A study of the surface-water quality in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area, October 1973

A 72-hour survey of stream quality in the Hattiesburg area in October 1973 showed that the quality of water in the Leaf and Bowie Rivers and their tributaries is contaminated by domestic and industrial wastes. Time of travel of solutes has been greatly increased in the Bowie River as a result of gravel-mining operations. Dissolved-oxygen concentrations vary widely in the study area because of point sources of pollution. High nutrient loads were found, and wastes that affect temperature, pH, and conductivity are evident.