Investigation of Total Dissolved Solids Regulation in the Appalachian Plateau Physiographic Province: A Case Study from Pennsylvania and Recommendations for the Future

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2011-08

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ABSTRACT WOZNIAK, MARK. Investigation of Total Dissolved Solids Regulation in the Appalachian Plateau Physiographic Province: A Case Study from Pennsylvania and Recommendations for the Future. (Under the direction of Linda Taylor and Dr. Chris Hofelt). Total dissolved solids (TDS) are a natural constituent of surface water throughout the world. The World Health Organization, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and most states regulate TDS as a secondary drinking water criteria, affecting taste and odor, limiting discharges to 500 mg/L. This method of regulation fails to account for the conservative nature of TDS, with in-stream concentrations increasing with each addition, as well as impacts to aquatic life. New sources of TDS are further stressing historically contaminated waterways throughout the Appalachian Plateau, leaving them unable to assimilate additional TDS. With these new sources only projected to increase, it is necessary, now more than ever, for the states to develop total maximum daily loads for the affected waterways. This is the most effective method for regulating TDS to ensure the sustained health of the regional aquatic communities and human health.

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Total dissolved solids, drinking water regulation

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