U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5195

Prepared in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia, Water Department

Determination of Time-of-Travel, Dispersion Characteristics, 

and Oxygen Reaeration Coefficients during

Low Streamflows: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek, 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cover.

1. View of dye traveling downstream from injection location on Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on August 18, 2009.

2. Outlet of T14 combined sewer overflow (CSO) at confluence of the former Wingohocking Creek with Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on 

August 18, 2009.

3. Dye injection and propane gas diffusers at injection location on Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on August 18, 2009.

Photographs by Jason Cruz, Philadelphia Water Department, August 18, 2009. 

Back cover:

Looking downstream at sampling site TACO263, where dye is traveling along the right bank of the stream, Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, 

Pa., on August 20, 2009. Debris in trees upstream from exposed bedrock on the right bank marks recent high streamflow.

1

2 3
Determination of Time-of-Travel, 

Dispersion Characteristics, and Oxygen 

Reaeration Coefficients During Low 

Streamflows: Lower Tacony/Frankford 

Creek, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

By Lisa A. Senior and Matthew C. Gyves

Prepared in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia, Water Department

Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5195

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Marcia K. McNutt, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2010

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reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Senior, L.A., and Gyves, M.C., 2010, Determination of time-of-travel, dispersion characteristics, and oxygen reaeration 

coefficients during low streamflows—Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: U.S. Geological 

Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010-5195, 90 p.
iii

Contents

Abstract...........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1

Purpose and Scope ..............................................................................................................................3

Description of Study Area ...................................................................................................................3

Study Reach..................................................................................................................................5

Geology and Physiography ........................................................................................................5

Methods of Data Collection and Analysis .................................................................................................8

Stream Reach Selection......................................................................................................................8

Discharge Measurements.................................................................................................................11

Water-Quality and Stage Measurements.......................................................................................11

Dye Injection, Sample Collection, and Analysis ............................................................................11

Dye Quality Control....................................................................................................................12

Dye Data Smoothing..................................................................................................................12

Propane Gas Injection, Sample Collection, and Analysis............................................................13

Gas Sample Quality Control .....................................................................................................13

Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients ................................16

Study Conditions .................................................................................................................................16

Weather Conditions...................................................................................................................16

Streamflow and Stream Channel Conditions ........................................................................19

Stream Water Quality................................................................................................................20

Time-of-Travel......................................................................................................................................20

Unit Concentration and Dispersion Characteristics ............................................................20

Determination of Reaeration Coefficients ......................................................................................28

Comparison to Reaeration Coefficients Determined by Other Methods..........................30

Stream Methane Concentrations............................................................................................33

Summary and Conclusions.........................................................................................................................35

Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................................................36

References Cited..........................................................................................................................................36

Appendix 1.—Continuous Water-Quality Data .......................................................................................39

Appendix 2.—Concentrations in Stream Samples.................................................................................73

Appendix 3.—Gas Injection Rates............................................................................................................89
iv

Figures

1. Map showing location of Tacony/Frankford Creek, adjacent park land, combined

sewer overflows (CSOs), selected streamgages, and underlying geologic units in

and near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ........................................................................................2

2. Aerial photograph showing study reach of Tacony/Frankford Creek and estimated 

location of nearby buried stream valleys in Philadelphia, Pa...............................................4

3. Photographs showing backwater conditions in Frankford Creek at the dam in the

Juniata Golf Course, Philadelphia, Pa., (A) when the dam notch was open on July

18, 2009, and (B) when the dam notch was completely blocked on August 18, 2009........7

4. Aerial photograph showing configuration of gravel bar at outlet of pool below

T14 combined sewer overflow outfall on Tacony/Frankford Creek,

Philadelphia, Pa., 2008 .................................................................................................................9

5. Photograph showing dye injection and propane gas diffusion on September 3, 2009,

in Tacony/Frankford Creek near U.S. Route 1, Philadelphia, Pa .........................................12

6. Diagram (A) and photograph (B) of the gas sampler used to collect stream

samples for gas analysis in the reaeration study on Tacony/Frankford Creek, 

Philadelphia, Pa., 2009 ...............................................................................................................14

7. Graphs showing methane concentrations in relation to propane concentrations in

stream samples at each site sampled on (A) August 18, 2009; (B) September 1, 2009;

and (C) September 3, 2009.........................................................................................................15

8. Graphs showing wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, and barometric

pressure recorded at the Philadelphia International Airport during study periods on

(A) August 18, (B) September 1, and (C) September 3, 2009................................................17

9. Graphs showing stream discharge (A) and specific conductance (B) at streamgage

01467087, Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., August 10 through

September 10, 2009.....................................................................................................................19

10. Graphs showing stream temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen

measured by water-quality sondes at sampling sites in Tacony/Frankford Creek,

Philadelphia, Pa., on (A) August 18, 2009; (B) September 1, 2009; and

(C) September 3, 2009.................................................................................................................21

11. Graph showing dye and propane concentrations in relation to time since dye

injection at five stream sites on Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.,

August 18, 2009............................................................................................................................22

12. Graph showing dye and propane gas concentrations in relation to time since

dye injection at three stream sites on Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.,

September 1, 2009.......................................................................................................................22

13. Graph showing dye and propane gas concentrations in relation to time since

dye injection at three stream sites on Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.,

September 3, 2009.......................................................................................................................23

14. Graphs showing traveltime of dye cloud in relation to distance from injection in

Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., for (A) lower sub-reach from above T14

pool to below T14 pool on August 18, 2009; (B) lower sub-reach from below T14

pool to streamgage at Castor Avenue on September 1, 2009; and (C) upper reach

from Route 1 to T14 pool on September 3, 2009.....................................................................24

15. Graph showing unit-peak concentration in relation to time elapsed since dye

injection at selected sampling sites, Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.,

during dye study conducted on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009..........28

16. Graphs showing concentrations of propane and methane in stream samples

collected at sites in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on (A) August 18,

(B) September 1, and (C) September 3, 2009..........................................................................34

17. Graph showing average methane concentrations in samples collected at three

sites on Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., in both August and

September 2009...........................................................................................................................35
v

Tables

1. Sample and injection sites for the time-of-travel and reaeration study of

Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., August–September 2009.................................6

2. Stream discharge measured at sites in study reaches, Tacony/Frankford Creek,

Philadelphia, Pa., on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.............................10

3. Minimum, maximum, and mean hourly air temperature, wind speed, wind direction,

and barometric pressure recorded at the Philadelphia International Airport during

study periods on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009....................................16

4. Mass of dye injected into, and measured at, downstream sites on

Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on August 18, September 1, and

September 3, 2009.......................................................................................................................25

5. Summary of time-of-travel characteristics calculated at mid-flowline for dye

injected into three reaches of Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on August

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009 ................................................................................26

6. Reaeration coefficients determined from field method (constant rate injection of

tracer gas) for study sub-reaches in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on

August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009 ..................................................................29

7. Comparison of reaeration coefficients (K2) calculated by theoretical equations

based on stream characteristics and coefficients determined by field methods

using tracer gases for sub-reaches of Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.,

August and September 2009 .....................................................................................................31

8. Comparison of reaeration coefficients (K2) calculated by time offset of maximum

dissolved oxygen method (McBride, 2002) and coefficients determined by field

methods using tracer gases, Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., August and

September 2009 results .............................................................................................................32
vi

Conversion Factors and Abbreviations

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.)

inch (in.)

foot (ft)

mile (mi)

2.54

25.4

 0.3048

1.609

centimeter (cm)

millimeter (mm)

meter (m)

kilometer (km)

Area

acre

acre

acre

square foot (ft2

)

square foot (ft2

)

square mile (mi2

)

square mile (mi2

)

4,047

0.4047

0.004047

929.0

 0.09290

259.0

 2.590

square meter (m2

)

hectare (ha)

square kilometer (km2

)

square centimeter (cm2

)

square meter (m2

)

hectare (ha)

square kilometer (km2

) 

Volume

gallon (gal)

gallon (gal)

million gallons (Mgal)

cubic inch (in3

)

cubic foot (ft3

)

cubic foot (ft3

)

cubic yard (yd3

)

acre-foot (acre-ft)

 3.785

 0.003785

 3,785

0.01639

28.32

 0.02832

0.7646

 0.001233

liter (L) 

cubic meter (m3

) 

cubic meter (m3

)

liter (L)

cubic decimeter (dm3

) 

cubic meter (m3

) 

cubic meter (m3

) 

cubic hectometer (hm3

) 

Flow rate

foot per second (ft/s)

cubic foot per second (ft3

/s)

cubic foot per second per square 

mile [(ft3

/s)/mi2]

cubic foot per day (ft3

/d)

gallon per minute (gal/min)

inch per year (in/yr)

mile per hour (mi/h)

 0.3048

 0.02832

 0.01093

 0.02832

 0.06309

25.4

1.609

meter per second (m/s)

cubic meter per second (m3

/s)

cubic meter per second per square 

kilometer [(m3

/s)/km2]

cubic meter per day (m3

/d)

liter per second (L/s)

millimeter per year (mm/yr)

kilometer per hour (km/h)

Mass

ounce,avoirdupois (oz)

pound, avoirdupois (lb)

28.35

0.4536

gram (g)

kilogram (kg)

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

°F=(1.8×°C)+32

Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) may be converted to degrees Celsius (°C) as follows:

°C=(°F-32)/1.8

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) except where 

noted in text as referenced to National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29).

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).

Elevation, as used in this report, refers to distance above the vertical datum.

Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius (μS/cm at 25°C).

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given either in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 

micrograms per liter (μg/L).
Abstract

Time-of-travel, dispersion characteristics, and oxygen 

reaeration coefficients were determined by use of dye and 

gas tracing for a 2-mile reach of Tacony/Frankford Creek in 

Philadelphia, southeastern Pennsylvania. The reach frequently 

has concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) below the waterquality standard of 4 milligrams per liter during warm months. 

Several large combined sewer overflows (CSOs), including 

one of the largest in Philadelphia (former Wingohocking 

Creek), discharge to the study reach in this urbanized watershed, affecting water quality and the timing and magnitude 

of storm peaks. In addition, a dam that commonly results in 

backwater conditions and reduced natural reaeration is present 

a few hundred feet from the end of the study reach. Time-oftravel and reaeration data were collected under base-flow conditions in August and September 2009 for three sub-reaches 

from Roosevelt Boulevard (U.S. Route 1) to Castor Avenue.

Determination of traveltimes to the centroid of the dye 

cloud were needed for calculation of the reaeration coefficients. Results of the dye study in Tacony/Frankford Creek 

indicate that traveltimes were affected by the presence of 

man-made structures, such as the large pool developed at the 

outfall of the T14 CSO and the dam, both of which reduce 

stream velocities. Mean stream velocities during the dye-tracer 

tests ranged from 0.04 to 0.39 foot per second in sub-reaches. 

The dispersion efficiency of the stream was determined from 

relations between normalized unit concentrations and time to 

peak for use in water-quality modeling.

Oxygen reaeration coefficients determined by a constant 

rate-injection method using propane as the tracer gas were as 

low as 0.04 unit per hour in a long pool affected by backwater conditions behind a dam. The highest reaeration coefficient was 2.29 units per hour for a steep-gradient sub-reach 

with multiple winding channels through gravel deposits, just 

downstream of a large pool developed at the outlet of the T14 

CSO. Reaeration coefficients determined from the field tracergas method were compared to values calculated by two other 

methods, one that is based on theoretical equations using physical properties of the stream as variables and the other that is 

based on equations using the timing of measured daily maximum DO concentrations in the stream. Reaeration coefficients 

from the two alternate methods were most similar to values 

determined from the field tracer-gas method for the upstream 

portion of the study reach, characterized by free-flowing riffle 

and pools. Reaeration coefficients determined by the tracer-gas 

method were 2 to 10 times higher than coefficients determined 

by two alternate methods for most sub-reaches hydraulically 

affected by man-made structures.

In addition to the tracer gas, propane, the gas analysis 

also included methane, ethane, and ethene, of which only 

methane was measured in concentrations above a few micrograms per liter. Methane, thought to occur naturally or because 

of ongoing processes in the stream, was measured in concentrations ranging from 6.6 to 78 micrograms per liter; the concentrations were greatest in sub-reaches dominated by pools.

Introduction

The city of Philadelphia, through the Philadelphia Water 

Department (PWD), is investigating chronic low dissolvedoxygen (DO) conditions in Tacony/Frankford Creek, a minor 

tributary of the Delaware River in southeast Pennsylvania 

(fig. 1). Numerous combined sewer overflows (CSOs) discharge to the creek in Philadelphia, affecting stream water 

quality, and are likely factors in causing low DO concentrations. One of the largest CSOs in the city is at the mouth of a 

former tributary to Tacony/Frankford Creek named Wingohocking Creek, which has been buried and channelized since 

the early 20th century.

Concentrations of DO lower than the Pennsylvania waterquality criterion of an instantaneous minimum of 4.0 mg/L 

for the designated use of warm-water fishes (Pennsylvania 

Department of Environmental Protection, 2009) have been 

documented in the Tacony/Frankford Creek (Jason Cruz, 

Philadelphia Water Dept., written commun., Feb. 9, 2009). 

DO in streams such as Tacony/Frankford Creek is consumed 

in the water column by biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 

sediment oxygen demand (SOD), and metabolism of algae 

Determination of Time-of-Travel, Dispersion 

Characteristics, and Oxygen Reaeration Coefficients 

during Low Streamflows: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek, 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

By Lisa A. Senior and Matthew C. Gyves
2 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Figure 1. Location of Tacony/Frankford Creek, adjacent park land, combined sewer overflows (CSOs), selected streamgages, and underlying geologic units in and near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

STUDY AREA

STUDY AREA

01467086

01467086

Delaware River

Montgomery County

Philadelphia County

Delaware County

Bucks County

GEOLOGIC UNITS

74°45' 74°52'30" 75° 75°7'30" 75°15'

40°07'30"

40°

39°52'30"

PENNSYLVANIA

Dam on creek

Tacony Creek

Tacony Creek Park

75°05'30" 75°06' 75°06'30" 75°07'

40°01'30"

40°01'

EXPLANATION

Pensauken FormationTrenton GravelWissahickon FormationOther bedrock of Paleozoic-ageor olderCounty boundaryTacony-Frankford Basin

USGS streamgage and station numberNational Weather Service Meteorological Station 

EXPLANATION

Fairmount Park Properties

Combined sewer overflows(CSOs)

0 1,000 2,000 FEET 5000 250 500 METERS 125

0 1 2 3 4 5 MILES

0 1 2 3 4 5 KILOMETERS

Philadelphia InternationalAirport

Juniata Golf Course

Frankford Creek

Fall Line

Fall Line

Geology from Miles andWhitfield, 2001; Berg andothers, 1980.

Base from City of Philadelphia LiDAR, 2008

01467087
Introduction 3

and heterotrophic organisms. DO consumed by these processes can be replenished by reaeration across the air-water 

interface. Basic physical factors, such as temperature, also 

affect concentrations of DO in streams. Oxygen solubility is 

inversely related to temperature. Concentrations of DO are 

of particular concern during the low-flow periods in summer 

months, when biological processes are most active and water 

temperatures are highest. As part of the effort to address the 

water-quality problem of low concentrations of DO, the PWD 

needs information about the potential for reaeration in Tacony/

Frankford Creek.

 Reaeration coefficients are used in stream waterquality models to estimate concentrations of DO in reaches 

affected by excessive organic loadings. Stream velocity and 

dispersion characteristics are important physical properties 

that affect stream water quality, including DO. Reaeration 

is directly related to stream velocity, which controls mixing, as well as traveltime through and residence time in, 

pools and riffles. Dispersion, the scattering of particles in 

water, determines concentration attenuation as a solute is 

transported downstream.

Stream velocity, dispersion characteristics, and reaeration coefficients can be determined by time-of-travel studies 

that use dye- and gas-tracer techniques. Velocity and dispersion data collected from a dye injection can be used to make 

predictions regarding time of arrival, peak concentration, and 

duration of a constituent dissolved or suspended in the flow 

at any given point. Analysis of the loss of a tracer gas from 

injection site to downstream sites can be used to determine 

the oxygen reaeration coefficient of stream reaches under the 

study conditions.

In 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the PWD, conducted a study to determine time-oftravel, dispersion characteristics, and oxygen reaeration coefficients for selected reaches in Tacony/Frankford Creek. The 

data contained in this report on the results of the study will 

aid the city of Philadelphia, PWD, as well as State and local 

officials, planners, and managers in making decisions concerning water-quality management in the Tacony/Frankford 

Creek Basin. Water resources in the basin are used for many 

purposes, including recreation and wildlife habitat, as well as 

municipal and industrial purposes. Managing water resources 

for such a variety of uses makes an understanding of physical 

factors such as stream velocity and dispersion characteristics 

essential. However, this study was conducted at one known 

streamflow, and therefore, the extension of results from this 

study to other flow regimes should be made carefully.

Purpose and Scope

This report documents and presents the analysis of data 

collected for determination of stream velocity, dispersion 

characteristics, and oxygen reaeration coefficients for selected 

reaches of Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., during 

summertime low-flow conditions. The dye- and gas-tracer 

studies documented in this report were conducted under baseflow conditions from August 18 through September 3, 2009, 

on three sub-reaches of the 2-mi study reach.

