Summary

Description

The Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge Refuge is located in east central Oklahoma; a sizeable portion of the Refuge is also located along Spavinaw Creek, near the headwaters of Lake Eucha. Recent studies concluded that Lake Eucha was receiving high concentrations of phosphorus and nitrate in surface and ground water, respectively. The scientific objective of this study is to expand the database of contaminants present in the aquatic habitats of the Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge. This database includes information on concentrations of heavy metals and organochlorines in groundwater and sediment, and in bats and food sources collected from designated caves and riparian areas within the Refuge. Based on the data in this study, there appears to be slight organic and inorganic contamination of the cave habitats which were assessed, including groundwater flowing through the caves.