KCARE Research Today

Month: December 2019

KWRI: Your Water, Our Focus

The Kansas Water Resources Institute (KWRI) develops and supports research on high-priority water resource problems as defined by the Kansas state water plan. KWRI is designed to facilitate effective communication between water resources professionals and to foster the dissemination and application of research results. 

The projects we fund represent key issues affecting Kansas water quality and water resources. These projects have diverse and wide-ranging subjects, including studies on the efficacy of new irrigation technologies, studies on river morphology, drought assessment tools, or water quality assessments. 

KWRI is committed to fostering excellence in research, at all levels. To that end, we are proud to support student research at different Kansas universities. Currently, funded projects provide support for eight undergraduate students, three graduate students and one post-doctoral researcher. 

This newsletter issue focuses on current KWRI projects. Take a moment to read about this important research that seeks to answer key questions about water issues for our state, including projects on harmful algae blooms, streambank stabilization efforts and riparian buffer strips. If you would like additional information about any project, please contact us at KWRI for more information or email the project leader directly.

Evaluation of the geomorphological adjustment of a meandering, alluvial river

Man stands in middle of river with long pole to install scour chains in the water
K-State professor Tim Keane installs scour chains in the bed of the Cottonwood River to assess bed stability. Photo credit: Kari Bigham

This study will measure the short-term, reach-scale impacts of streambank stabilization projects on a meandering, alluvial river that outlets into a federally owned reservoir. Continue reading “Evaluation of the geomorphological adjustment of a meandering, alluvial river”

Assessing the effectiveness of streambank stabilization projects on the Cottonwood River using UAS

Man stands on a streambank piloting a drone which is taking photos of the Cottonwood River.
Alan Peterson (KGS) conducts UAS flight survey on the Cottonwood River. Photo credit: Tony Layzell

Multiple unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drone, flight tests were performed at one stabilized streambank site. Continue reading “Assessing the effectiveness of streambank stabilization projects on the Cottonwood River using UAS”

Does nutrient form control harmful algal bloom toxin release?

Ted Harris stands in a very large circular vat to demonstrate its size.
Experimental size matters! Large-scale experiments include real-world processes and give realism to experimental results.

The causes of cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxin production are yet to be fully elucidated. Continue reading “Does nutrient form control harmful algal bloom toxin release?”

Determining if riparian buffer strip age impacts phosphorus retention potential

In total, 24 riparian buffer strips were surveyed and sampled along the Little Blue, Big Blue, and Republican Rivers. At each site, three transects were set up extending across the buffer strip from the streambank towards the crop field. A streambank stability assessment was performed at each transect, along with a plant survey. Continue reading “Determining if riparian buffer strip age impacts phosphorus retention potential”

Stochastic Forecasting of Harmful Algae Blooms in Cheney Reservoir

Periodic Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHAB) in Kansas reservoirs such as Cheney Lake have the potential to produce toxins and taste-and-odor compounds that may cause substantial economic, public health, and environmental concerns. Continue reading “Stochastic Forecasting of Harmful Algae Blooms in Cheney Reservoir”