On the basis of data collected from three dye injections, 

traveltimes to leading edge, peak, centroid, and trailing edge 

are presented for downstream sub-reaches. On the basis of 

the results of the dye tracing and concurrent constant-rate 

gas injection, reaeration coefficients for the sub-reaches were 

determined. Values for the reaeration coefficients determined 

from the field tracer-gas method were compared to values 

calculated by two alternate methods that use equations relating 

stream physical characteristics or the timing of daily maximum concentrations of DO to reaeration coefficients.

Description of Study Area

 Tacony/Frankford Creek is a minor tributary to the 

Delaware River and drains about 30.4 mi2 of southern Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in southeastern Pennsylvania (fig. 1). Originating in Montgomery County, Tookany 

Creek flows southward and enters Philadelphia County (and 

also the city of Philadelphia, because the city and county 

borders are coincident), where it is renamed Tacony Creek 

(fig. 1). At the confluence of the former Wingohocking Creek, 

Tacony Creek is renamed Frankford Creek. Sections of the 

stream above and below this confluence are included in the 

study area, and for this report, the stream will hereafter be 

referred to as Tacony/Frankford Creek unless specific reaches 

are otherwise identified.

In Philadelphia, the urban effect on this stream is dramatic, and most of its natural tributary drainage system has 

been diverted into pipes and combined sewers. The original 

stream valleys were leveled with millions of cubic yards of 

fill to provide sites for development. These buried streams 

now flow in some of the largest sewers in the city’s 3,000-mi 

drainage system (Levine, 2004). The USGS mapped estimated 

fill in stream valleys in Philadelphia as part of an analysis 

of topographic change, for which existing topographic maps 

were digitized to allow digital comparison of topography during different time periods (Chirico and Epstein, 2000). Since 

1931, fill in these valleys has resulted in several instances 

of subsidence, which resulted in substantial loss of property 

(Chirico and Epstein, 2000). In most cases, these underground 

streams were designed as combined sewers, carrying both raw 

sewage and stormwater runoff, which is typical of many older 

American cities.

During the late 19th and early half of the 20th centuries, 

major channel and drainage modifications were made within 

this basin and throughout the city. By the mid 1920s, Wingohocking Creek, once the major tributary to Tacony/Frankford 

Creek draining about 13 mi2, had been enclosed completely 

underground. All its base flow has since been diverted to a 

municipal sewage-treatment plant. Other small tributaries have 

also been rerouted with combined storm water and sanitary 

sewers and associated overflow outfalls (CSOs). During rain 
4 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

or snowmelt events, runoff from impervious areas is directed 

to the CSOs. It is likely that these stream modifications and 

large amounts of impervious area associated with urbanization 

in the drainage basin have resulted in decreased infiltration and 

increased runoff and stormflows far exceeding those natural to 

this basin. By the 1940s, flooding on Frankford Creek became 

a regular occurrence, and a flooding-prevention program 

was initiated to determine what channel modifications would 

reduce flooding on Frankford Creek (Knappen Engineering 

Company, 1947). Frankford Creek has since been rerouted and 

channelized below the Wingohocking confluence down to the 

Delaware River. During storm events, numerous other CSOs 

discharge directly to the creek between Castor Avenue and the 

Delaware River. The location of CSOs with National Pollutant 

Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permits 

as of 2007 in the study reach are shown in figure 1.

Other than the open space flanking Tacony/Frankford 

Creek and nearby institutional properties, most of the drainage 

area of the stream in the city of Philadelphia currently is paved 

or developed. From the border with Montgomery County to 

Castor Avenue, a narrow strip of land immediately adjacent 

to, and on both sides of, Tacony/Frankford Creek in Philadelphia (fig. 1) is city-owned open space called Tacony Creek 

Park and is part of the Fairmount Park system. Tacony Creek 

Park is generally unpaved and forested with foot trails. Below 

Wyoming Avenue in the lower part of the study area ending at 

Castor Avenue, the Juniata Golf Course (part of Tacony Creek 

Park) flanks the stream (figs. 1 and 2).

The mouth of the former Wingohocking Creek is commonly referred to as the Wingohocking outfall and has been 

designated as the T14 outfall by the PWD. This CSO outfall is 

on the west bank of the stream near the Juniata Golf Course in 

the Juniata neighborhood of the city (fig. 2). Stormflow enters 

the stream after rising above the level of a gate within the 

CSO. Below this former confluence, Tacony Creek is renamed 

Frankford Creek until the stream flows into the Delaware 

River about 2.8 mi downstream.

Figure 2. Study reach of Tacony/Frankford Creek and estimated location of nearby buried stream valleys in Philadelphia, Pa.

ROOSEVELT BLVD (ROUTE 1)

WYOMING AVE

SNAKE RD 

CASTOR AVE

RUSCOMB ST

75°06'30" 75°06' 75°05'30"

40°01'30"

40°01'

Base from City of Philadelphia, 2008 0 500 1,000 2,000 FEET

NAD 1983 State Plane Pennsylvania South FIPS 3702 Feet

EXPLANATION

U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 

and station number

014670863 Dye injection location and site number

Sampling location and site name and

number 014670865

TACO285

Combined sewer overflow (CSO) and

T14 CSO identification number

Estimated fill (Chirico and Epstein,2000)

Possible fill

Probable fill

0 120 240 480 METERS

01467087

014670865

TACO285

TACO250

01467087

014670869

TACO260

F04

014670866

TACO275

014670867

TACO269 014670868

TACO263

T14

T15

T12

T13

T11

TACO315

T09 T10

014670863

014670864
Introduction 5

The USGS operates two continuous streamgages currently measuring stage and water quality on Tacony/Frankford 

Creek, 01467086 Tacony Creek above Adams Avenue (Adams 

streamgage) and 01467087 Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue 

(Castor streamgage) in cooperation with the PWD (fig. 1). The 

Adams streamgage, located approximately at the city boundary, has a drainage area of 16.7 mi2 and has been active since 

being restarted September 2005. An historical streamgage, 

Tacony Creek at County Line, located 1,000 ft upstream 

from the current Adams streamgage at the same datum, 

was active from 1965 to 1986. The elevation of the Adams 

streamgage datum is 61.11 ft above NGVD 29. The Castor 

streamgage has a drainage area of about 30.4 mi2 and has 

been active since establishment in 1982. The elevation of the 

Castor streamgage datum is 16.56 ft above NGVD 29. Under 

base-flow conditions, little to no gain in streamflow typically 

is measured between the Adams and Castor streamgages 

because of diverted tributary base flow and low rates of 

groundwater discharge.

Tookany, Tacony, and Frankford Creeks are relatively 

low-gradient streams. From topographic maps, the mean 

slope is estimated to range from 0.001 to 0.007 ft/ft in the 

study area.

Study Reach

The study reach is a 2-mi section of Tacony/Frankford 

Creek, which extends from just above Roosevelt Boulevard 

(U.S. Route 1) to the USGS Castor streamgage (01467087) 

(fig. 2). The PWD has assigned identification numbers to sites 

on Tacony/Frankford Creek that will be used hereafter to identify the ends of sub-reaches, such as TACO250 for the Castor 

streamgage (fig. 2; table 1).

The channel of Tacony Creek is relatively natural in the 

upper part of the study section from Route 1 to above the 

T14 outfall (fig. 2). Below the confluence of the T14 outfall, 

Frankford Creek is an urban stream with channels altered 

by humans. In the lower part of the study section, which 

flows through the neighborhoods of Juniata and Frankford, 

the stream has been straightened and, about 680 ft upstream 

from the Castor streamgage, is dammed and partly lined with 

concrete. At and downstream from the Castor streamgage, 

Frankford Creek is an artificially straightened and cleared trapezoidal channel with a concrete bed until the stream empties 

into the Delaware River. Design capacity of the cutoff channel 

is 10,000 ft3/s (Knappen Engineering Company, 1947).

 In the stream reaches studied, no streamflow is withdrawn or diverted. However, on the basis of a series of streamflow measurements, the stream appears to lose water in some 

reaches, perhaps to groundwater or to leaky gravity interceptors within the sewer system (Jason Cruz, Philadelphia Water 

Department, oral commun., 2009).

Relations between stream stage and flow in the study area 

are dominated by in-stream section controls, such as weirs and 

riffles. In the upper sub-reach of the study section from Route 

1 to the Snake Road bridge upstream from Wyoming Avenue 

(fig. 2), the stream appears to flow through a relatively natural 

series of riffles and pools, with pool depths generally less than 

2 ft under base-flow conditions observed in August and September 2009. From the Snake Road bridge to the dam in the 

golf course (site TACO260, fig. 2), the presence of man-made 

structures such as the bridges, CSO outfalls, and the dam itself 

have resulted in scour holes and (or) backwater conditions, 

and thus greater stream depths, up to about 3 ft or more in 

places. In backwater conditions, flow typically is restricted 

(or obstructed) such that stream velocities upstream from the 

restriction are reduced relative to free-flowing stream velocities, and the amount of water in storage in the reach upstream 

from the restriction increases as streamflow increases.

The stream follows a natural channel from the Snake 

Road bridge to the confluence with the T14 CSO outfall 

(fig. 2), where the stream surface area expands and stream 

depth increases because of the scouring at the outfall. Immediately downstream from the scour pool at the T14 CSO 

outfall (hereafter referred to as the T14 pool), a large gravel 

bar divides the stream into two channels and then multiple 

winding shallow channels (site TACO269 is at the head of the 

gravel bar, fig. 2). Large boulders and slabs of concrete are 

present at the head of the gravel bar. Towards the downstream 

end of the steep reach associated with the gravel bar, the 

stream converges to form a single channel near site TACO263 

(fig. 2). Another CSO outfall (T15, fig. 2) discharges to this 

reach from the south side of the stream. About 1,500 ft downstream from the gravel bar is a concrete dam (site TACO260, 

fig. 2) that obstructs flow, causing backwater conditions and 

resulting in a large pool that extends about 1,000 ft upstream 

from the dam. Although the dam is notched, the notch commonly is blocked with debris and trash in the stream, which 

exacerbates backwater conditions. During summer 2009 

base-flow conditions, depths in the pool immediately behind 

the dam were about 3.5 ft when the notch was blocked and 

less than 2 ft when the notch was open (fig. 3). Just below the 

notch in the dam, a concrete slab covers the streambed to a 

v-notch weir, which causes turbulence and associated reaeration of the stream. Below the weir, the stream flows again 

through a series of riffles and pools down to the concrete 

control at the Castor streamgage (site TACO250, fig. 2).

Geology and Physiography

The city of Philadelphia straddles two physiographic 

provinces, the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the Piedmont (Sevon, 

2000). The Coastal Plain is a flat-lying area consisting of 

unconsolidated sediments of Tertiary and Cretaceous age that 

were deposited on older metamorphic rocks of the Piedmont 

(fig. 1). The surficial contact that separates the Coastal Plain 

from the rolling topography of the Piedmont is the Fall Line. 

From the Fall Line, the Coastal Plain deposits dip gently to the 

southeast, and this orientation partly controls the general flow 

direction of creeks in the Philadelphia area.

The Piedmont is traversed by many deep narrow stream 

valleys. Near the Fall Line in Philadelphia, most of these 
6 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek Table 1. Sample and injection sites for the time-of-travel and reaeration study of Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., August–September 2009. Sites listed in downstream order. Streambed elevations estimated from 2-foot contour map (Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commision, 2006) and lidar data (Philadelphia Water Department, written commun., 2009). [PWD, Philadelphia Water Department; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; --, no PWD name; mi2, square miles; ft, feet; NAVD 88, North American Vertical Datum of 1988] PWD site name Site description USGS site number Drainage area (mi2

)

USGS site name

Streambed 

elevation 

(ft above 

NAVD 88)

Reach 

length1

(ft)

Reach 

slope

(ft/ft)

-- Injection site near U.S. Route 1 014670863 20.5 Tacony Creek near Olney 47 0

TACO315 Sample site near Ruscomb Street 014670864 20.6 Tacony Creek at Feltonville 43 1,355 0.003TACO285 Injection and sample site downstream from 

Snake Road bridge

014670865 21.1 Tacony Creek near Crescentville 32 4,365 .003

TACO275 Sample site above T14 CSO pool 014670866 21.2 Tacony Creek near Feltonville 30 1,740 .001TACO269 Injection and sample site below T14 CSO pool 014670867 29.61 Frankford Creek near Juniata Park near Frankford 29.5 470 .001TACO263 Sample site below large gravel bar 014670868 29.63 Frankford Creek in Juniata Park near Frankford 25 610 .007TACO260 Sample site at dam in golf course 014670869 29.9 Frankford Creek near Frankford 24 1,310 .001TACO250 Sample site at Castor Avenue streamgage 01467087 30.4 Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue, Philadelphia 16.6 680 .011

1Distance from closest upstream site.
Introduction 7

Figure 3. Backwater conditions in Frankford Creek at the dam in the Juniata 

Golf Course, Philadelphia, Pa., (A) when the dam notch was open on July 18, 

2009, and (B) when the dam notch was completely blocked on August 18, 2009. 

(Photograph 3B by Hannah Hamilton, U.S. Geological Survey, August 18, 2009. 
8 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

valleys have eroded through the Coastal Plain sediments and 

exposed the underlying rocks of the Wissahickon Formation, 

a metasedimentary rock of Paleozoic age in the Piedmont 

(Bobyshell, 2006; Bascom and others, 1909). On the basis 

of topographic maps of Philadelphia published in the 1890s 

(Bascom and others, 1909), these stream valleys, some of 

which were later filled in, averaged about 1,000 ft in width and 

ranged from depths as much as 60 ft in the Coastal Plain to 

more than 120 ft in the Piedmont.

The study reach spans the Fall Line. In the upstream 

section of the study reach, the drainage area of Tacony/Frankford Creek is underlain solely by the Wissahickon Formation 

(fig. 1). In the middle-to-lower sections of the study reach, the 

creek has cut down through the Coastal Plain deposits exposing the bedrock in places.

Methods of Data Collection and 

Analysis

This study used a single slug injection of the tracer dye 

and a constant-rate-injection (CRI) of the tracer gas to determine time-of-travel and dispersion characteristics and reaeration coefficients. Time-of-travel and dispersion characteristics 

were calculated on the basis of documented procedures contained in USGS Techniques of Water Resources Investigations 

(TWRIs) (Hubbard and others, 1982; Kilpatrick and Cobb, 

1985; Kilpatrick and Wilson, 1989) as well as Jobson (1996). 

In the CRI method, changes in concentrations of the tracer 

gas (propane) between sampling points are used to determine 

oxygen reaeration coefficients for the reach. Procedures for 

the reaeration component of the study are documented in Kilpatrick and others (1989). In general, unless noted, standard 

procedures described in these reports were followed during 

the study.

Because the city of Philadelphia was concerned with low 

concentrations of DO during typical low streamflow in the 

vicinity of the Castor streamgage during the warm summer 

months, the study was conducted during base-flow conditions 

with stable streamflows while water temperatures were warm. 

All field work was done from mid July through early September 2009.

Stream Reach Selection

Estimates of stream velocity, in addition to other information, are needed to select practical injection and sample 

locations that define the ends of sub-reaches. To simplify computation of dye traveltime and dispersion at selected locations 

downstream from the injection, the dye must be completely 

mixed vertically and laterally in the streamflow. The length 

of channel required for optimum mixing depends on stream 

velocity, width, depth, and slope. Using information collected 

from preliminary field surveys, or estimated on the basis of 

historical data, and topographic maps, the distance necessary 

to ensure mixing at the first downstream sampling section 

from proposed injection sites on Tacony/Frankford Creek was 

calculated by standard methods (Kilpatrick and Wilson, 1989)

A preliminary estimate of mean stream velocity was 

obtained by evaluating specific conductance data from the 

two USGS continuous-record streamgages (fig. 1), Adams 

streamgage (station 01467086) and Castor streamgage (station 

01467087), that are equipped with water-quality monitors 

maintained by PWD. Specific conductance minima related to 

stormflow dilution during small stream rises in July 2009 were 

used to estimate traveltime and mean velocity for 3.46 stream 

miles between these two streamgages. Using this approach, 

the estimated traveltime was about 18 hours, and an estimated 

mean velocity of approximately 0.28 ft/s was used to plan 

initial sampling intervals and injection times.

Field reconnaissance was necessary to refine the estimated time-of-travel, to select actual sampling sites, and to 

plan logistics for this study. To estimate mean velocity for 

each individual smaller sub-reach, informal streamflow measurements were made at several locations in July 2009. Reconnaissance of the lower part of the reach included inspection of 

the T14 pool and individual hydraulic structures to estimate 

the effects of these features on time-of-travel and reaeration. 

An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) was used to 

determine depths and velocities in the pool just downstream 

from the T14 CSO outfall where the channel widens and 

deepens substantially. The pool below the T14 CSO outfall is 

approximately an acre in size and is clearly visible in aerial 

photos (fig. 4). Data collected by the ADCP at the T14 pool 

show that channel depth and cross-sectional area increases 

dramatically as the stream enters the pool. Under base-flow 

conditions, stream depths are typically less than 2 ft upstream 

from the pool, but depths are as great as 12 ft in the pool. 

Velocity measurements within the pool were extremely low, 

less than 0.10 ft/s.

To evaluate the extent of stratification of this large pool 

and its potential effect on traveltime through the pool, a sonde 

with four water-quality sensors (temperature, DO, specific 

conductance, and pH) was towed behind a kayak and lowered in several locations throughout the pool. The largest 

differences in water quality with depth were for temperature, 

which ranged from 2 to 2.5°C between readings taken at the 

surface and near-bottom depths of the pool. Smaller changes 

in concentrations of DO (1–2 mg/L) and specific conductance 

(600–680 μS/cm) were also noted during this brief survey of 

field conditions. On the basis of this initial survey, stratification of the pool seemed likely, and dye loss due to storage 

within the pool during the study was expected to be minimal.

