Protection of groundwater quality in limestone areas, where surface water rapidly plunges underground through sinkholes and networks of caves, can be a challenge. AFSRC scientists tested constructed sinkhole filters designed by USDA-NRCS in West Virginia for effectiveness of removing contaminants from water before it goes underground. AFSRC and NRCS personnel are surveying progress on a sinkhole filter under construction. Results of the sinkhole filter study were recently published (Boyer, D. G. 2008. Assessment of a Sinkhole Filter for Removing Agricultural Contaminants. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 63:47-52.)

More information about karst hydrology and water quality is available from Dr. Douglas Boyer

Photo by Doug Boyer