Bottom sediment analyses of the recreational waters of upper Sabino Creek

Abstract

Bottom sediment quality of the uppermost 3.5 miles of Sabino Creek, Santa Catalina mountains, Coronado National Forest was analyzed on a Wednesday-Sunday sampling scheme four times per month from September, 1975 through August, 1976. Eight permanent sampling stations were monitored for sediment fecal coliform concentrations and particle size distribution, surface water fecal coliform concentrations, streamflow, suspended solids, air and water temperature, and residual chlorine at stations below a sewage treatment facility discharging primary effluent into Sabino Creek. Surface water data were obtained from a concurrent surface water analyses conducted by Brickler, Phillips, and Patterson. Results of sediment analyses indicate the high probability of a health hazard existing in Sabino Creek, particularly during the high recreational use season and at stations below the effluent discharge when no residual chlorine was detected. Sediments consistently displayed fecal coliform densities 10 to 10,000 times greater than surface water fecal coliform densities. Adsorption of fecal coliform bacteria in sediments and prolonged bacteria survival induced sediment fecal coliform bacteria at all stations to exceed the primary recreation contact standards every month.