The stream constricts again at the outlet of the T14 pool 

but separates into two main channels at the head of a gravel 

bar (fig. 4). Because of the possibility that the tracer dye might 

not be well mixed exiting the pool, plans were made to collect 

dye and gas samples at three cross-section points representing 

flowlines (25, 50, and 75 percent of flow) at sites just upstream 

from the T14 pool, just downstream from the T14 pool at the 
Methods of Data Collection and Analysis 9

Figure 4. Configuration of gravel bar at outlet of pool below T14 combined sewer overflow outfall on Tacony/Frankford Creek, 

Philadelphia, Pa., 2008.

T14 

T15

75°06'26" 75°06'24" 75°06'22" 75°06'20" 75°06'18"

40°01'03"

40°01'01" 

40°00'59"

1:1,000

0 50 100 FEET

Base from City of Philadelphia, 2008 

NAD 1983 State Plane Pennsylvania South FIPS 3702 Feet

EXPLANATION

Stream site sampling point and name

Combined sewer overflow (CSO)

outfall and CSO identification number

0 10 METERS

TACO269 TACO269

TACO275 TACO275

Juniata Golf Course

Gravel bar Gravel bar

TACO275

T14 
10 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

head of the gravel bar, and immediately downstream from the 

gravel bar where flow converged to form a single channel.

Upon completion of the initial reconnaissance, it was 

determined that low stream velocities and logistics precluded 

the entire study from being conducted continuously and 

that the study reach would be divided into two sub-sections 

to shorten sampling duration. Safety was largely a concern 

because of hazardous conditions associated with night-time 

sampling and because access to the study reaches through the 

Juniata Golf Course was limited after dark, about 8 p.m. in 

August. A total of three sub-sections were eventually selected 

for the overall study, although initially only two (an upper 

and lower) sub-sections were planned. Sample and injection 

sites were assigned separate identification names and numbers by PWD and USGS (table 1; fig. 2) to be consistent with 

both the PWD and USGS databases. In downstream order, 

the sites were: the injection location at Route 1; sampling 

site at Ruscomb Street (TACO315); sampling and injection 

site just below Snake Road bridge (TACO285); sampling site 

just above the T14 pool (TACO275); sampling and injection site just below the T14 pool at the head of the gravel bar 

(TACO269); sampling site below gravel bar (TACO263); sampling site in pool just above dam at golf course (TACO260); 

and sampling site at Castor streamgage (TACO250). The 

actual sequence of sites sampled on each day is listed in 

table 2.

The lower sub-section study was conducted first on 

August 18, 2009, and initially was planned to extend from 

the injection site below the Snake Road bridge (TACO285) 

to the Castor streamgage (TACO 250). Because of thunderstorms during the evening on August 18, gas and dye sampling was terminated at about 8 p.m. before the dye cloud had 

passed completely through the two most downstream sampling 

sites (TACO260, TACO250) as indicated by dye concentrations collected up to that time. Field conditions, including 

long traveltimes in the pool behind the dam at the golf course, 

required that the original lower sub-section (above T14 pool 

to the Castor streamgage) be sub-divided into two shorter 

overlapping sections. Gas and dye sampling had to be repeated 

in the section of the lower reach below the T14 pool to the 

Castor streamgage.

A supplemental dye study was conducted on August 20, 

2009, after the first run on August 18 to evaluate the effects of 

backwater at a dam on the Juniata Golf Course on traveltime 

and sampling schedules. These data collected on August 20 

underwent only preliminary analysis and are not reported here, 

although samples were retained for further analysis if warranted. During August 18–20, a shopping cart and excessive 

Table 2. Stream discharge measured at sites in study reaches, Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on August 18, 

September 1, and September 3, 2009.

[PWD, Philadelphia Water Department; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; Q, stream discharge; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; --, no data or not measured]

Date PWD

site name

USGS

site number Site description

Distance 

from

injection 

point

(feet)

Q1

(ft3/s)

Reach gain 

(loss)

(ft3/s)

Reach gain 

(loss)

(percent)

8/18/2009 TACO285 014670865 Injection/Snake Road bridge 0 15.4 -- --

TACO275 014670866 Above T14 CSO pool 2,190 14.8 -0.6 -3.9

TACO269 014670867 Below T14 CSO pool 2,660 15.2 .4 2.7

TACO263 014670868 Below gravel bar/large riffle 3,270 12.1 -3.1 -20.4

TACO260 014670869 At dam 4,580 13.4 1.3 10.7

TACO250 01467087 Castor streamgage 5,260 13.0 - .4 -3.0

9/1/2009 TACO269 014670867 Injection/below T14 CSO pool 0 15.7 -- --

TACO263 014670868 Below gravel bar/large riffle 610 15.8 .1 .6

TACO260 014670869 At dam 1,920 16.7 .9 5.7

TACO250 01467087 Castor streamgage 2,600 16.4 - .3 -1.8

9/3/2009 -- 014670863 Injection/Route 1 0 14.2

TACO315 014670864 Ruscomb Street 1,355 14.9 .7 4.9

TACO285 014670865 Near Snake Road bridge 5,270 15.2 .3 2.0

TACO275 014670866 Above T14 CSO pool 7,460 15.0 -1.3 - .2

TACO250 01467087 Castor streamgage 15.0

1

Discharge in italics estimated; underlined discharge from gage.
Methods of Data Collection and Analysis 11

trash were stuck in the notch at the siltation dam resulting in 

at least 1 ft of backwater, thus substantially changing transport 

characteristics of the stream. It was concluded that periodic 

maintenance of the notch by golf-course personnel reduces 

backwater conditions, consequently decreasing traveltimes 

through the impoundment.

The remaining two sub-sections of the time-of-travel and 

reaeration study were conducted on September 1 and 3, 2009, 

after golf-course personnel partially cleared the obstruction in 

the notch in the dam (site TACO260). On September 1, for the 

study of the most-downstream sub-section, dye was injected 

just below the large T14 pool (TACO269), and samples were 

collected at TACO263, TACO260, and TACO250 (fig. 2). On 

September 3, for the study of the upstream-most sub-section, 

dye was injected just upstream from Route 1 (Roosevelt 

Boulevard), and samples were collected at sites TACO315, 

TACO285, and TACO275 (fig. 2).

Discharge Measurements

To characterize streamflow conditions and quantify dye 

recovery, discharge measurements were made at each sampling location. Measurement techniques conformed to standard USGS methods established by Rantz and others (1982). 

In addition, discharge measurements made prior to the arrival 

of the dye were used to partition stream cross sections into 

25, 50, and 75 percent of flow for locating sample collection 

points at a stream site.

Discharge measurements were made at all stream 

sampling locations, except at the Castor streamgage 

(TACO250) on August 18, 2009, and the site just above the 

T14 CSO pool (TACO275) on September 3, 2009. Stage data 

at the Castor streamgage were used to determine discharge 

for the TACO250 site on August 18, 2009. Stream discharge 

at TACO275 was assumed to be about the same as the nearest upstream site TACO285 on September 3, 2009, as it was 

on August 18, 2009. Measurements of discharge made by 

USGS for the study (table 2) are stored in and available for 

retrieval from the USGS National Water Information System 

(NWIS) database.

Water-Quality and Stage Measurements

Multi-parameter water-quality sondes (model YSI 6920 

V2 with optical sensor for DO) were placed in the stream at 

dye sampling sites on each study day to monitor selected characteristics and water depth. The sondes measured and recorded 

water temperature, pH, specific conductance, concentration 

of DO, and stream depth continuously at 5-minute intervals, 

except at the Castor streamgage (TACO250), where an existing sonde installed for long-term measurements recorded data 

every 30 minutes. The sondes used at sampling sites were 

provided and calibrated by the PWD a few days before August 

18, 2009, using USGS standard procedures (Wagner and others, 2006) and were not recalibrated over the study period. 

The sonde at the Castor streamgage was calibrated by PWD 

on August 5, on the morning of August 18, and on August 

25, 2009 (Stanton Popewiny, Philadelphia Water Department, 

written commun., August 2009). Whenever possible, the same 

sonde was used at a given site if that site was to be sampled on 

multiple days. Data from these sondes (listed in appendix 1) 

were used to evaluate stability of stream stage and variability 

of water temperature and chemical characteristics at sites during the study.

Dye Injection, Sample Collection, and Analysis

Standard field procedures (Kilpatrick and Wilson, 1989) 

and fluorometric procedures (Wilson and others, 1986) for 

conducting time-of-travel and dispersion studies using dye 

tracers were followed. The dye tracer used for this study was 

rhodamine WT, a nontoxic, fluorescent red chemical dye composed of 20 percent raw (active) dye material. Resulting dye 

concentrations in micrograms per liter or parts per billion were 

measured over a period of time to define the entire passage of 

the dye cloud. A total of four dye injections were made while 

conducting this study. Three of these (on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009) are presented in this report.

On August 18, August 20, September 1, and September 3, 

2009, a pre-determined quantity of 20-percent rhodamine WT 

was injected at the head of each sub-section by rapidly pouring 

the dye into the stream. Injections were made at midchannel, 

multipoint, or as a line injection across predominant flowlines 

(fig. 5, photo of injection). Locations of dye-injection sites and 

sampling points are shown in figure 2.

To prevent contamination and interference from background levels of fluorescence, the downstream sub-section 

was injected first, to be followed by injection on the upstream 

subsection on a later day. However, as stated earlier in this 

report, the downstream section needed to be subdivided so 

that the injection on the most downstream subsection was on 

September 1 and injection on the most upstream subsection 

was on September 3, 2009. The mass of dye injected was 

determined by standard equations described by Hubbard and 

others (1982). Edges of the stream were not “tagged” with dye 

during injection to prevent dye from being held up in small 

eddies near streambanks. The amount of dye to be injected is 

calculated by considering factors of stream discharge, mean 

stream velocity, and the distance to and the minimum dye 

concentration expected at the farthest downstream sampling 

location. For this study, a target concentration of 10 μg/L at 

the downstream-most sampling location was used to estimate 

the amount of dye for injection. Given that dye amounts were 

so small, the actual mass injected was determined by weight 

using a specific gravity of 1.08, a value supplied by the manufacturer (Abbey Color, oral commun., August 2009).

At each sampling site, prior to the arrival of the dye 

cloud, a sample was collected to determine background 

fluorescence of the water in the stream that was later subtracted from the sample fluorescence. Subsequently, a series 
12 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

of samples was collected at each site to sufficiently define 

the passage of the dye cloud, typically to 2 percent of peak 

concentration.

Water samples were collected and analyzed for dye 

concentrations using standard methods (Kilpatrick and Wilson, 

1989). Samples were collected by dipping a 100-mL polyethylene bottle into the stream at approximately 0.6 depth at 

the sampling location. Samples were collected at up to three 

locations in each stream cross section. Typically, the first site 

downstream from an injection required collecting samples at 

locations representing the 25, 50, and 75-percent flowlines 

(corresponding to measured 25, 50, and 75 percent of flow 

measured in the cross section) to verify complete mixing. On 

August 18, however, samples were collected at points representing the 25, 50, and 75-percent flowlines at three sampling 

sites closest downstream from the dye injection to provide 

data on the extent of mixing, where unknown and possibly 

incomplete, through the complex sub-reach including the T14 

CSO pool and divided channel of the gravel bar (fig. 4). At all 

other sampling sites, complete mixing was assumed, and only 

a single sample was collected at a point on the cross section 

representing the 50-percent flowline (50 percent of total flow).

Dye samples were analyzed in the field to define the 

progress of the dye cloud and to establish sampling frequency 

and duration. All samples were retained for subsequent analysis in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Samples for 

laboratory analysis were stored in closed containers to minimize possible photodegradation of the dye. Because fluorescence is strongly affected by temperature, samples were placed 

in a 70°F water bath in the laboratory and allowed to stabilize 

before measuring sample fluorescence with the fluorometer. 

Results of laboratory analysis of the dye samples are listed in 

appendix 2.

In the field and laboratory, fluorometer readings were 

taken within several seconds of placing the sample in the 

cuvette holder once readings stabilized. Fluorometer readings were made using the most sensitive scale applicable to 

each sample. Typically, this required the lowest setting on the 

fluorometer, which read in the range from 0 to 10 μg/L. The 

Turner Model 10-AU fluorometer was calibrated using standards of known concentration from the same dye lot as that 

injected. All samples were corrected for background levels of 

fluorescence on the basis of water samples collected before 

dye arrival.

Dye Quality Control

Quality control was assured during the study by checking 

fluorometer calibration in both the field and laboratory before 

and after field measurements using samples of known concentration from the same dye lot as that injected. Field blanks 

were collected at every sampling site each day. The fluorescence of distilled water, a laboratory blank, was also measured 

as a control. The dye standards were checked several times 

each day to assure calibration stability.

Dye Data Smoothing

For data analysis, dye concentrations were smoothed 

using a LOESS utility (Peltier, 2009) for Microsoft Excel. 

LOESS smoothing is a modern modeling method that builds 

on classical methods, such as linear and nonlinear least 

squares regression analysis. Modern regression techniques are 

designed to address situations in which the classical procedures do not perform well or cannot be effectively applied 

without excessive work. LOESS combines much of the 

simplicity of linear least squares regression with the flexibility 

of nonlinear regression. It does this by fitting simple linear 

models to localized subsets of the data to build up a function 

that describes variation in the data, point by point.

Figure 5. Dye injection and propane 

gas diffusion on September 3, 2009, in 

Tacony/Frankford Creek near U.S. Route 1, 

Philadelphia, Pa.

(Photograph by Jason Cruz, Philadelphia Water 

Department, on September 3, 2009.)

Bubbles from propane 

gas diffusers breaking 

surface of stream

Direction of streamflow
Methods of Data Collection and Analysis 13

The use of weights is based on the idea that points near 

each other in the explanatory variable space are more likely 

to be related to each other in a simple way (linear) than points 

that are further apart. Following this logic, points that are 

likely to follow the local model best influence model parameter estimates the most. Points that are less likely to actually 

conform to the local model have less influence on the estimates (Cleveland and Devlin, 1988).

Propane Gas Injection, Sample Collection, and 

Analysis

Standard field procedures (Kilpatrick and others, 1989) 

for conducting the reaeration component of the study using the 

constant-rate-injection method for one-dimensional-dispersion 

state were followed. The tracer gas used for this study was 

commercially available propane, obtained in 100-lb cylinders. 

The gas was injected at a nearly constant rate into the stream 

through two 2-ft long ceramic diffusers placed on the streambed at the dye-injection location. The rate of gas injection was 

monitored throughout each dye run (appendix 3).

On August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, 

propane gas was injected at the head of each sub-section by 

adjusting the gas flow until bubbles were just visibly breaking 

the surface of the stream, as can be seen about 25 ft upstream 

from the dye injection on September 3 (fig. 5). Injections were 

made at two points located at approximately 25 and 75 percent 

of flow in the stream cross section, typically at, or a few feet 

upstream from, where dye was injected. Locations of dye and 

gas injection sites and downstream sampling sites for the three 

study subsections are shown in figure 2.

Gas samples in triplicate were collected at 20-minute 

intervals over a period of about 2 hours using a modified DO 

sampler (fig. 6). The sampler was loaded with three empty 

glass 40-mL vials (fig. 6) and plastic tubing was inserted into 

each vial before screwing on the sampler lid. The sampler 

was immersed to about 0.6 depth at sampling points at each 

stream site, and wooden plugs sealing the plastic tubing were 

removed, allowing stream water to fill the glass vials from the 

bottom several times. Plugs to the plastic tubes were replaced 

when all air in the sampler chamber had been displaced, and 

the sampler was moved to the edge of the stream for sample 

processing. For sample preservation, 2 mL of concentrated 

hydrochloric acid was injected using a syringe into each filled 

sample vial, and vials were capped underwater and chilled on 

ice. Samples were shipped overnight to a commercial laboratory (TestAmerica in Austin, Tex). When shipping samples, it 

was noted in information for the laboratory that a few samples 

(appendix 2) had small air bubbles in one or two of the three 

40-mL vials that comprised a sample so that they could avoid 

analysis of vials with bubbles. No sample was shipped with 

bubbles in all three vials. The laboratory reported that all 

samples were received in good condition except that sample 

pH was greater than 2 despite acidification in the field with 

hydrochloric acid.

Gas concentrations in the water samples were determined 

by the laboratory method RSKSOP-175 (Hudson, 2004). 

The minimum reporting level (MRL) for propane concentration was 0.5 μg/L for undiluted samples and was 1.5 μg/L 

for samples diluted 3-fold. About 30 percent of the environmental samples were not diluted and have the lower MRL of 

0.5 μg/L; the remainder had the higher MRL of 1.5 μg/L.

Gas Sample Quality Control

Quality control was assured during the study by collection and analysis of field blanks, field replicates, trip blanks, 

and review of laboratory results. Field blanks of stream water 

were collected at one sampling site each day, typically in the 

morning before dye or gas had arrived at the stream site. One 

trip blank accompanied the environmental samples collected 

on September 3, 2009. Propane was not detected in any field 

blank or trip blank. Review of laboratory data included evaluation of gas recovery rates in matrix spike samples and comparison to other gases included in the analysis.

