ------- Table LII Analyses and Results Spectacle Pond Survey Cranston, Rhode Island June 1974 Station - 03 ite Time T (°C) D,O . mg/i pH Lgt Susp S TKN N0 2 +N0 3 BOD Tot P Tot P Coli 100/mi Phyto Chior Probe Probe ( au 0 ) Penet mg/i mg/i mg/i 5 d ug/gm mg/i Tot Fecai per ml mg/rn 3 Surf Bot_S rf Bot . (Incha) Tot Vol Lix - mg/i dry (Memb FiX) (4(34 0520 20° 17.5° 12.6 0715 19 .5° 16.5° 13.8 1.0 9.5 10 250 35 215 K0.02 5,830 1.33.. 23X10 3 20 798X10 3 113.73 (5/74 0525 21° 17° 9.0 0.8 0705 21.5° 16.5° 12.2 0.2 9.5 216 48 .168 0.99 K0.02 6.0 1.24 5,400 200 0820 21° 16° 11.0 4.2 /6/75 0550 22° 1.7:5 11.2 0.5 0730 23° 17° 9.6 0.0 9.4 252 70 182 K0,02 1.48 12X10 5 L50X10 3 0855 23° 17.5° 11.4 0.0 6 ------- Table IV Analyses and Results Spectacle Pond Survey Cranston, Rhode Island June 1974 Station - 04 ate Time T (°C) D.O, mg/ I. pH Lgt Susp S TKN N0 2 +N0 3 BOD Tot P Tot P Coli 100/mi Phyto chlor Probe Probe (s .u,) Penet mg/i mg/i mg/i 5 d ug/gm mg/i Tot Fecal per ml mg/rn SurfBotSurfBot (Inchs) Tot Vol Fix _ /l d , (MembFii) 4/74 0525 20° 15.0° 12.4 0.2 9.0 243 66 177 K0.02 6,700 1.44 80X10 3 930 498X10 3 111.29 0735 19.5° 16.5° 9.1 0.0 9.0 5/74 0530 210 16.5° 11.0 0.4 0710 21° 16.5° 13.5 0.6 9.4 202:, 67 135 1.05 KO.02 7.5 1.19 4,700 70 0825 21° i.7.0° 12.8 0.6 6/74 0600 22° 17° lL8 0.6 0735 22.5° 170 11.6 0.2 9.6 9.6 225 50 17,5 K0.02 1.39 520x10 3 L1OX1O 3 0900 23.0° 17° 7.6 0.0 7 ------- Table V Analyses and Results Spectacle Pond Survey Cranston, Rhode Island June 1974 Station -05 )ate Time T (°C) D.O. mg/i pH Lgt Susp S TKN N0 2 +N0 3 BOD Tot P Tot P Coli 100/mi Phyto Chior Probe Probe (s.u,) Penet mg/i mg/i mg/i 5 d ug/gm mg/i Tot Fecal per ml mg/rn 3 Surf Bot Surf Bot (Incha) Tot Vol Fix mg/i dry (Mexnb Fil) /4/74 0530 19.5° 16.5°13.8 1.2 0745 19.0°, 17 .0°15.0 0.0 9.5 7.5 232 37 195 K0.02 3,680 1.18 180 Kl0 1,353X10 3 103.9 /5/74 0535 21.0° 17.0°1l.2 0.4 0715 20.0° 17.5°12.6 0.8 9.5 213 47 166 0.97 K0.02 7,5 1.29 18X10 3 80 0830 2l.0 .17.0°l2.6 4.4 /6/74 0604 22.0° 19.0°12.6 0740 21.0° 17.0°13.4 0.0 10.0 , 254 45 209 K0.02 1.18 33X10 3 400 0901 23.0° 17,0° 7,8 0.0. 8 ------- Table VI Analyses and Results Spectacle Pond Survey Cranston, Rhode Island June 1974 Station 06 te Time T (°C) D.O. mg/i pu Lgt Susp S TKN N0 2 +N0 3 BOD Tot P Tot P Coli 100/mi Phyto Chior Probe Probe ( u .) Penet mg/i mg/i mg/i 5 d ug/gm mg/i Tot Fecal per ml mg/rn 3 Sot Surf Sot (Incha) Tot Vol Fix mg/i (Memb ru) 4/74 0535 19.5° 16.5°12.2 1.0 0750 19.0° 16.0° L15 0.0 9. . 8.5 223 65 158 K0.02 4,180 1.15 180 Kl0 967X10 3 127.26 5/74 0538 21.0° 17.0°l0.4 0.9 0720 20.0 16.0°13.,5 0.7 9.5. 208. 70 .138 0.80 K0.02 5.5 1.15 23X10 3 90 0835 2] .0° 16.5°13.4 0.4 . 6/74 0609 21.5° 16.5°13.2 0.4 0745 21.00 16.5°13.8 0.2 9.8 210 55 155 K0.02 1.15 35x10 3 180 0903 23.0° 17.0011.0 0.4 9 ------- Talle VII Analyses and Results Spectacle Pond Survey Cranston, Fthode Island June 1974 Station 07 ate Time T (°C) D.O. mg/i pH Lgt Susp S TKN N0 2 +N0 3 SOD Tot P Tot P Coli 100/mi Phyto Chior Probe Probe (s,u.) Penet mg/i mg/i mg/i 5 d ug/gm mg/i Tot Fecal per ml mg/rn Surf Bot Surf Bot (Inchs) Tot Vol Fix mg/i dry (Memb Fil) /4/74 0540 19.0° 15 .5°13.2 0.2 6.5 0800 19.0° 15.5°L15.0 0.1 9.6 . 210 40 170 1(0.02 4,380 1.22 190 1(10 1,137X10 3 112.22 /5/74 0540 20.0° 15.0° 11.6 1.0 0725 19.5° 15.5° 13.9 0.8 9.6 250 65.. 185 0.9l K0.02 4.5 1 ..09 200 20 0840 20.0°16.0°L15.0 0.4 /6/74 0615 21.0° 15.5° 14.0 0.4 0750 21.0° 15.0°L15.0 0.1 10.0 236 76 160 KO.02 1.10 .2,500 50 0904 22.0° 15.5°L15.0 0.0 10 . ------- Table VIII Analyses and Results Spectacle Pond Survey Cranston, Rhode Island June 1974 Station - 08 e Time T (°C) D.0. mg/i pH Lgt Susp S TKN N0 2 -f-N0 3 BOD Tot P Tot P Coli 100/mi Phyto Chlo Probe Probe (s .u 0 ) Penet mg/i mg/i mg/i 5 d ug/grn mg/i Tot Fecal per ml mg/rn Surf Bot Surf Bot (Inchs) Tot Vol Fix mg/i dry (Memb Fii) - /74 0545 19.0° .15.0° 12.6 0.4 8.5 227 76 151 K0.02 6,710 1.22 280 Kl0 l,381x10 3 97.4 0810 19.0° 15.0° 14.0 0.4 9.6 5/74 0543 19.5° 15.5° 12.6 0.8 0730 19.5° 15.5° 13.5 0.9 237 75 162 0.95 K0.02 6.0 1.14 120 Kl0 0845 20.0°d55°L15.0 1.2 ,/74 0619 21.0° 15.5° 14.5 0.4 0755 21.00 15.0°LJ.5.0 0.0 10.2 198 50 148 KO.02 1.03 10 Kl0 0906 22.0° 15.0°L15.0 