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An evaluation of the oxygen resources in the lower Willamette River during a critical low flow period

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Title An evaluation of the oxygen resources in the lower Willamette River during a critical low flow period
Names Kari, Earl Nyhus (creator)
Burgess, Fred J. (advisor)
Date Issued 1963-04-26 (iso8601)
Note Graduation date: 1963
Abstract The lower Willamette River, located between river mile 4.0
and 26.5, is the most seriously polluted section of the Willamette
River Basin.
Low dissolved oxygen concentrations of 2.0 to 3.0 mg/1 are
observed annually in this section of the river due to the pollutional
loads discharged into it. Waste discharges originate from upstream
sources, from two large pulp and paper mills at river mile 26.5,
treated domestic sewage from several small communities, from
several sewer outfalls in the Portland Harbor, and from other miscellaneous
sources. These total waste loads discharged, during the
summer low flow period, are equal in pollutional capacity to the
wastes from an equivalent population of 484,000. Of this total load,
wastes from the two pulp and paper mills account for an equivalent population of 350,000.
A better understanding of the dissolved oxygen resources of
this section of the river is necessary for water quality management.
Analyses of the dissolved oxygen resources in this section of
the river indicate that sludge deposits may be located in the river
between river miles 26.5 and 19.0. These deposits exert a large
demand on the dissolved oxygen present. The magnitude of this dissolved
oxygen demand is about 34,000 pounds per day.
Results of this study indicate that the source of this pollutional
loading originates between river miles 26.5 and 19.0. It is further
indicated that a detailed on-site survey of this section of the stream
and possible waste contributors should be undertaken to provide information
necessary for restoration of water quality.
Genre Thesis/Dissertation
Topic Water -- Analysis
Identifier http://hdl.handle.net/1957/48799

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