Field replicates were collected by immersing a second 

gas sampler adjacent to the primary sampler within 1 minute 

of primary sample collection. Field replicates were collected at 

one sampling site each day during the 2-hour period of watersample collection for gas analysis. Differences in concentrations between replicate environmental samples ranged from 

6 to 8 percent. These differences between concentrations in 

replicate environmental samples were similar to those reported 

for matrix spike sample duplicates prepared in the laboratory. 

Differences in concentrations between five pairs of matrix 

spike duplicates ranged from about 2 to 10 percent with a 

median of 5 percent. In contrast, differences in concentrations 

between six pairs of laboratory check duplicates were lower, 

ranging from 0 to 5 percent, and were about 2 percent for most 

(four of six) pairs.

In addition to propane, concentrations of methane, 

ethane, and ethene gases were reported by the laboratory 

(appendix 2), although not requested as part of the analyses. Concentrations of methane were consistently above the 

reporting level and were used to assess relative recovery of 

the tracer gas propane. The methane gas is produced within 

the stream and was measured in background samples. Lower 

reported concentrations of methane generally correspond to 

lower reported propane concentrations at a given site (fig. 7), 

suggesting some loss of both gases in sampling and (or) laboratory procedures. The relations between reported concentrations of methane and propane gas at each site also suggest that 

the highest reported propane concentrations at each site are 

probably the most accurate.
14 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Figure 6. Diagram (A) and photograph (B) of the gas sampler used to collect stream samples for gas analysis in the reaeration study on 

Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., 2009. (Photograph by Andrew Reif, U.S. Geological Survey)

Lid screws onto lower 

section of sampler and

has tubing to vent 

displaced air

Stream water flows in 

through plastic tubing to

glass vials in sampler

Water flows into

bottom of 40-milliliter

glass vials, displacing

air and at least three

volumes of water 

Sampler is 6-inch diameter PVC pipe,

capped at bottom, with screwed on lid,

that holds three 40-milliliter glass vials 

A

B
Methods of Data Collection and Analysis 15

Figure 7. Methane concentrations in relation 

to propane concentrations in stream samples 

at each site sampled on (A) August 18, 2009;

(B) September 1, 2009; and (C) September 3, 

2009.

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

TACO275 (R, M, L)

TACO269 (R, M, L)

TACO263 (R, M, L)

EXPLANATION 

A 

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

Metthane concentration, in micrograms per liter 

TACO263 (R, M, L)

TACO260 (M)

TACO250 (M)

B 

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Propane concentration, in micrograms per liter 

TACO315 (R, M, L)

TACO285 (R, M, L)

TACO275 (M)

C 

Sample sites with designations

showing location of sample

collection in stream channel, where

R=right, M=middle, and L=left
16 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Determination of Time-of-Travel 

Characteristics and Reaeration 

Coefficients

Measurements of time-of-travel of a dye tracer are used 

to define the movement of a solute in a river. The movement 

(response curve) of the dye tracer slug is used to help determine the reaeration coefficients. The movement of the dye also 

can be used to determine mean stream velocity and dispersion 

of a solute. For this study, the time-of-travel characteristics 

and reaeration coefficients were determined for one set of 

stream conditions.

Study Conditions

 Ideally, the conditions of constant stream discharge 

(steady flow) and constant weather (wind speed and direction, air temperature, barometric pressure) need to be met to 

most simply determine reaeration rates. Equations used to 

calculate traveltimes for dye and gas (Kilpatrick and others, 1989) for this study assume constant stream discharge 

and do not include adjustments for any weather conditions 

except temperature. Weather conditions affect the rate of gas 

exchange from the creek and thus can affect reaeration rates. 

For example, rates of propane degassing or reaeration change 

in relation to the amount of wind shear on the surface of the 

water. Variable weather conditions during the course of the 

study may introduce complicating factors in determination of 

reaeration coefficients.

Weather Conditions

The study was conducted over three seasonably warm, 

dry, and relatively calm days in August and September 2009. 

Hourly air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and barometric pressure data available for the nearby National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather station at 

the Philadelphia International Airport (fig. 1) were used to 

assess weather conditions for the study area. During the study 

periods on each day, these data show that mean air temperatures ranged from 20.8 to 26.4°C and were 4 to 6°C higher on 

August 18 than on September 1 and 3, 2009 (table 3).

 Median wind speeds were similar and ranged from about 

8 to 10 mi/h on all study days, but wind directions differed 

over the study period (fig. 8). On August 18, 2009, the wind 

direction was predominantly from the southwest, whereas on 

September 1 and 3, 2009, the wind direction was predominantly from the east (fig. 8). The most downstream reach of 

the study area is oriented nearly east-west and the surface of 

the creek was observed to be blown slightly upstream when 

the wind was coming from the east on September 1, 2009. 

This lower reach is the widest and the least sheltered by 

topography and vegetation compared to the upper reaches in 

the study area and, therefore, potentially most affected by the 

wind direction and speed.

Barometric pressure ranged from 29.95 to 30.26 in. over 

the study periods on August 18, September 1, and September 

3, 2009, slightly higher than the estimated average of about 

29.92 in. for Philadelphia and well within the historical record 

minimum and maximum barometric pressures reported in 

August in Philadelphia of 29.40 and 30.46 in., respectively 

(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2010). On 

each study day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., the range in barometric 

pressure was 0.14 in. or less and, thus, was relatively constant 

for the day.

On August 18, 2009, a thunderstorm occurred at about 

8 p.m. This storm was accompanied by a decrease in air temperature and an increase in barometric pressure (fig. 8). The 

barometric pressure declined from 30.08 in. at about 6 a.m. 

to a low of 29.95 in. at about 6 p.m. before rising slightly to 

30.01 in. at 8 p.m. All dye and gas samples were collected 

from 6 to 8 p.m. prior to the onset of the storm.

Table 3. Minimum, maximum, and mean hourly air temperature, 

wind speed, wind direction, and barometric pressure recorded 

at the Philadelphia International Airport during study periods 

on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009. Data from 

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA).

[degrees C, degrees Celsius; mi/h, miles per hour; inches Hg, inches of 

mercury]

Air

temperature

(degrees C)

Wind

speed

(mi/h)

Wind

direction1

(degrees)

Barometric 

pressure

(inches Hg)

August 18, 2009, from 05:54 to 20:13

Minimum 22.0 0.0 0 29.95

Maximum 32.8 33.0 280 30.08

Mean 26.4 13.0 222 30.02

Median 25.0 10.0 220 30.01

September 1, 2009, from 05:54 to 19:54

Minimum 14.4 6.0 30 30.20

Maximum 24.4 11.0 360 30.26

Mean 20.8 8.1 107 30.23

Median 21.7 8.0 70 30.23

September 3, 2009, from 05:54 to 19:54

Minimum 16.7 6.0 20 30.02

Maximum 26.7 11.0 360 30.16

Mean 22.6 8.3 110 30.08

Median 23.3 8.0 75 30.08

1

Wind direction of 0 or 360 degrees is due north, 90 degrees is due east, 

180 degrees is due south, and 270 degrees is due west.
Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients 17

Figure 8. Wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, and barometric pressure recorded at the Philadelphia 

International Airport during study periods on (A) August 18, (B) September 1, and (C) September 3, 2009.

Detailed description of wind direction given in table 3.

0

60

120

180

240

300

360

Wind direction,

in degrees from North

29.9

30

30.1

30.2

30.3

10

15

20

25

30

35

8/18/09 0:00 8/18/09 3:00 8/18/09 6:00 8/18/09 9:00 8/18/09 12:00 8/18/09 15:00 8/18/09 18:00 8/18/09 21:00 8/19/09 0:00 

Barometric pressure,

in inches mercury

Air temperature (dry bulb),

In degrees Celsius

Date and local time 

Temperature

Barometric pressure

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Wind speed,

in miles per hour

A

0

60

120

180

240

300

360

Wind direction,

in degrees from North

29.9

30

30.1

30.2

30.3

10

15

20

25

30

35

9/1/09 0:00 9/1/09 3:00 9/1/09 6:00 9/1/09 9:00 9/1/09 12:00 9/1/09 15:00 9/1/09 18:00 9/1/09 21:00 9/2/09 0:00 

Barometric pressure,

in inches mercury

Air temperature (dry bulb),

In degrees Celsius

Date and local time 

Temperature

Barometric pressure

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Wind speed,

in miles per hour

B
18 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

0

60

120

180

240

300

360

Wind direction,

in degrees from North

29.9

30

30.1

30.2

30.3

10

15

20

25

30

35

9/3/09 0:00 9/3/09 3:00 9/3/09 6:00 9/3/09 9:00 9/3/09 12:00 9/3/09 15:00 9/3/09 18:00 9/3/09 21:00 9/4/09 0:00 

Barometric pressure,

in inches mercury

Air temperature (dry bulb),

in degrees Celsius

Date and local time 

Temperature

Barometric pressure

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Wind speed,

in miles per hour

C

Figure 8. Wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, and barometric pressure recorded at the Philadelphia 

International Airport during study periods on (A) August 18, (B) September 1, and (C) September 3, 2009.—Continued

Detailed description of wind direction given in table 3.
Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients 19

Streamflow and Stream Channel Conditions

Knowledge of streamflow velocity is essential for prediction of solute transport. For example, at lower discharges in 

a stream, the corresponding slower velocities result in longer 

transport times. Of the two streamgages currently collecting 

continuous-streamflow information within the basin (fig. 1), 

the Castor streamgage is considered the index station given 

its proximity to all sampling locations. The maximum peak 

on record is 13,900 ft3/s for Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue 

(drainage area of 30.4 mi2), which equates to a unit discharge 

of 457 ft3/s/mi2 and is indicative of the urban signature of this 

stream. Data from this streamgage were used to determine 

stream discharge, evaluate stability of discharge each day 

over the study period, and compare discharge on study days to 

long-term statistical flows.

Streamflow was relatively steady and at, or approaching, base flow during the periods of sampling on August 18, 

September 1, and September 3, 2009, as can be seen on the 

hydrograph showing discharge at the Castor streamgage 

(fig. 9). Storms between the successive sampling runs resulted 

in stream rises between the August and September studies 

(fig. 9), and streamflow was still very slightly in recession 

on September 1, 2009. Measured discharge under base-flow 

conditions at the Castor streamgage was about 13 ft3/s on 

August 18 and 16 ft3/s on September 1 and 3, 2009.

Channel geometry changed over the period of study 

in summer 2009. The gravel bar and stream channel downstream of the bar apparently were rearranged noticeably 

between August 18 and September 1, 2009, by stormflows on 

August 21–23 and August 29–30, 2009 (fig. 9). In addition, 

the notch in the dam at site TACO260 was variably blocked 

by debris, resulting in different extents of the pool caused 

by backwater conditions upstream from the dam (fig. 3). On 

August 18, 2009, the notch was nearly completely blocked by 

a shopping cart, trash, and other debris, and the pool depth just 

upstream from the dam was about 3.5 ft. On September 1 and 

September 3, 2009, the notch was only partially blocked, and 

the pool depth at the dam was about 2.5 ft.

Discharge generally was measured at each sampling 

and injection site (fig. 2) in the morning of each study day to 

locate sampling points within the cross section at each stream 

site and to allow subsequent calculation of dye recoveries. 

On the basis of this series of discharge measurements, little 

change in streamflow is apparent between stream sites on each 

study day except for one reach on August 18, 2009 (table 2). 

All discharge measurements were rated fair, indicating the 

measurement was within plus or minus 8 percent of actual 

flow (Sauer and Meyer, 1992). Differences in discharge of less 

than 16 percent between sites could be considered within the 

accuracy of the measurement technique, although differences 

of greater than 10 percent are probably real. From the site just 

below the T14 CSO scour hole (TACO269) to the site below 

the gravel bar (TACO263) on August 18, 2009, about a 20-percent reduction in flow was measured, indicating the stream 

lost water over the reach. The stream loss may be attributed 

to leaky gravity interceptors that follow the stream valley and 

(or) to the gravel bar in the steep sub-reach downstream from 

the T14 pool. Measurements on September 1, 2009 (table 3), 

do not indicate stream loss over this sub-reach, suggesting 

stream conditions differed from those on August 18, perhaps 

because of the changes in the configurations of the channel 

and gravel bar during the large storms on August 21–23 and 

29–30, 2009. Base flow of 13 and 16 ft3/s in Frankford Creek 

at Castor Avenue was about 30 and 74 percent higher than the 

long-term mean base flow of 10.2 ft3/s for August and 9.2 ft3/s 

for September, respectively. Long-term (1982–2008) means 

for these months were determined by hydrograph separation 

10

100

1,000

10,000

Instantaneous discharge,

in cubic feet per second

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

8/12/09 8/14/09 8/16/09 8/18/09 8/20/09 8/22/09 8/24/09 8/26/09 8/28/09 8/30/09 9/1/09 9/3/09 9/5/09

Specific conductance,

in microsiemens per centimeter

at 25 degrees Celsius

Date

A

B

Dye and reaeration

study period

Figure 9. Stream discharge (A) and specific conductance (B) at streamgage 01467087, Frankford Creek at Castor 

Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., August 10 through September 10, 2009.
20 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

of daily values, using HYSEP (Sloto and Crouse, 1996), a 

base-flow-separation program developed by the USGS. The 

long-term (1982–2008) annual mean base flow for the Castor 

streamgage is about 15 ft3/s.

Stream Water Quality

Data collected from water-quality sondes placed in the 

stream at each sampling site show that stream temperatures 

and DO concentrations rose each day from minima in the 

morning to maxima in the mid to late afternoon (fig. 10), patterns typical of diurnal cycles for these characteristics affected 

by solar radiation and stream algal activities. Stream pH also 

rose from daily minimum in the morning to maximum in the 

afternoon. Stream discharge and characteristics measured by 

the sonde, including specific conductance and turbidity, were 

more stable and indicative of hydraulic conditions. A listing of 

summary statistics for water-quality characteristics recorded 

by the sondes are given in appendix 1. Values of specific 

conductance were generally stable throughout each study day, 

except on September 1, 2009, when specific conductance gradually increased at all sites because the stream was still slightly 

in recession from a storm on August 29–30, 2009 (fig. 9).

Time-of-Travel

Traveltimes of the leading edge, peak concentration, and 

the trailing edge and other aspects of the dye transport were 

determined from time-concentration curves. These curves 

show dye concentrations for each sampling site plotted as 

a function of time since dye injection for each stream reach 

studied (figs. 11–13). All traveltime analyses used the Loesssmoothed curves rather than actual data.

Accurate time-of-travel measurements require that the 

dye cloud is well mixed in the stream before it is sampled. 

The area under the time-concentration curve is an indicator 

of stream mixing. Although higher concentrations may be 

present on one side of the creek, mixing is assumed complete 

if the areas under the curves are approximately equal. The 

area under each time-concentration curve was calculated by 

numerically integrating the Loess-smoothed dye concentrations of the stream samples. The entire area of the curve was 

integrated through the low concentrations of the trailing edge 

of the dye cloud, which commonly were measured at less than 

2 percent of the peak concentration. At sites TACO260 and 

TACO250 on August 18, 2009, the dye-cloud concentrations 

had just peaked at the time field activities, including sample 

collection, ended (about 8 p.m.) and the tails for these two 

curves are extrapolated (fig. 11) to estimate mass recovery. 

Although small differences in areas of the time-concentration 

curves are apparent, none of the areas calculated for the three 

flow-line samples (25, 50, 75 percent of flow) at each stream 

site differed more than 7 percent from the average area and, 

therefore, the dye is considered well mixed (table 4). Differences in areas greater than 10 percent of the cross-sectional 

average time-concentration area would indicate otherwise 

(White and Kratzer, 1993).

Traveltime to peak concentration (Tp) was determined 

for peaks of the smoothed dye curves. The traveltimes of the 

leading edge (TL) and trailing edge (Tt10 and Tt) of the dye 

cloud from the injection site, where Tt10 and Tt, are defined 

as 10 percent and less than or equal to 2 percent of the peak 

concentration, respectively, were determined by linear interpolation between sample points on the time-concentration 

curves (figs. 11–13). Traveltime to the centroid (Tc) (or center 

of mass) of the dye cloud from the injection site also was calculated using the theory of incremental moments by numerically integrating with respect to time and area as outlined by 

Kilpatrick and others (1989). For the purposes of determining reaeration coefficients, traveltime from injection to the 

centroid (Tc) of the dye cloud was calculated at each sampling 

site through the trailing edge (Tt), defined as less than or equal 

to 2 percent of the peak concentration. Traveltimes, including 

traveltime to the centroid (Tc), and dye durations determined 

using the time to trailing edge (Tt10), defined as 10 percent of 

the peak concentration, are provided in this report to be consistent with other routine time-of-travel studies (Kilpatrick and 

Wilson, 1989). Summaries of time-of-travel characteristics, 

including duration of the dye cloud, for each dye study are 

listed in table 5 and shown in figure 14. Dye-cloud durations 

were calculated on the basis of the elapsed time between the 

leading edge (tL) and trailing edge (tt10) of the dye cloud. The 

maximum determined duration of the dye cloud was about 

8.5 hours in the reach that spanned the T14 pool on August 18, 

2009 (table 5), although durations at incompletely sampled 

downstream sites TACO260 and TACO250 were probably 

greater than 8.5 hours on that day.

The traveltime to the leading edge of the dye cloud can 

be used to estimate the minimum traveltime between two cross 

sections. The time required for a tracer cloud to arrive at a specific sampling point is an important factor in determining the 

concentration that can be expected. Traveltime to the centroid 

of the dye cloud can be used to estimate mean stream velocity and is required to compute stream reaeration coefficients. 