0.0 1 i._ ------- Table IX Analyses and Results Spectacle Pond Survey Cranston, Rhode Island June 1974 Station - 09 e Time T (°C) D.O.. mg/i pH Lgt susp S TKN N0 2 +N0 3 BOD Tot P Tot P Coli 100/mi Phyto chior Probe Probe (s. u,) Penet mg/i mg/i mg/i 5 d ug/gm mg/i Tot Fecal per ml mg/rn 3 Surf Bot Surf Bot (Inchs) Tot Vol Fix mg/i dry (Mexnb Fil) 4/74 0550 19.0° 16.0° 13.2 0.4 7.5 190 43 147 K0.02 3,940 1.27 380 K10 l,041X10 3 109.49 0815 19.0° 16.0°L15.0 0.2 9.6 5/74 0545 19.5° 17.5° 11.8 3.1 0735 19.5° 17.5° 14.2 3.9 9.7 221 62 159 0.99 K0.02 6.5 1.15 560 10 0850 20.0° 19.0°L15.0 10.4 6/74 0623 21.0° 17.0° 14.7 1.7 0800 21.0° 17.0°L15.0 0.4 10.2 254 59 195 K0.02 1.01 200 Kl0 0908 22,0° 17.0°L15.0 0.4 _12 ------- Table X Analyses and Results Spectacle Pond Survey Cranston, Rhode Island June 1974 Station - 10 te Time T (°C) D .0. mg/i pH Lgt Susp S TKN N0 2 +N0 3 BOD Tot P Tot P Coli 100/rn]. Phyto chior Probe Probe (s .u 0 ) Penet mg/i mg/i mg/i 5 d ug/gm mg/i Tot Fecal per ml mg/ rn 3 Surf Bot Surf Bot (Inchs) Tot Vol Fix mg/ ]. dry (Memb Fil) 4/74 0600 19.0° 15.0 6.5 0820 19.0° L15.0 9.6 230 50 180 K0.02 2,410 l.191,lOO 1 (10 792X10 3 112.55 /74 0548 19.5° 13,4 2,000 1(10 0740 19.5° 15.0 . 9 7 240 50 190 0.98 K0.02 4.0 L.12 0855 20..0° L15.0 /74 0630 21.0° 13.2 0805 21.00 13,6 10.1 230 70 160 1 (0.02 1.02 48X10 3 40 0911 22.0° 14.6 1 3_ ------- Chemical Data The chemical tests selected for both the water and sediment survey consisted of determinations or phosphorus, nitrates and nitrites, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, pH and a metal scan. Phosphorus, as total phosphorus determinations, are considered important because of the role of phosphorus in life processes, and their a use in fertilizers, detergents, water softeners, and as nutrients in the biological degradation of sewage. Highest concentrations of phosphorus were obtained at Station One with slightly lower values at the remaining stations. Since the highest concentrations were obtained at Station One, it appears that effluent from Tongue Pond is the source for this element in Spectacle Pond. With the corresponding nuw bers of high phytoplankton the role of phosphorus as a nutrient is evident. The phosphorus determinations in the sediments is a total phosphorus and measures both the inorganic and organic forms. These values reflect phosphorus that would be present in dead cells, sedimented cells, as well as that present in other organic and inorganic forms present in the sedi- ment. Concentrations of this form of phosphorus are high at all stations and constitute another potential source of nutrients. Nitrates and nitrites in the water present another source of nutrients. While they are usually formed by the oxidation of nitrogenous compounds, they can also be formed by the nitrogen - fixation of bacteria and algae; oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen; and their use in fertilizers constitutes 14 ------- a potential source of pollution by run-off or percolation into the water system. The highest concentration for these compounds was at Station One with values below the detectable limit at the remaining stations. Total Kjeldahl nitrogen is a measure of organic nitrogen and ammonia but does not include nitrogen present in nitrates and nitrites. The values obtained for this determination were about the same for all the stations and might be attributable to the high numbers of phytoplankton and bacteria found,. at these stations. Dissolved oxygen (D.O.) measurements were made at both the surface and bottom of all stations and were taken at three different times of day to determine diurnal fluctuations, It is an essential substance for any aquatic life and its concentration in water is dependent on factors such as temperature, dissolved and suspended solids, biotic activity and water agitation. Both the lack and supersaturation have deleterious effects on the aquatic environment. Values obtained for this determination ranged from zero at the bottom to saturation arid supersaturation at the surface depending upon the time of day. In general, all measurements made at the bottom were near D.O. depletion while surface measurements were