ABSTRACT
This chapter determines the overall quality of a stream going through a major metropolitan area by focusing on the presence of toxic compounds in the stream's sediment. The specific objective of this sediment sampling study was to determine the extent of the contamination of Fall Creek and White River throughout the metropolitan Indianapolis area. This study, primarily focused on contamination due to inorganic compounds found on the bottom sediment, was a joint effort by the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The sediment analysis results were compared to results of water quality sampling performed on the White River and Fall Creek during the period from October 1986 through July 1987. The decisions on the location of the sampling points were based on the need for sites that could serve as "clean" background points and sites that could demonstrate the influence of industry, combined sewer overflows (CSO's), and wastewater treatment plants.
