Centennial Honors College
Western Illinois University
Undergraduate Research Day 2012
Poster Presentation
Fluvial and Ecological Effects of Urbanization: A Case Study of Kiljordan and
Troublesome Creeks in Illinois
Heather Key
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ranbir Kang
Geography Department
Human activities leave a large impact on the natural environment. Urbanization is one
human activity which affects the environment in many ways especially in streams. This
project will evaluate the fluvial and ecological effects of urbanization on Kiljordan Creek
and lower Troublesome Creek in McDonough, County, by analyzing a variety of
different variables. The research area was divided into three portions A, B, and C.
Portion A refers to Kiljordan Creek which drains the urban runoff from the urban area of
Macomb. Portion B refers to the upper portion of Troublesome Creek which is
predominantly rural and it is located above the confluence of Kiljordan Creek. Portion C
is the downstream portion of Troublesome Creek which received the runoff from urban
stream Kiljordan Creek and upstream rural portion of Troublesome Creek.
Preliminary results show an increase in channel depth and width in the downstream
direction for both streams. The average depth was larger for Kiljordan Creek compared
to upper Troublesome. Aquatic life was present in both streams. Upper Troublesome
experience higher turbidity values; which determines better water clarity in the rural
stream. This water clarity could be due to the smaller water velocities within upper
Troublesome, allowing for more settling of the sediment. Upper Troublesome
experienced a higher percentage of embeddedness compared to Kiljordan which only
had rocks half covered by sediment. Preliminary results support previous literature done
on the fluvial and ecological effects of urbanization and further work will be done for a
better understanding of these streams.