near saturation or supersaturation. Lowest surface D.O. measurements were made at Station One with higher D.O. readings at the remaining stations. Since oxygen is liberated during respiration of phytoplankton during photosynthesis, D.O. values would be greatest where the numbers of phytoplankton were greatest. At Station One, phytoplankton were less than at any other 15 ------- station and a corresponding D. 0. was obtained. Supersaturation was evident at those stations where large numbers of phytoplankton were found. During the later part of the day, when sunlight hit the water, supersaturation conditions manifest - when photosynthesis was most active. Since there was little or no surface activity, no oxygen could escape to the atmosphere thereby aiding supersaturated conditions. In conjunction with the D. 0. determinations, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were performed at each station. BOD values reflect the quantity of molecular oxygen required for the decomposition of organic compounds by aerobic biochemical processes. Consequently, BOD values serve as an index by measuring the amount of oxygen that may be removed during this process. pH is a measurement which reflects the free hydrogen ion concentra- tion in a water sample. Free hydrogen and hydroxide ions exist in equilibrium in all aqueous solutions. Because natural waters are buffered, the pH falls between 4 to 9. For all determinations made for this test, all stations were within this range. Generally, because of the presence of carbonate and bicarbonate, most natural waters are basic, that is, have a pH greater than 7, which is the case for the stations tested in the survey. Values for pH recorded in this study might also be attributed to the algae concentrations, as well. A metal scan using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was run on a sample collected from Station One to determine if the effluent from Tongue Pond had any elements present in it that miqjit have a deleterious 16 ------- affect on Spectacle Pond. No metals were detected in this sample and consequently, no metal scans were performed on samples from the remaining Stations. Physical Data The series of tests that were performed for this parameter consisted of a solid series (total fixed and volatile solids) light penetration and temperature. A solid series- was performed since the presence of any suspended solids in the water would affect light penetration. As a result, a correlation should exist between these two tests. The values obtained for the solid series show little variation in the amount of suspended solids present at any station, Corresponding with these high values are the low va1ue obtained for light penetration. Light penetration could not be measured at Station One because it only had depth of 6 inches. However, light penetration was about the same for other stations. Biological data shows extremely high values for phytoplankton numbers which would contribute to the high suspended solids as well as the low light penetration values. Since temperature affects the amount of dissolved oxygen that water can absorb, it was essential to record temperature measurements both at the surface and bottom of each station. Only a slight difference was obtained for these two measurements at the various depths. Little or no difference was measured during the entire survey. - 17 ------- Biological Data During this survey, three biological indicator parameters were selected to reflect conditions in Spectacle Pond. These were phyto- plankton numbers, chlorophyll a concentrations and benthological invertebrates. In normal situations, phytoplanktori and chlorophyll a will be found, but in relatively low amounts. There should also be an array of benthos, the numbers and types dependent upon water conditions. For the first biological indicator, phytoplankton, the lowest number was found in Station One. This could be attributed to the fact that at this station velocity is greatest than at any other point. No flow was evident at any other station. At all other stations, the number of phytoplankton was extremely high. In all cases, the predominant organism was a long, filainentous alga that