Mean traveltime between sampling locations is determined by 

the difference in centroid time and dividing by stream length.

Unit Concentration and Dispersion 

Characteristics

 The concept of unit concentration, as described by Hubbard and others (1982) is a method to adjust for factors affecting the time-concentration curves such as 1) the amount of dye 

injected; 2) losses undergone by the dye; and 3) the discharge 

that serves to dilute the dye. Unit concentration is the concentration produced in one unit flow rate by the injection of 

one unit weight of solute, provided that no solute loss occurs. 

Jobson (1996) later refined this method by developing an 

equation used to convert any tracer-response curve to a unitresponse (UR) curve. This is a normalized curve that can then 
Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients 21

Figure 10. Stream temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen measured by water-quality sondes at sampling sites in 

Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on (A) August 18, 2009; (B) September 1, 2009; and (C) September 3, 2009.

17.0 

17.5 

18.0 

18.5 

19.0 

19.5 

20.0 

20.5 

21.0 

21.5 

22.0 

TACO263

TACO260

TACO250

B. SEPTEMBER 1, 2009

EXPLANATION

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

TACO263

TACO260

TACO250

EXPLANATION

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

Dissolved oxygen concentration,

in milligrams per liter 

TACO275

TACO269

TACO263

TACO260

TACO250

EXPLANATION

22.0 

22.5 

23.0 

23.5 

24.0 

24.5 

25.0 

25.5 

26.0 

26.5 

27.0 

Water temperature, in degrees Celsius 

TACO275

TACO269

TACO263

TACO260

TACO250

A. AUGUST 18, 2009

EXPLANATION

Eastern Daylight Time

6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

TACO315

TACO285

TACO275

TACO250

EXPLANATION

17.0 

17.5 

18.0 

18.5 

19.0 

19.5 

20.0 

20.5 

21.0 

21.5 

22.0 

TACO315

TACO285

TACO275

TACO250

C. SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

EXPLANATION

6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00

Eastern Daylight Time

Water temperature, in degrees Celsius Water temperature, in degrees Celsius 

Dissolved oxygen concentration,

in milligrams per liter 

Dissolved oxygen concentration,

in milligrams per liter 
22 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Propane concentration, in micrograms per liter 

Dye concentration, in micrograms per liter 

Time since injection, in minutes 

TACO275 M dye 

TACO275 R dye 

TACO275 L dye 

TACO269 R dye 

TACO269 L dye 

TACO269 M dye 

TACO250 M dye 

TACO260 M dye 

TACO263 L dye 

TACO263 R dye 

TACO263 M dye 

TACO275 propane 

TACO269 propane 

TACO263 propane 

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000

Centroid of dye cloud

Right side of stream sample

Left side of stream sample

Middle stream sample

EXPLANATION

R

L

M

Figure 11. Dye and propane concentrations in relation to time since dye injection at five stream sites on Tacony/Frankford 

Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., August 18, 2009.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900

Propane concentration, in micrograms per liter

Dye concentration, in micrograms per liter

Time since injection, in minutes

TACO263 propane 

TACO263 M dye 

TACO263 R dye 

TACO263 L dye 

TACO260 M dye 

TACO250 M dye 

TACO260 propane 

TACO250 propane 

Centroid of dye cloud

Right side of stream sample

Left side of stream sample

Middle stream sample

EXPLANATION

R

L

M

Figure 12. Dye and propane gas concentrations in relation to time since dye injection at three stream sites on Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., September 1, 2009.
Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients 23

Figure 13. Dye and propane gas concentrations in relation to time since dye injection at three stream sites on Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., September 3, 2009.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000

Propane concentration, in micrograms per liter

Dye concentration, in micrograms per liter

Time since injection, in minutes

TACO315 R dye 

TACO315 M dye 

TACO315 L dye 

TACO285 L dye 

TACO285 M dye 

TACO285 R dye 

TACO275 M dye 

TACO315

propane 

TACO285

propane 

TACO275

propane 

Centroid of dye cloud

Right side of stream sample

Left side of stream sample

Middle stream sample

EXPLANATION

R

L

M
24 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Distance from injection, in miles 

Traveltime, in minutes Traveltime, in minutes 

Distance from injection, in miles 

Traveltime, in minutes 

Distance from injection, in miles 

A. Lower reach from above T14 pool to below T14 pool on August 18, 2009 

B. Lower reach from below T14 pool to steamgage at Castor Avenue on September 1, 2009 

C. Upper reach from Route 1 to T14 pool on September 3, 2009 

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1,000

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 TACO275 TACO269 TACO263

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 TACO263 TACO260 TACO250

0

1,000

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1,000

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 TACO315 TACO285 TACO275

Trailing edge (10 percent of peak concentration)

Centroid

Peak

Leading edge

EXPLANATION

Trailing edge (10 percent of peak concentration)

Centroid

Peak

Leading edge

EXPLANATION

Trailing edge (10 percent of peak concentration)

Centroid

Peak

Leading edge

EXPLANATION

Figure 14. Traveltime of dye cloud in relation to distance from injection in Tacony/Frankford Creek, 

Philadelphia, Pa., for (A) lower sub-reach from above T14 pool to below T14 pool on August 18, 2009; 

(B) lower sub-reach from below T14 pool to streamgage at Castor Avenue on September 1, 2009; and 

(C) upper reach from Route 1 to T14 pool on September 3, 2009.
Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients 25

Table 4. Mass of dye injected into, and measured at, downstream sites on Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.[Q, measured stream discharge; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; mid, midpoint or at 50 percent of flow; min, minutes; μg/L, ,micrograms per liter; CSO, combined sewer overflow; --, no or insufficient data]

Date Site

name Description Q1 (ft3/s) Gain (loss) (percent)

Stream sampling points

Average 

area

Maximum 

difference at 

sampling 

point

from

average 

area

(percent)

Total mass 

injected 

rhodamine 

dye

(20 percent 

active by 

weight)

(grams)

Active mass recovered

Average 

recovery 

ratio3

,

Rr

Area

left

(min×μg/L)

Area

mid2

(min×μg/L)

Area

right

(min×μg/L)

Left

(grams)

Mid

(grams)

Right

(grams)

Average

(grams)

8/18/09 TACO285 injection/Snake Road bridge 15.4 -- -- -- -- -- 143.2 -- -- -- -- --

TACO275 above T14 CSO pool 14.8 -3.9 1,174.9 1,256.7 1,287.8 1,239.8 5.2 -- 29.54 31.59 32.38 31.17 1.09TACO269 below T14 CSO pool 15.2 2.7 1,099.9 1,071.7 1,051.4 1,074.3 2.4 -- 28.40 27.67 27.15 27.74 .97TACO263 below gravel bar 12.1 -20.4 1,034.9 1,089.4 1,038.2 1,054.2 3.3 -- 21.27 22.39 21.34 21.67 .76TACO260 at dam 13.4 10.7 1,100.7 -- 25.05 .87TACO250 Castor streamgage 13.0 -3.0 1,140.0 -- 25.17 .88

9/1/09 TACO269 injection/below CSO pool 15.7 -- -- -- -- -- 110.4 -- -- -- -- --

TACO263 below gravel bar 15.8 .6 729.5 657.8 690.9 692.7 5.3 -- 19.58 17.66 18.54 18.59 .84TACO260 at dam 16.7 5.7 -- 705.2 -- -- -- -- 20.01 -- .91TACO250 Castor streamgage 16.4 -1.8 692.3 -- 19.29 .87

9/3/09 injection/Route 1 14.2 -- -- -- -- -- 250 -- -- -- -- --

TACO315 Ruscomb Street 14.9 4.9 1,821.9 1,829.8 1,840.8 1,830.8 0.5 -- 46.11 46.31 46.59 46.34 .93TACO285 near Snake Road bridge 15.2 2.0 1,668.7 1,652.8 1,833.2 1,718.2 6.7 -- 43.09 42.68 47.33 44.36 .89TACO275 above T14 CSO pool 15.0 -1.3 -- 1,564.5 -- -- -- -- 39.86 -- -- .80

1 Underlined values from streamgage at Castor Avenue on August 18, 2009; values in italics estimated for TACO275 on September 3, 2009.2 Values in italics indicate area estimated from extrapolated dye curve at sites TACO260 and TACO250.3 Rr, recovery ratio calculated for mass at site divided by active mass injected (0.20 × total mass injected).
26 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek Table 5. Summary of time-of-travel characteristics calculated at mid-flowline for dye injected into three reaches of Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009. Elasped time to arrival of dye on mid-flowline is in minutes after injection. Location of sites shown on figure 2. [Q, measured stream discharge; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; ft, feet; Mid, midpoint or at 50-percent of flow; TL, time to leading edge; Tp, time to peak; Tc, time to centroid for mass of dye cloud through trailing edge at less than or equal to 2 percent of peak concentration; Tt2, time to trailing edge at 2 percent of peak concentration; Tc10, time to centroid for mass of dye cloud through trailing edge at 10 percent of peak concentration; Tt10, time to trailing edge at 10 percent of peak concentration; min, minutes after injection; μg/L, micrograms per liter; --, no or insufficient data; CSO, combined sewer overflow] Date Site name Description

Q1

(ft3/s)

Distance 

from

injection 

point

(ft)

TL at

Mid

(minutes)

Tp at

Mid

(minutes)

Tc at

Mid

(minutes)

Tt2 at

Mid

(minutes)

Tc10 at

Mid

(minutes)

Tt10 at

Mid

(minutes)

Duration 

from TL to 

Tt10 at Mid

(minutes)

Average

peak

concentration

(μg/L)

Unit

peak

concentration

8/18/09 TACO285 Injection/Snake Road bridge 15.4 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

TACO275 Above T14 CSO pool 14.8 2,190 113 158 197 2388 194 304 191 14.8 199TACO269 Below T14 CSO pool 15.2 2,660 188 248 387 2860 384 705 517 4.7 73TACO263 Below big riffle 12.1 3,270 208 298 413 2909 413 718 510 4.1 65TACO260 At dam 13.4 4,580 348 598 2759 21,643 -- -- -- -- --TACO250 Castor streamgage 13.0 5,260 388 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

9/1/09 TACO269 Injection/below T14 CSO pool 15.7 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

TACO263 Below big riffle 15.8 610 8 18 30 81 29 42 34 47.2 1,136TACO260 At dam 16.7 1,920 150 240 277 580 271 446 296 5.2 123TACO250 Castor streamgage 16.4 2,600 200 290 343 689 340 525 325 4.2 101

9/3/09 -- Injection/Route 1 14.2 0 0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

TACO315 Ruscomb Street 14.9 1,355 35 50 72 173 69 105 70 49.5 451TACO285 Near Snake Road bridge 15.2 5,270 200 300 351 720 346 515 315 10.4 101TACO275 Above T14 CSO pool 15.0 7,460 320 481 531 902 524 744 424 8.0 85

1Discharge in italics estimated; underlined discharge from gage.2Estimated from extrapolated dye data.
Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients 27

be applied, within limitations, for pollutant or solute loads at 

different stream discharges. By using unit concentration, only 

variations due to longitudinal dispersion remain (Hubbard 

and others, 1982). Unit concentrations obtained during one 

discharge, therefore, are applicable for a range of discharges 

limited only by the rate at which the longitudinal dispersion 

of the dye varies. The unit-peak concentration is determined 

using the following formula (Jobson, 1996), making adjustments to the measured peak-dye concentration values to 

determine the conservative unit-peak concentration according 

to Kilpatrick (1993).

C QC

W R

QC

W up

pk

t r

pk

r

= = (1)

where,

Cup is the unit-peak concentration, in micrograms 

per liter per pound times cubic feet per 

second;

Q is the discharge, in cubic feet per second at 

the cross section;

Cpk is the measured peak concentration;

Rr is the recovery ratio, calculated by dividing 

the weight of dye recovered (Wr) by the 

weight of dye injected (Wt) or Rr = Wr/Wt;

Wt is the weight, in pounds, of tracer dye 

injected, and

Wr is weight, in pounds, of the dye recovered 

at each cross section calculated by 

multiplying discharge, Q, in cubic feet 

per second at the cross section, by the 

area under the time-concentration curve, 

Ac, in micrograms per liter multiplied by 

hours or Wr = QAc. (The area under the 

time-concentration curve is calculated 

by multiplying the concentration of each 

sample by the time interval for each 

sample and summing the sub-areas.)

Note that in equation 1, the measured peak concentration 

divided by the recovery ratio represents the conservative peak 

concentration or the peak concentration obtainable had no dye 

losses occurred.

Dispersion can be depicted as the decrease in unit-peak 

concentration of a conservative constituent plotted against 

elapsed time and represents the scattering of particles in water 

that affects the concentration of a constituent as it is transported downstream. The dye tracer used (rhodamine WT) is 

a relatively conservative constituent, but adjustments were 

made to account for dye that was lost due to natural decay 

or absorbed by stream sediment. Unit concentrations (for a 

conservative constituent) were computed using measured peak 

dye concentrations adjusted by the dye-recovery ratio (eqn. 1). 

The attenuation of the resulting adjusted unit concentrations 

define longitudinal dispersion of the peak concentration as the 

dye cloud moves downstream or as time elapses.

The dispersion efficiency of a stream to disperse a solute 

is defined by the rate of change in unit-peak concentration 

with respect to elapsed time (Kilpatrick and Taylor, 1986). A 

simple equation has been developed to relate solute injected 

and the resulting concentration as a function of time since 

injection, which theoretically describes the dispersion efficiency of a stream. The general form of the equation is:

Cup = aT -b, (2)

where,

a is the unit-peak concentration, at an elapsed 

time of 1 hour;

T is the time, in hours since injection; and

b is a coefficient.

When plotted on a log-log plot, the slope of the regression line relating elapsed time since injection to peak (T) and 

unit-concentration (Cup) is the coefficient b in equation 2 and 

its value is an indicator of dispersion efficiency. Steeper slopes 

of the regression line, or larger values of b, correspond to 

larger amounts of longitudinal dispersion.

The log-log plot of unit peak concentration in relation 

to time to peak for this study shows that peak concentrations 

decline nearly linearly as time to peak increases (fig. 15). 

Scatter in points indicates variation in the ability of a particular reach to disperse a solute. The T14 pool serves as a retention and mixing area that attenuates peak concentrations more 

than other reaches in the study. The slope of the unit-peak 

regression curve for the study area (fig. 15) is -0.879, with an 

r2 value of about 0.94, similar to the slope of -0.887 determined in a regression of unit concentrations for a wide range 

of rivers in the United States (422 cross sections in 60 rivers) 

(Jobson, 1996).

In the ideal case of complete vertical and lateral mixing 

in steady flow in a straight uniform channel, the value for b is 

0.5 (slope of -0.5 for log-log plot) (Kilpatrick, 1993). According to Kilpatrick (1993), values of b greater than 1.0 (slope of 

-1.0 ) indicate incomplete lateral mixing and values equal to 

1.5 (slope of -1.5) indicate incomplete lateral and vertical mixing and (or) short distances. The slope on the log-log plot from 

point TACO275 to TACO269 (fig. 15) is -2.23, and thus, b is 

greater than 1.5, which, using these criteria (Kilpatrick, 1993), 

would indicate incomplete mixing in the T14 pool.

The T14 pool, just below sampling site TACO275, had a 

notable effect on dye concentrations downstream. As expected, 

the dye cloud was attenuated substantially and its duration 

increased, as indicated by data (fig. 14) collected at the outlet 

of the T14 pool (site TACO269). In addition, dye coming out 

of this pool behaved erratically, appearing to be stripped off in 

pulses, as evidenced by fluctuations in concentrations (fig. 11). 

Use of the dispersion equation developed from data collected 

at other sampling locations in the study would underestimate 

dispersion through the pool. The T14 pool has a greater ability 

to disperse a solute than other sections of the study reaches, 

as indicated by the greater than predicted change in unit-peak 
28 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

concentration between the two sites bounding the pool 

(upstream site TACO275 and downstream site TACO269). The 

greater relative amount of dispersion in this sub-reach is also 

indicated by the increased lag in the trailing edge of dye cloud 

as it passed through the T14 pool (fig. 11). In order to better 

define transport characteristics of the T14 pool, dye sampling 

at multiple verticals and at depth would be required. Conditions of 3-dimensional dispersion probably affect movement 

of dye through the pool, and data contained in this report do 

not adequately describe the exact processes of advection and 

dispersion at this location.

Determination of Reaeration Coefficients

The CRI method (Kilpatrick and others, 1989) selected 

for this study to determine reaeration coefficients requires 

that gas be injected at a constant rate over a sufficiently long 

period to establish plateau gas concentrations downstream. 

This gas-injection period is equal to or greater than the traveltime for the tail of the dye cloud, as defined by 2 percent of the 

peak concentration, to reach a stream site. Gas injection was 

started at least 45 minutes before dye was injected to ensure 

gas concentration plateaus had developed by the time of sampling. Rates of gas injection throughout each day are listed in 

appendix 3.

y = 382.75x 

r2 = 0.94

10

100

1,000

10,000

0 1 10 100

Unit peak concentration (

Cup), in per second 

Time since injection to peak, in hours

Date of sample

8/18/09

9/1/09

TACO315

TACO285

TACO275

TACO263

TACO260

TACO250

TACO275

TACO269

TACO263

9/3/09

EXPLANATION

-0.879

Figure 15. Unit-peak concentration in relation to time elapsed since dye injection at selected sampling sites, Tacony/Frankford Creek, 

Philadelphia, Pa., during dye study conducted on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.

