Chanel Harris | 2026 I.S. Symposium
Name: Chanel Harris
Title: Geochemical Characterization of Groundwater from Natural Springs in Northeast Ohio​
Major: Environmental Geoscience
Advisor: Greg Wiles
My interest in exploring the interconnectedness between groundwater and the environment for this research project was encouraged by wanting to understand the importance of geology for groundwater chemistry. The chemical interactions that take place with groundwater play a role in its chemical identity and its potential as a drinking water source. Nine springs in northeastern Ohio were sampled and analyzed for major ionic constituents found in groundwater (sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate, carbonate). Water samples were classified by cation and anion dominance and select constituent weight ratios to determine the main mechanisms that explained the chemistry. Conceptual geologic cross section models were developed to illustrate groundwater pathways for each spring. Sites were characterized as neutral freshwaters, with ionic profiles of calcium-bicarbonate (Ca-HCO3) type, calcium-chloride (Ca-Cl) type, and sodium-chloride (Na-Cl) type, in order of abundance, and were revealed to be dependent on rock interactions for their chemistry. Classifications of springs as Ca-HCO3 type were typical of waters within the sampled geographic region of the Appalachian Plateaus province (northwestern province of the Appalachian Mountains), but other water types proved to be evidence of sensitivity to land-surface activities. Cross section illustrations and geochemistry results revealed potential groundwater pathways through locally replenished, unconsolidated sediment aquifers (sand, gravel, clay) or fractured bedrock aquifers (sandstone, shale). Evaluation of the springs as drinking water sources showed that the majority fell within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s primary and secondary standards for safe drinking water.
Posted in Symposium 2026 on May 1, 2026.