could not be identified. Each cell that makes up a filament is included in-these numbers and help account for the high values. However, other phytoplankton were also present, with members of genus Scenedesmus next in dominance. These high numbers of phytoplankton are reflected in the presence of phosphorus at all stations since it is generally accepted that phosphorus supplies nutrient for phytoplankton and phytoplankton blooms are symptoms of eutrophication. A correlation exists between the phytoplankton numbers and the Second biological indicator, chlorophyll a. Where the numbers of phytoplankton are Low, the concentration of chlorophyll a is low and vice versa. All the values obtained for this indicator are above 30 ug/liter which most experts consider as an indicator of eutrophication. 18 ------- For the third biological indicator, a benthological survey of the pond was conducted by members of the Biology Section of Region I, EPA. Bottom samples collected at each station were devoid of any invertebrates. Each sample was comprised of a rich, organic mud that had a strong organic odor. This lack of benthos and the strong organic odor suggest an anaerobic condition. Microbiological Data For this parameter, two indicators were selected, a total coliform count and a fecal coliform count. The former indicator measures those microorganisms that have their origin in the soil and on plant life as well as those that have their origin in the waste of warm blooded animals. The latter indicator is just a measure of those microorganisms that have their origin in the waste of warm blooded animals. Highest values for both indicators were obtained at Station One with decreasing counts at other stations which might be a result of dilution. These stations were in the region of the pond around which there were no dwellings. Lowest values were obtained at those stations in which houses and businesses were present. From these data, it would indicate that the source of these microorganisms is the effluent from Tongue Pond entering into Spectacle Pond and could not be attributed to the surrounding dwellings. Discussion With the exception of Station One, all the other stations, in general, displayed the same characteristics. All had high numbers of phytoplankton with the subsequent high concentration of chlorophyll a; 19 ------- Conclusions Sufficient evidence is available to establish the role of phosphorus as a nutrient, and that, the presence of phosphorus in conjunction with an algae bloom are symptoms of eutrophication. In addition, most experts agree that algae blooms accompanied by chlorophyll a concentrations greater than 30 ug/liter are signs of eutrophic conditions. From the results obtained in the survey for these three indicators, sufficient data exists to classify Spectacle Pond as eutrophic. Other data to support this conclusion can be derived from the lack of dissolved oxygen at the bottom of the pond as well as the absence of any benthic invertebrates. These indicators of anaerobic conditions are further strengthened by the characteristics of the sediment present in the pond and the periodic release of gases from the sediment. From the results obtained for this survey, it can also be concluded that the Source of the phosphorus is the effluent from Tongue Pond into Spectacle Pond. Since Tongue Pond is a holding lagoon for the Fal].staff Brewery, then they are contributing to, and responsible for, the conditions that exist in Spectacle Pond. 21 ------- - -- ir - - - - - - 75 Jr HIg Sek - - Tc=T TA : I Rocky HtU 7 / , - = Be nnett A - Lψ IngtOfl A i / Thi. , Sch Gtad thneSt I Pcwd - \ a 1 m vood . S F / L -, E zabetli - ...c -S - -. 1 -. . Sackett -. 3 / / (,1 Sc h . a A no a L. -2 - c 4 2 : , ι -& greg* - F ia, . - - - - P) ,Pd Park - aJrHighS h : , Ro0 6 (anstori -- Pond Hvrto I j Sch . Gro i -. -( / / c i Sci .T .Y Cui J(RANS F A N _\ S L uteTn Lh .pr7 -_ - \ I l)urn Sta 2ch, 1 EenPark I 7f-.4 .. 11 5C JLON ALS I / Fenner - . . . -- L . ... . . Pm A i?. - - - - SCALE 1 24000 0 -- - 4 I 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 FEET I - 4 -4 I I 5 0 1 KILOMETER 4 4 fr4 I.( I Survey Area Spectacle Pond May-June, 1974 22 ------- |