 Reaeration coefficients (table 6) were calculated for 

reaches on the basis of the time-of-travel for the dye cloud 

centroid (tc) to pass between two sites, as described by Kilpatrick and others (1989). For example, the incremental traveltime between site TACO275 and TACO269 is calculated by 

subtracting the traveltime since injection at the downstream 

site TACO269 from traveltime since injection at the upstream 

site, or tc = TcTACO269 – TcTACO275. Initial rate coefficients are 

calculated for the degassing of propane (Kp), then corrected 

for stream temperature to 20°C, and converted to reaeration 

coefficients for oxygen (K2). The value used for the correction 

of stream temperature was the average stream temperature 

recorded by the water-quality sondes over the period of the 

dye and gas injection at each site on each day (from about 

6 a.m. to about 8 p.m.).

On August 18, 2009, dye sampling at the downstream 

sites TACO260 and TACO250 was terminated before the full 

dye cloud had passed these sites because of field conditions. 

However, a few gas samples were collected at TACO260 to 

provide estimates of how much gas might be exchanged in 

that reach. Because the gas concentrations had not yet reached 

a plateau at TACO260, the reaeration coefficient (K2) presented in table 6 for the reach ending at the dam is higher than 

the actual coefficient for that day but provides an upper range 

for reaeration rates in this reach. The apparent difference in 

gas concentrations between the upstream (TACO263) and 
Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients 29

downstream (TACO260) ends of the reach, used to calculate 

reaeration coefficients, is higher than if the gas plateau concentrations had developed at TACO260.

On September 1, 2009, the propane gas injection rate 

declined in the late afternoon because the gas amounts in the 

100-lb cylinder were declining (see appendix 3). However, 

most gas samples were collected before the decline in injected 

gas, which began at about 1 p.m., would have reached the 

sampling sites from the injection site. The traveltimes for gas 

as determined by the centroid of the dye cloud, were about 

0.5, 4.5, and 5.67 hours from injection to the sampling sites 

TACO263, TACO260, and TACO250, respectively (table 5), 

and thus the decline of gas at 1 p.m. would have reached 

each site at about 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:40 p.m., respectively. Gas samples were collected from noon to 2 p.m. at 

site TACO250, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at site TACO260, and 

from 4:40 to 6:40 p.m. at site TACO250. The reaeration coefficient (K2

) calculated for the reach between TACO263 and 

TACO260 on September 1 is similar but slightly lower, as can 

be expected, than the estimated rate coefficient calculated for 

the incomplete study on August 18, 2009.

Overall, the oxygen reaeration coefficients (K2) ranged 

from a minimum of 0.043 to a maximum of 2.29 units per 

hour. The lowest reaeration rate (smallest coefficient) is for 

the sub-reach affected by backwater conditions from the dam, 

from sites TACO263 to TACO260 (fig. 2). Despite having the 

lowest estimated stream velocity, the reaeration coefficient of 

0.136 unit per hour in the sub-reach including the T14 pool 

and ending at the head of the gravel bar (site TACO269) is 

nearly three times that of the sub-reach ending at the dam (site 

TACO260), perhaps because of the large surface area relative 

to sub-reach length of the T14 pool.

The highest reaeration rate (largest coefficient, 2.29 units 

per hour) is for the steep sub-reach that starts at the head of 

the gravel bar (site TACO269) and travels through the gravel 

bar in multiple channels before converging to a single channel (near site TACO263). The next highest rate (coefficient 

of 0.62 unit per hour) is for the sub-reach from the dam to 

the Castor streamgage (sites TACO260 to TACO250), where 

Table 6. Reaeration coefficients determined from field method (constant rate injection of tracer gas) for study sub-reaches in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.

[Q, stream discharge; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; μg/L, micrograms per liter; tc, centroid time-of-travel for sub-reach; deg C, degrees Celcius; KT, reaeration 

coefficient for propane gas at stream temperature; K2 at 20 deg C, reaeration coeffcient for oxygen at 20 degrees Celsius, --, no data; <, less than; >, greater 

than]

Q

(ft3/s)

Plateau

concentration of 

propane

(μg/L)

Traveltime of 

dye centroid 

(Tc)

(minutes 

since

injection)

Incremental 

traveltime of 

centroid (tc)

1

for sub-reach

(minutes)

Propane gas 

reaeration 

coefficient, 

KT,

(units per 

hour)

Average 

stream

temperature

(deg C)

Oxygen gas 

reaeration 

coefficient, 

K2 at 20 deg C

(units per 

hour)

Measurement error2

for K2

(percent)

Day 1 - August 18, 2009

TACO275 14.8 84 197 197 -- -- -- --

TACO269 15.2 79 387 190 0.109 24.7 0.135 28.9

TACO263 12 44 413 26 1.863 25.1 2.293 12.2

TACO260 13.3 3 >30 759 346 < .0487 25.5 < .0594 > 35.6

TACO250 14 -- -- -- -- -- --

Day 3 - September 1, 2009

TACO263 15.8 74 30 30 -- -- -- --

TACO260 14.6 70.5 277 246 .031 20.1 .043 78.6

TACO250 16.4 39 343 66 .45 20.4 .620 20.1

Day 4 - September 3, 2009

TACO315 14.91 88 72 72 -- -- -- --

TACO285 15.18 30.6 351 279 .23 19.6 .323 9.3

TACO275 15 24.2 531 179 .083 19.5 .117 40.3

1

Traveltime for sub-reach is time for dye cloud centroid to travel from nearest upstream to downstream sampling site, where centroid calculated for mass of 

dye cloud through the 2 percent trailing edge.

2

Measurement error, E, from Parker and Gay (1987) calculated as E = Re/[KT*(Tcd - Tcu)], where Re is the relative combined error of gas-concentration and 

discharge measurements estimated at 10 percent and Tcd and Tcu are traveltimes to upstream and downstream sites, respectively.

3

Gas concentrations had not reached plateau values at TACO260 when terminated because of field conditions; however, samples collected at that time 

indicate plateu concentrations would be greater than 30 μg/L.
30 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

aeration is enhanced by hydraulic structures (notch and 

weir). The most natural sub-reach in the study area characterized by a series of riffles and pools, from Ruscomb Street 

(site TACO315) to just below the Snake Road bridge (site 

TACO285), had the third highest reaeration rate (coefficient of 

0.32 unit per hour).

Estimates of measurement error determined by a 

method described by Parker and Gay (1987) for the calculated reaeration coefficients ranged from 9.3 to 78.6 percent 

(table 6). Generally, the estimated measurement error as a 

percentage is larger for small values than for large values of 

reaeration coefficients.

The reaeration coefficients listed in table 6 were determined for streamflow conditions similar to annual mean base 

flow of 15 ft3/s but were higher than mean base flows for 

the months of August and September. Reaeration rates will 

vary on the basis of flow conditions and other factors, and 

therefore, the reaeration coefficients determined in summer 

2009 should be used with caution in application to other flow 

regimes. In an Illinois study where reaeration coefficients 

were determined for the same five reaches on three different 

dates with different base flows, the range in coefficient values 

for each reach typically was within a factor of three, although 

the range was as high as an order of magnitude for one reach 

(Turner, 1996).

Comparison to Reaeration Coefficients 

Determined by Other Methods

Several studies, such as Parker and Gay (1987), have 

compared theoretical reaeration rates calculated using equations with various variables such as stream slope, depth, and 

velocity to rates determined by field methods using tracer 

gases. Findings from the Parker and Gay (1987) study indicate 

theoretical rates calculated using the equation by Owens 

and others (1964) compared to rates determined from field 

methods using tracer gases had the lowest absolute error of 

53 percent for low gradient streams with slopes less than 

0.002 ft/ft. Kilpatrick and others (1989) suggest use of the 

Owens and others (1964) equation to estimate reaeration coefficients for streams with slopes less than 0.003 ft/ft and the 

Tsivoglou and Neal (1976) equation for streams with slopes 

greater than 0.003 ft/ft.

Owens and others (1964):

K2 = 0.906(v0.67/d1.85) (3)

Tsivoglou and Neal (1976):

K2 = 0.054(dh/dt) (4)

where

K2 is reaeration coefficient, in units per hours;

v is mean stream velocity, in cubic feet per 

second; 

d is stream depth, in feet;

dh is change in elevation over reach, in feet; and

dt is traveltime of centroid over reach, in hours.

The theoretical equations typically assume natural 

channels or simple channel conditions that are not present in 

the artificially altered reaches of Frankford Creek from the 

T14 CSO through the dam in the golf course. Comparison of 

reaeration coefficients calculated from the theoretical equations, such as equations 3 and 4, to those calculated from the 

field tracer-gas method is useful to determine where differences from the two approaches differ most. Reaeration 

coefficients using the two theoretical equations (eqns. 3 and 4) 

suggested by Kilpatrick and others (1989) were calculated on 

the basis of reach traveltimes and stream velocities determined from field methods using tracer gases in Tacony/

Frankford Creek in August and September 2009 (table 7). 

The slope of sub-reaches in the Tacony/Frankford Creek study 

ranged from 0.0008 to 0.0109 ft/ft. The Owens and others 

(1964) equation was used for all but two sub-reaches that 

ended at sites TACO263 and TACO250 (table 8). Theoretical reaeration coefficients were all less than the coefficients 

determined from field methods using tracer gases and ranged 

from -10 to -81 percent. The smallest percentage differences 

(-10 to -13 percent) between coefficients determined by 

theoretical and field methods were for the upper sub-reaches 

(between sites TACO315 and TACO285 and TACO275) that 

are the most natural stream channels in the Tacony/Frankford 

Creek study. These results suggest that theoretical methods 

may provide reasonable estimates only for natural sections of 

the creek.

An alternative approach to estimating reaeration coefficients from DO concentration data was presented by Chapra 

and DiToro (1991), with solutions to type-fitting curves 

developed by McBride (2002). This approach uses the time 

offset of daily maximum (or minimum) DO concentrations 

from solar noon to estimate the reaeration coefficients. Data 

on daily maximum DO concentrations at each sampling site in 

the Tacony/Frankford Creek reaeration study were available 

from the four-parameter water-quality sondes that continuously recorded values at 5-minute intervals or, at the Castor 

streamgage, at 30-minute intervals (fig. 10).

Reaeration coefficients calculated using the time offset 

of the DO concentration generally were similar or smaller in 

various amounts than those calculated by the CRI tracer-gas 

method for all sub-reaches, with differences from the tracergas method coefficients ranging from about 1 to 99 percent 

(table 8), except the sub-reach ending at the dam in the golf 

course, site TACO260, for which the DO method coefficient 

was larger than the tracer-gas method coefficient. The reaeration coefficient calculated using the time offset of the DO 

concentration was nearly identical to the reaeration coefficient 

determined by the field CRI tracer-gas method for the uppermost sub-reach in the study, from TACO315 to TACO285 

(table 8). This uppermost sub-reach is the most natural rifflepool sequence in the study area. The coefficients estimated 

by the DO and tracer-gas methods were within ±12 percent 

for the sub-reach from site TACO285 to TACO275 in the 

upstream study section (table 8), which although free-flowing 

appears to have backwater caused perhaps by alteration of 
Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients 31

Table 7. Comparison of reaeration coefficients (K2) calculated by theoretical equations based on stream characteristics and 

coefficients determined by field methods using tracer gases for sub-reaches of Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., August and 

September 2009. Values for variables used to calculate K2 are shown for sub-reaches.

[ft, feet; NAVD, North American Vertical Datum of 1988; min, minutes; v, velocity; ft/s, feet per second; Q, stream discharge; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; ft2, 

square feet; d, depth; w, width; --, no data or not applicable]

PWD site 

name at 

end of 

sub-reach

Site description

Streambed 

elevation

(ft above 

NAVD 88)

Reach 

length1

(ft)

Reach

slope

(ft/ft)

Incremental 

traveltime2

for

sub-reach 

(tc)

(min)

Estimated 

stream 

velocity (v) 

from dye 

study

(ft/s)

Measured

Q

(ft3/s)

Day 4 September 3, 2009

-- Injection site near U.S. Route 1 47 0 -- -- -- --

TACO315 Sample site near Ruscomb Street 43 1,355 0.003 72 0.315 14.8

TACO285 Sample site downstream of Snake Road bridge 32 4,365 .003 279 .261 15.2

TACO275 Sample site above T14 CSO pool 30 1,740 .001 179 .162 14.8

Day 1 August 18, 2009

TACO269 Sample site below T14 CSO pool 29.5 470 .001 190 .041 15.2

TACO263 Sample site below large gravel bar/riffle 25 610 .007 26 .391 12.0

Day 3 September 1, 2009

TACO260 Sample site at dam in golf course 24 1,310 .001 246 .089 14.6

TACO250 Sample site at Castor Avenue streamgage 16.6 680 .011 66 .171 16.4

1

Distance from closest upstream site.

2

Incremental traveltime for sub-reach from table 6.

3

Estimates of K2 calculated using guidelines from Kilpatrick and others (1989):

For slope > 0.003 ft/ft, K2 = 0.054(dh)/tc , where dh is the change in stream elevation (Tsivoglou and Neal, 1976);

For slope < 0.003 ft/ft, K2=0.906(v0.67/d1.85) (Owens and other, 1964).

PWD site 

name at 

end of 

sub-reach

Average reach 

area estimated 

from Q and v

(ft2)

Estimated

average width 

(w) for reach

(ft)

Estimated

average reach 

depth (d)

(ft)

Calculated3 K2

(units per hour)

[d, w from Q]

Field K2 from 

tracer gas 

method in 2009

(units per hour)

Percent

difference from

field gas

method

Numerical

difference from

field gas

method

Day 4 September 3, 2009

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

TACO315 46.99 50 0.94 0.181 -- -- --

TACO285 58.29 50 1.17 .277 0.32 -13.4 -0.043

TACO275 91.23 55 1.66 .105 .117 -10.3 - .012

Day 1 August 18, 2009

TACO269 367.95 170 2.16 .026 .135 -81.0 - .109

TACO263 30.69 45 .68 .561 2.29 -75.5 -1.729

Day 3 September 1, 2009

TACO260 164.05 55 2.98 .024 .04 -40.8 - .016

TACO250 96.08 60 1.60 .361 .62 -41.8 - .259
32 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek Table 8. Comparison of reaeration coefficients (K2) calculated by time offset of maximum dissolved oxygen method (McBride, 2002) and coefficients determined by field methods using tracer gases, Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., August and September 2009 results. Values for variables used to calculate K2 from maximum dissolved oxygen concentrations are shown for sub-reaches. [deg C, degrees Celsius; ft3/s, cubic feet per second; μg/L, micrograms per liter; DO, dissolved oxygen; max, maximum; --, no data; <, less than; >, greater than] Stream temperature (T) used for correction (deg C) Photo- period (f) (hours) Photo- period correction factor 

[η=(f/14)0.75]

Temperature

correction 

factor

[Ψ =

1.0241(20-T)]

Dawn

time

Time of DO 

max

t*

(hours)

Time lag

between

solar noon 

and time of 

DO max

(Θ = t* - f/2)

(hours)

1

K2 from DO 

max, ka20

(units per 

hour)

Field K2 from 

tracer gas 

method

results in 

2009

(units per 

hour)

Difference 

from field 

gas K2

(percent)

Numerical 

difference 

from field 

gas K2

(units per 

hour)

Day 1 - August 18, 2009

TACO275 24.4 13.63 0.980 0.901 6:15 16:41 10.43 3.617 0.141 -- -- --TACO269 24.7 13.63 0.980 0.894 6:15 18:15 12.00 5.187 .001 0.135 -99.3 -0.135TACO263 25.1 13.63 0.980 0.886 6:15 16:05 9.83 3.020 .213 2.293 -90.7 -2.081TACO260 25.5 13.63 0.980 0.877 6:15 17:26 11.18 4.370 .068 < .0594 >13.6 > .0081TACO250 25.5 13.63 0.980 0.877 6:15 15:30 9.25 2.437 .310 -- -- --

Day 3 - September 1, 2009

TACO263 20.0 13.05 0.949 1.000 6:29 16:51 10.37 3.845 .120 -- -- --TACO260 20.1 13.05 0.949 0.998 6:29 17:11 10.70 4.175 .085 .043 96.6 .042TACO250 20.4 13.05 0.949 0.991 6:29 16:30 10.02 3.492 .161 .620 -74.0 - .459

Day 4 - September 3, 2009

TACO315 19.0 13.05 0.949 1.024 6:30 16:35 10.08 3.558 .158 -- -- --TACO285 19.6 13.05 0.949 1.010 6:30 15:35 9.08 2.558 .320 .323 - .8 - .003TACO275 19.5 13.02 0.947 1.012 6:30 17:01 10.52 4.009 .103 .117 -12.1 - .014

1

K2 from DO max at 20 degrees Celsius (ka20) calculated using timing of daily maximum stream DO concentration and equation from McBride (2002) where:

ka20 = 7.5Ψ((5.3η-Θ)/(ηΘ))0.85, in units per day, or ka20 = [7.5Ψ((5.3η-Θ)/(ηΘ))0.85]/24, in units per hour,T, stream temperature; f, photoperiod duration; ka20, reaeration rate coefficent; Ψ, temperature correction factor; η, photoperiod correction factor;t* = time from dawn to dissolved oxygen maximum, in hours;Ψ = 1.0241(20-T);Θ = t* - f/2, hrs; and η = (f/14)0.75.
Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients 33

stream gradients near the T14 pool. For another sub-reach with 

backwater conditions, from site TACO263 to site TACO260 

in the downstream study section, the difference between the 

relatively low reaeration coefficients calculated by both the 

DO and tracer-gas methods was greater than 13 percent on 

August 18 and was 96.4 percent on September 3 (tables 6, 8). 

The differences between K2 determined by different methods 

for the reach ending at TACO260 on August 3, 2009, can only 

be estimated as a greater than value (13 percent) because the 

K2 determined from the tracer-gas method (given as a less than 

value in tables 6 and 8) was from propane gas concentrations 

that had not yet reached stable plateau values when samples 

were collected at that site. The two methods differed most 

in terms of the magnitude and percentage difference in the 

sub-reaches where large amounts of aeration occurred because 

of hydraulic structures (TACO260 to TACO250), channel 

roughness and steep gradient (TACO269 to TACO263), or 

large stream surface areas (TACO275 to TACO269). The 

comparison of the two methods suggest that the time offset 

of DO maximum method may provide reasonable estimates 

of reaeration coefficients for relatively natural channels under 

steady base-flow conditions.

Stream Methane Concentrations

In addition to the tracer gas, propane, the gas analysis 

also included methane, ethene, and ethane, of which only 

methane was measured in concentrations above a few micrograms per liter. Methane, thought to occur naturally or because 

of ongoing processes in the stream, was measured in concentrations ranging from 6.6 to 78 μg/L, and concentrations were 

greatest in sub-reaches that included relatively deeper pools. 

Methane concentrations, like the injected tracer gas propane, 

decreased from upstream to downstream in sub-reaches with 

relatively large rates of reaeration but increased from upstream 

to downstream in reaches with relatively low rates of reaeration, deeper slower water, and pools (fig. 16).

During site reconnaissance in July 2009, bubbles of 

unidentified gas were observed to rise from stream sediments 

in pools. For the two of three sub-reaches that were sampled 

on two study days, average methane concentrations were 

greater in August than in September (fig. 17), perhaps because 

higher temperatures in August promoted larger production of 

methane within the stream. Both of these sub-reaches, ending 

at sites TACO275 and TACO260, include sections where sediment has accumulated and sections that are more than 2.5 ft 

in depth. Methane concentrations also may vary throughout 

the day, as indicated by samples collected at different times 

at one site, TACO260. On August 18, 2009, at this site, the 

methane concentration in a background gas sample collected 

at 11:30 a.m. was 78 μg/L and in later samples collected 

from 7:00 to 7:40 p.m. concentrations ranged from 38.1 to 

49.5 μg/L.
34 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Propane, in micrograms per liter

908070605040302010

100

(3)

(8)

(13)

(12)

Site name

Methane, in micrograms per liter

TACO260 TACO263 TACO269 TACO275 0

908070605040302010

(4)

(8)

(13)

(12)

Mean

75th percentile25th percentile

Median (50th percentile)

1.5*IQR or largest value

-1.5*IQR or largest value

(62) Sample size

Outlier

EXPLANATION

Site name

Methane, in micrograms per liter

TACO250 TACO260 TACO263

40353025201510

(8)

(8)

(11)

Propane, in micrograms per liter

0

908070605040302010

100

(6)

(8)

(11)

Site name

Methane, in micrograms per liter

TACO275 TACO285 TACO315 5

201510

(7)

(8)

(11)

(7)

(8)

(11)

Propane, in micrograms per liter

0

908070605040302010

100

Figure 16. Concentrations of propane and methane in stream samples collected at sites in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., on (A) August 18, (B) September 1, and (C) September 3, 2009.
Summary and Conclusions 35

Summary and Conclusions

A study to determine time-of-travel, dispersion, and 

oxygen reaeration rate coefficients on a 2-mi reach of Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa., was conducted by the U.S. 

Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) in 2009. Several combined 

sewer overflows (CSOs) discharge to the study reach, which 

has been altered by man-made structures and ends at a USGS 

streamgage, Frankford Creek at Castor Avenue (station 

01467087). Above this streamgage, Tacony/Frankford Creek 

drains a 30-square mile urbanized area underlain principally 

by metamorphic bedrock in Philadelphia and Montgomery 

Counties. Water-quality concerns in parts of the study reach 

include low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (less than 

4 mg/L), especially during low-flow conditions in the warm 

summer months as documented by water-quality sensors operated by the PWD at the USGS streamgage at Castor Avenue. 

The study results will provide the city of Philadelphia with 

information necessary to help manage water-quality problems 

and calibrate a water-quality model.

The study reach extended from Roosevelt Boulevard 

(U.S. Route 1) to the streamgage at Castor Avenue. The upper 

half of the study reach above a CSO designated T14 by PWD 

is the most natural, and the lower half of the study reach 

is most affected by man-made structures. Natural channel 

widths in the Tacony/Frankford Creek are about 50 to 60 ft, 

and stream depths range from 1 to 2.5 ft under base-flow 

conditions. The T14 CSO, one of the largest in Philadelphia, 

is at the mouth of the now buried former Wingohocking 

Creek, about 2,600 ft upstream from the streamgage at Castor Avenue, and discharges all stormwater from the 13-mi2

Wingohocking Creek drainage area to Tacony/Frankford 

Creek. A large pool has developed at the T14 CSO outfall and 

is up to 12 ft in depth and about an acre in surface area. From 

the T14 CSO to the Castor Avenue streamgage, the stream 

channel has been straightened and dammed. The dam, about 

680 ft upstream from the Castor Avenue streamgage, creates 

backwater. Below the notch in the dam, the stream flows over 

a concrete apron to a weir and through a channel with a natural 

substrate bottom and concrete walls to the streamgage. Slopes 

ranged from 0.001 to 0.01 ft/ft for selected sub-reaches in the 

study area.

Time-of-travel, dispersion, and reaeration coefficients 

were determined from injection and monitoring of dye and gas 

tracers during base-flow conditions in August and September 

2009 on three sub-reaches of the study reach. A single injection of rhodamine WT dye and constant rate injection of propane gas were made at the top of each of the three sub-reaches 

followed by sampling at three or more sites downstream. The 

time-of-travel and dispersion characteristics were determined 

from dye samples collected at each site and later analyzed in 

the laboratory under controlled conditions. Propane was used 

as a conservative tracer to directly measure oxygen reaeration.

Determination of traveltimes to the centroid of the dye 

cloud were needed for calculation of the reaeration coefficients. In addition, the time-of-travel and dispersion characteristics determined for this study may have other applications, such as use in understanding transport and attenuation 

of potential contaminants or other constituents in the stream. 

Results of the dye study in Tacony/Frankford Creek indicate 

that traveltimes were affected by the presence of man-made 

structures, such as the large scour pool developed at the outfall 

of the T14 CSO and the dam, both of which reduce stream 

velocities. Mean stream velocities during the dye-tracer tests 

ranged from 0.04 ft/s through the T14 pool to a maximum 

of 0.39 ft/s. Relative to other sub-reaches in the study area, 

a larger amount of dispersion appears to occur as the stream 

passes through the T14 pool. The dispersion efficiency was 

determined through the relation of normalized unit-concentrations and time elapsed to peak and may be of use in waterquality modeling.

Reaeration coefficients ranged from 0.043 to 2.29 

units per hour. Man-made structures appear to result in both 

reducing and elevating natural reaeration rates. The lowest 

reaeration rate (smallest reaeration coefficient of 0.043 unit 

per hour) is for the sub-reach affected by backwater conditions, such as reduced velocities and increased depths, above 

the dam. The sub-reach including the T14 pool has the lowest 

average estimated stream velocity in the study area but has a 

reaeration coefficient of 0.136 unit per hour that is nearly three 

times that of the sub-reach ending at the dam. The reaeration 

coefficient for the sub-reach with the T14 pool may be larger 

than that for the sub-reach ending at the dam because of the 

large surface area of the T14 pool or other factors associated 

with flow through the T14 pool. The highest reaeration rate 

(largest coefficient of 2.29 units per hour) is for the sub-reach 

that starts at the head of the gravel bar at the outlet of the T14 

pool and travels through the gravel bar in multiple channels 

before converging to a single channel. This sub-reach had the 

highest velocities and shallowest depths of those selected for 

study. The next highest reaeration rate (coefficient of 0.62 unit 

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

TACO275 TACO263 TACO260

Average methane concentration,

in micrograms per liter

Site name

August 2009

September 2009

EXPLANATION

Figure 17. Average methane concentrations in samples 

collected at three sites on Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, 

Pa., in both August and September 2009.
36 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

per hour) is for the sub-reach from the dam to the streamgage 

at Castor Avenue, where aeration is enhanced by hydraulic 

structures (notch and weir) that generate turbulence. The most 

natural sub-reach characterized by a series of riffles and pools 

had the third highest reaeration rate (coefficient of 0.32 unit 

per hour) and is in the upstream part of the study area.

Reaeration coefficients determined from the field tracergas method for this study were compared to those determined 

from theoretical equations using variables such as stream 

depth and velocity and a method using the timing of maximum stream concentrations of dissolved oxygen. Values of 

reaeration coefficients determined by the tracer-gas method 

were 2 to 10 times higher than values determined by the two 

alternate methods for most sub-reaches hydraulically affected 

by man-made structures. Generally, the differences between 

values determined from the three methods were least (less than 

15 percent) for the most natural sub-reaches of the study area 

above the T14 CSO and greatest (up to about 100 percent) 

for reaches most affected by man-made structures. Results of 

the comparison suggest that reaeration coefficients may be 

estimated using theoretical equations or the dissolved-oxygen 

method with relatively small error only for relatively natural 

reaches and not for reaches with unusual physical characteristics or those affected by man-made structures.

In addition to the tracer gas, propane, the gas analysis 

also included methane, ethane, and ethene, of which only 

methane was measured in concentrations above a few micrograms per liter. Methane, thought to occur naturally or because 

of ongoing processes in the stream, was measured in concentrations ranging from 6.6 to 78 μg/L; concentrations were 

greatest in sub-reaches dominated by pools. Methane concentrations, like the injected tracer gas propane, decreased from 

upstream to downstream in sub-reaches with relatively large 

rates of reaeration but increased from upstream to downstream 

in reaches with relatively low rates of reaeration, deeper 

slower water, and deeper pools.

Acknowledgments

This study could not have been completed without the 

assistance and cooperation of Jason Cruz, Josef Kardos, 

Lance Butler, and others of the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), the staff and volunteers of the Juniata Golf 

Course, and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) personnel David 

Galeone, Arthur Lilienthal, Leif Olson, Andrew Reif, Anthony 

Trease, and Kirk White. In addition, technical support in the 

design of samplers was provided by Philip Bird of USGS 

and public relations and field assistance was provided by 

Hannah Hamilton and Mary Sites Robic of USGS. Permission to conduct the study in Tacony Creek Park was provided 

by the Fairmount Park Commission, whose staff member 

Jacqueline Olson provided background information useful 

for planning and logistics. The essential contribution of Gene 

Parker of USGS to the design and planning of the study is 

gratefully acknowledged.

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38 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek
Appendixes 39

Appendix 1.—Continuous Water-Quality Data

Table 1–1. Minimum, maximum, mean, and median values for chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors 

during the period of dye tracing in Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/Frankford 

Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.
40 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–1. Minimum, maximum, mean, and median values for chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors 

during the period of dye tracing in Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; °C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; --, 

no data]

Site

USGS

station 

number

Date Time

period

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

Conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde 

depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH Turbidity 

(FNU)

Dissolved 

oxygen 

saturation 

(percent)

Dissolved 

oxygen 

concentration 

(mg/L)

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

TACO275 014670866 8/18/2009 7:11 a.m.

to 7:51 p.m.

23.3 634 2.24 7.28 0.9 58.8 5.0

25.5 640 2.37 7.75 10.1 110.9 9.1

2.2 6 .13 .47 9.2 52.1 4.1

24.4 637 2.29 7.55 1.3 90.5 7.5

24.3 636 2.31 7.57 1.2 96.3 8.0

TACO269 014670867 8/18/2009 7:35 a.m.

to 8:05 p.m.

23.7 633 1.77 7.23 1.3 49.3 4.2

25.4 640 1.89 7.67 4.9 102.7 8.4

1.6 7 .12 .44 3.6 53.4 4.3

24.7 636 1.84 7.47 1.7 80.4 6.7

24.8 635 1.84 7.47 1.6 84.9 7.0

TACO263 014670868 8/18/2009 8:30 a.m.

to 7:55 p.m.

23.9 657 1.67 7.33 1.0 77.1 6.5

25.7 671 2.26 7.72 7.3 106.1 8.6

1.9 14 .59 .39 6.3 29.0 2.2

25.1 666 2.11 7.56 1.5 93.2 7.7

25.4 666 2.15 7.58 1.3 94.8 7.8

TACO260 014670869 8/18/2009 8:30 a.m.

to 7:55 p.m.

24.1 592 1.22 7.37 1.2 79.8 6.7

26.5 654 1.51 7.73 6.2 102.2 8.2

2.4 62 .29 .36 5.0 22.4 1.5

25.5 643 1.38 7.56 2.1 92.7 7.6

25.7 648 1.37 7.57 2.0 95.1 7.7

TACO250 01467087 8/18/2009 6:30 a.m.

to 8:00 p.m.

24.1 614 1.57 6.9 -- -- 2.8

26.6 622 1.59 7.5 -- -- 8.8

2.5 8 .02 .6 -- -- 6.0

25.5 617 1.58 7.3 -- -- 6.9

25.9 616 1.58 7.4 -- -- 7.9

TACO263 014670868 9/1/2009 6:45 a.m.

to 7:55 p.m.

18.9 533 1.55 7.43 0.4 80.0 7.4

20.7 588 1.62 7.71 2.9 104.0 9.3

1.8 55 .07 .28 2.5 24.0 1.9

20.0 564 1.58 7.60 .7 95.2 8.6

20.2 566 1.58 7.62 .5 98.4 8.9
Appendixes 41

Table 1–1. Minimum, maximum, mean, and median values for chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors 

during the period of dye tracing in Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; °C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; --, 

no data]

Site

USGS

station 

number

Date Time

period

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

Conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde 

depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH Turbidity 

(FNU)

Dissolved 

oxygen 

saturation 

(percent)

Dissolved 

oxygen 

concentration 

(mg/L)

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

Min

Max

Range

Mean

Median

TACO260 014670869 9/1/2009 6:50 a.m.

to 6:55 p.m.

19.2 513 3.68 7.31 .4 78.6 7.2

20.9 587 3.73 7.71 1.1 101.4 9.1

1.8 74 .05 .40 .7 22.8 1.8

20.1 553 3.70 7.53 .6 90.6 8.2

20.2 555 3.70 7.55 .6 91.7 8.3

TACO250 01467087 9/1/2009 6:00 a.m.

to 7:30 p.m.

19.2 438 1.60 7.6 -- -- 5.0

21.5 536 1.61 8.1 -- -- 9.0

2.3 98 .01 .5 -- -- 4.0

20.4 492 1.60 7.9 -- -- 7.9

20.5 493 1.60 8.0 -- -- 8.5

TACO315 014670864 9/3/2009 6:40 a.m.

to 7:30 p.m.

17.9 642 2.58 7.67 .2 84.2 8.0

20.6 644 2.83 8.13 1.3 108.3 9.7

2.7 2 .25 .46 1.1 24.1 1.8

19.0 643 2.76 7.85 .5 96.8 9.0

18.7 643 2.77 7.81 .5 96.8 9.0

TACO285 014670865 9/3/2009 9:20 a.m.

to 6:05 p.m.

18.2 648 1.99 7.69 .3 92.2 8.7

20.6 654 2.13 8.01 .6 111.2 10.0

2.4 6 .15 .32 .3 19.0 1.3

19.6 653 2.05 7.87 .4 104.9 9.6

19.8 653 2.05 7.89 .4 108.0 9.8

TACO275 014670866 9/3/2009 8:40 a.m.

to 7:25 p.m.

18.4 628 2.18 7.55 0.4 84.0 7.9

20.5 631 2.42 7.88 2.5 108.6 9.8

2.1 3 .24 .33 2.1 24.6 1.9

19.5 630 2.24 7.72 .6 98.3 9.0

19.5 630 2.23 7.74 .6 101.0 9.3

1

Sonde depth was depth of water over water-quality sonde placed in stream at each site except for TACO250, where gage height is recorded as USGS 

streamgage 01467087.
42 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

USGS station number 014670866

TACO275 8/18/2009 7:11:04 23.6 634 1.16 7.28 5.0 58.8 10.1

7:16:04 23.5 634 1.16 7.32 5.2 61.5 3.8

7:21:04 23.5 634 2.37 7.34 5.4 63.6 1.7

7:26:04 23.4 634 2.37 7.35 5.4 63.7 1.2

7:31:04 23.4 634 2.37 7.35 5.4 63.6 1.2

7:36:04 23.4 634 2.37 7.35 5.4 63.8 1.2

7:41:04 23.4 634 2.37 7.35 5.4 64.0 1.2

7:46:04 23.4 634 2.37 7.35 5.4 63.9 1.3

7:51:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.35 5.5 64.1 1.2

7:56:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.35 5.5 64.3 1.0

8:01:04 23.4 634 2.37 7.35 5.5 64.4 1.2

8:06:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.34 5.5 64.5 1.2

8:11:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.35 5.5 64.6 1.2

8:16:04 23.4 635 2.36 7.35 5.5 65.0 1.1

8:21:04 23.4 634 2.37 7.35 5.5 65.1 1.3

8:26:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.34 5.5 65.0 1.2

8:31:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.35 5.6 65.4 1.2

8:36:04 23.4 635 2.36 7.35 5.6 65.5 1.2

8:41:04 23.3 634 2.36 7.35 5.6 65.9 1.1

8:46:04 23.3 634 2.36 7.35 5.6 66.2 1.1

8:51:04 23.3 634 2.36 7.35 5.7 66.4 1.1

8:56:04 23.3 634 2.36 7.35 5.6 66.3 1.1

9:01:04 23.3 635 2.35 7.35 5.7 67.1 1.0

9:06:04 23.3 634 2.36 7.36 5.7 67.4 1.1

9:11:04 23.3 634 2.36 7.36 5.7 67.4 1.1

9:16:04 23.3 634 2.35 7.36 5.8 68.1 1.0

9:21:04 23.3 634 2.35 7.36 5.8 68.1 1.1

9:26:04 23.3 634 2.35 7.36 5.9 68.7 1.0

9:31:04 23.3 634 2.35 7.36 5.9 68.8 1.1

9:36:04 23.3 634 2.35 7.36 5.9 69.1 1.0

9:41:04 23.3 634 2.35 7.37 5.9 69.6 1.1

9:46:04 23.3 634 2.35 7.37 6.0 69.9 1.1

9:51:04 23.3 634 2.36 7.37 6.0 70.3 1.0

9:56:04 23.3 634 2.36 7.38 6.0 71.0 1.1

10:01:04 23.3 634 2.36 7.38 6.1 71.5 1.4

10:06:04 23.3 634 2.36 7.38 6.1 71.9 1.2

10:11:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.38 6.1 72.1 1.0

10:16:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.39 6.2 72.9 1.2

10:21:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.39 6.2 73.3 1.2

10:26:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.39 6.3 74.0 1.1

10:31:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.40 6.3 74.3 1.1

10:36:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.40 6.4 74.8 1.1

10:41:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.41 6.4 75.7 1.2
Appendixes 43

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

10:46:04 23.4 634 2.36 7.41 6.5 76.0 1.3

10:51:04 23.5 634 2.36 7.41 6.5 76.5 1.2

10:56:04 23.5 634 2.36 7.42 6.5 77.0 1.4

11:01:04 23.5 634 2.36 7.42 6.6 77.6 1.1

11:06:04 23.5 634 2.36 7.42 6.6 78.2 1.2

11:11:04 23.5 634 2.35 7.43 6.7 78.7 1.1

11:16:04 23.6 634 2.35 7.43 6.7 79.4 1.1

11:21:04 23.6 634 2.35 7.44 6.8 79.9 1.4

11:26:04 23.6 634 2.35 7.44 6.8 80.5 1.3

11:31:04 23.6 634 2.35 7.44 6.9 81.0 1.4

11:36:04 23.7 635 2.35 7.45 6.9 81.9 1.2

11:41:04 23.7 634 2.35 7.45 7.0 82.2 1.2

11:46:04 23.7 634 2.35 7.47 7.1 83.6 1.2

11:51:04 23.7 635 2.35 7.47 7.1 83.8 1.1

11:56:04 23.8 635 2.34 7.47 7.1 84.3 1.0

12:01:04 23.8 635 2.34 7.48 7.2 85.5 1.2

12:06:04 23.8 635 2.34 7.49 7.3 86.0 1.0

12:11:04 23.8 635 2.34 7.49 7.3 86.6 1.0

12:16:04 23.8 635 2.34 7.49 7.3 86.5 .9

12:21:04 23.9 635 2.34 7.50 7.4 88.0 1.0

12:26:04 23.9 635 2.34 7.51 7.5 88.5 1.1

12:31:04 23.9 636 2.34 7.51 7.5 89.1 1.0

12:36:04 24.0 635 2.34 7.52 7.5 89.6 1.1

12:41:04 24.0 635 2.33 7.52 7.6 90.4 1.0

12:46:04 24.0 635 2.33 7.52 7.6 90.6 1.0

12:51:04 24.1 635 2.33 7.53 7.7 91.7 .9

12:56:04 24.1 635 2.33 7.54 7.7 92.2 1.0

13:01:04 24.1 636 2.33 7.54 7.8 92.9 .9

13:06:04 24.2 636 2.32 7.55 7.8 93.4 1.0

13:11:04 24.2 636 2.32 7.56 7.9 94.0 1.0

13:16:04 24.2 636 2.32 7.56 7.9 94.4 1.0

13:21:04 24.3 636 2.31 7.57 8.0 96.0 1.0

13:26:04 24.3 636 2.31 7.58 8.1 96.5 1.0

13:31:04 24.3 636 2.31 7.57 8.1 96.5 1.2

13:36:04 24.3 636 2.31 7.58 8.1 97.1 1.0

13:41:04 24.4 636 2.31 7.60 8.2 98.2 1.0

13:46:04 24.5 636 2.31 7.61 8.3 99.4 1.5

13:51:04 24.4 637 2.31 7.60 8.3 99.1 .9

13:56:04 24.5 637 2.31 7.60 8.3 99.5 .9

14:01:04 24.5 637 2.30 7.62 8.4 100.3 1.0

14:06:04 24.5 637 2.30 7.62 8.4 101.0 1.1

14:11:04 24.6 637 2.29 7.63 8.5 101.8 1.1

14:16:04 24.6 637 2.29 7.64 8.5 102.0 1.0

14:21:04 24.7 637 2.29 7.64 8.5 102.5 1.1
44 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

14:26:04 24.7 637 2.29 7.64 8.5 102.7 1.1

14:31:04 24.7 637 2.29 7.64 8.5 102.8 1.0

14:36:04 24.7 638 2.29 7.65 8.6 103.9 1.1

14:41:04 24.8 638 2.29 7.65 8.6 104.2 1.0

14:46:04 24.8 638 2.29 7.67 8.7 104.6 1.1

14:51:04 24.8 638 2.29 7.67 8.7 105.2 1.0

14:56:04 24.9 638 2.29 7.68 8.8 106.0 1.2

15:01:04 24.9 638 2.28 7.67 8.8 105.8 1.0

15:06:04 24.9 638 2.28 7.68 8.8 106.1 1.0

15:11:04 25.0 638 2.28 7.69 8.8 106.7 1.2

15:16:04 25.0 638 2.28 7.69 8.8 107.0 1.0

15:21:04 25.0 638 2.28 7.70 8.9 107.6 1.0

15:26:04 25.1 638 2.28 7.71 8.9 108.0 1.0

15:31:04 25.1 638 2.27 7.70 8.9 108.0 1.1

15:36:04 25.1 638 2.27 7.70 8.9 108.0 1.0

15:41:04 25.1 639 2.27 7.71 8.9 108.3 1.1

15:46:04 25.2 639 2.27 7.72 9.0 109.1 1.1

15:51:04 25.2 639 2.27 7.72 9.0 109.2 1.2

15:56:04 25.2 639 2.26 7.72 9.0 109.0 1.1

16:01:04 25.2 639 2.26 7.73 9.0 109.7 1.1

16:06:04 25.3 639 2.26 7.72 9.0 109.5 1.2

16:11:04 25.3 639 2.26 7.73 9.0 109.8 1.2

16:16:04 25.3 639 2.26 7.73 9.0 110.0 1.2

16:21:04 25.3 639 2.26 7.73 9.0 110.1 1.1

16:26:04 25.3 640 2.26 7.74 9.1 110.4 1.2

16:31:04 25.4 639 2.26 7.74 9.0 110.2 1.2

16:36:04 25.4 639 2.26 7.74 9.1 110.4 1.5

16:41:04 25.4 639 2.25 7.74 9.1 110.9 1.2

16:46:04 25.4 640 2.25 7.74 9.1 110.9 1.3

16:51:04 25.4 640 2.25 7.74 9.1 110.7 1.2

16:56:04 25.4 640 2.25 7.75 9.1 110.6 1.3

17:01:04 25.5 640 2.25 7.74 9.0 110.4 1.2

17:06:04 25.5 640 2.25 7.74 9.0 110.4 1.2

17:11:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.75 9.0 110.5 1.5

17:16:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.75 9.0 110.5 1.5

17:21:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.75 9.0 110.3 1.5

17:26:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.75 9.0 110.4 1.5

17:31:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.75 9.0 110.3 1.4

17:36:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.75 9.0 110.2 1.4

17:41:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.75 9.0 110.0 1.5

17:46:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.75 9.0 109.6 1.6

17:51:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.75 8.9 109.1 1.4

17:56:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.74 8.9 108.6 1.8

18:01:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.74 8.9 108.3 1.8
Appendixes 45

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

18:06:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.74 8.8 107.7 1.5

18:11:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.73 8.8 107.5 1.5

18:16:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.73 8.7 106.9 1.4

18:21:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.72 8.7 106.3 2.0

18:26:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.72 8.7 105.7 1.3

18:31:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.71 8.6 105.1 1.4

18:36:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.71 8.6 104.7 1.2

18:41:04 25.5 640 2.24 7.70 8.5 104.1 1.3

18:46:04 25.4 640 2.24 7.70 8.5 103.7 1.3

18:51:04 25.4 640 2.24 7.69 8.5 103.3 1.5

18:56:04 25.4 640 2.24 7.69 8.4 102.9 1.4

19:01:04 25.4 640 2.24 7.68 8.4 102.3 1.2

19:06:04 25.4 640 2.25 7.68 8.3 101.8 1.3

19:11:04 25.4 640 2.24 7.67 8.3 101.4 1.3

19:16:04 25.4 640 2.25 7.67 8.3 100.9 1.5

19:21:04 25.4 640 2.25 7.67 8.2 100.2 1.4

19:26:04 25.4 640 2.24 7.66 8.2 99.6 1.3

19:31:04 25.4 640 2.25 7.65 8.1 99.3 1.5

19:36:04 25.4 640 2.24 7.65 8.1 98.7 1.3

19:41:04 25.4 640 2.25 7.65 8.1 98.3 1.5

19:46:04 25.4 640 2.26 7.64 8.0 97.7 1.2

19:51:04 25.4 640 2.27 7.63 8.0 97.1 1.2

USGS station number 014670867

TACO269 9/18/2009 7:35:53 23.8 633 1.87 7.25 4.4 51.9 4.9

7:40:53 23.8 633 1.89 7.24 4.3 51.2 2.3

7:45:53 23.8 633 1.89 7.24 4.3 51.4 2.0

7:50:53 23.8 633 1.89 7.24 4.4 51.5 1.9

7:55:53 23.8 634 1.89 7.25 4.4 51.7 2.0

8:00:53 23.8 634 1.89 7.25 4.4 51.7 2.0

8:05:53 23.8 633 1.89 7.25 4.4 51.7 2.0

8:10:53 23.8 634 1.89 7.26 4.4 52.3 1.9

8:15:53 23.8 634 1.89 7.25 4.4 51.8 2.1

8:20:53 23.8 634 1.89 7.25 4.3 51.3 1.9

8:25:53 23.7 633 1.89 7.25 4.4 51.5 2.0

8:30:53 23.7 634 1.89 7.25 4.3 51.0 2.0

8:35:53 23.7 633 1.89 7.24 4.3 50.4 2.1

8:40:53 23.7 633 1.89 7.24 4.2 50.1 2.8

8:45:53 23.8 634 1.89 7.23 4.2 49.3 2.5

8:50:53 23.8 633 1.89 7.24 4.3 50.5 3.1

8:55:53 23.8 633 1.89 7.24 4.2 49.8 2.0

9:00:53 23.8 633 1.88 7.24 4.2 50.0 2.2

9:05:53 23.8 633 1.88 7.24 4.3 50.5 2.2

9:10:53 23.8 633 1.88 7.24 4.3 50.3 2.6

9:15:53 23.8 633 1.88 7.25 4.3 51.1 2.4
46 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

9:20:53 23.8 634 1.88 7.25 4.4 51.9 2.0

9:25:53 23.8 634 1.88 7.26 4.4 52.6 2.0

9:30:53 23.8 634 1.88 7.26 4.5 53.2 1.9

9:35:53 23.8 634 1.88 7.27 4.5 53.7 2.0

9:40:53 23.8 634 1.88 7.27 4.6 54.1 2.0

9:45:53 23.9 634 1.88 7.27 4.6 54.2 1.9

9:50:53 23.9 634 1.88 7.27 4.7 55.2 2.1

9:55:53 23.9 634 1.88 7.27 4.7 55.6 1.8

10:00:53 23.9 634 1.89 7.28 4.7 55.6 1.8

10:05:53 23.9 634 1.88 7.28 4.7 56.0 1.8

10:10:53 23.9 634 1.88 7.28 4.8 56.6 2.3

10:15:53 23.9 634 1.88 7.28 4.8 57.0 1.9

10:20:53 24.0 634 1.89 7.29 4.8 57.5 1.8

10:25:53 24.0 634 1.88 7.29 4.9 58.5 1.7

10:30:53 23.9 634 1.89 7.30 5.0 59.5 1.9

10:35:53 23.9 634 1.89 7.31 5.1 60.2 1.8

10:40:53 24.0 634 1.89 7.31 5.1 60.5 1.7

10:45:53 24.1 634 1.89 7.31 5.1 60.8 1.8

10:50:53 24.0 634 1.89 7.31 5.2 61.9 1.7

10:55:53 24.1 634 1.89 7.31 5.2 61.8 1.7

11:00:53 24.1 634 1.89 7.32 5.3 62.8 1.8

11:05:53 24.2 634 1.89 7.32 5.3 63.0 1.8

11:10:53 24.2 634 1.89 7.31 5.2 62.5 1.7

11:15:53 24.2 634 1.89 7.32 5.3 63.8 1.6

11:20:53 24.2 634 1.89 7.34 5.5 66.0 1.5

11:25:53 24.3 634 1.89 7.34 5.5 66.3 1.6

11:30:53 24.2 634 1.88 7.36 5.8 68.7 1.7

11:35:53 24.2 634 1.88 7.36 5.7 68.5 1.7

11:40:53 24.3 634 1.88 7.36 5.8 69.2 1.6

11:45:53 24.4 634 1.88 7.36 5.8 69.2 1.5

11:50:53 24.3 634 1.88 7.36 5.8 69.6 1.5

11:55:53 24.3 634 1.88 7.37 5.9 70.4 1.5

12:00:53 24.4 634 1.88 7.37 5.9 70.5 1.7

12:05:53 24.4 634 1.88 7.37 5.9 70.9 1.6

12:10:53 24.4 634 1.88 7.37 6.0 71.4 1.7

12:15:53 24.3 634 1.88 7.39 6.1 73.3 1.8

12:20:53 24.4 635 1.88 7.38 6.0 72.4 1.8

12:25:53 24.4 634 1.87 7.38 6.1 73.5 1.8

12:30:53 24.4 634 1.87 7.38 6.1 73.5 1.5

12:35:53 24.5 634 1.87 7.39 6.2 74.0 1.6

12:40:53 24.5 634 1.87 7.39 6.2 74.3 1.7

12:45:53 24.5 634 1.87 7.39 6.2 74.6 1.7

12:50:53 24.6 634 1.86 7.39 6.3 75.3 1.6

12:55:53 24.5 634 1.86 7.40 6.4 76.4 1.7
Appendixes 47

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

13:00:53 24.6 634 1.86 7.41 6.4 77.4 1.7

13:05:53 24.6 635 1.86 7.43 6.6 79.2 1.6

13:10:53 24.6 635 1.86 7.44 6.6 79.9 1.5

13:15:53 24.6 635 1.85 7.45 6.8 81.4 1.5

13:20:53 24.6 635 1.85 7.46 6.8 82.2 1.5

13:25:53 24.7 635 1.85 7.46 6.9 83.0 1.4

13:30:53 24.7 635 1.85 7.47 7.0 83.9 1.4

13:35:53 24.8 635 1.84 7.46 6.9 83.1 1.5

13:40:53 24.8 635 1.84 7.47 7.0 84.2 1.4

13:45:53 24.8 635 1.84 7.47 7.0 84.9 1.6

13:50:53 24.7 635 1.84 7.47 7.0 84.5 1.5

13:55:53 24.8 635 1.84 7.48 7.1 85.8 1.7

14:00:53 24.8 635 1.84 7.48 7.1 85.8 1.4

14:05:53 24.8 635 1.84 7.49 7.2 86.5 1.4

14:10:53 24.9 636 1.83 7.50 7.3 88.0 1.5

14:15:53 24.9 636 1.83 7.50 7.3 88.2 1.4

14:20:53 24.9 636 1.83 7.51 7.3 88.9 1.4

14:25:53 24.9 636 1.83 7.51 7.4 90.1 1.4

14:30:53 25.0 636 1.83 7.52 7.5 90.3 1.5

14:35:53 25.0 636 1.83 7.53 7.5 90.6 1.4

14:40:53 25.0 636 1.83 7.53 7.5 91.3 1.5

14:45:53 25.0 636 1.82 7.53 7.5 91.5 1.4

14:50:53 25.0 636 1.83 7.54 7.6 92.2 1.4

14:55:53 25.0 636 1.82 7.55 7.7 93.1 1.3

15:00:53 25.1 636 1.82 7.55 7.7 93.6 1.5

15:05:53 25.1 636 1.82 7.56 7.7 93.9 1.4

15:10:53 25.1 637 1.82 7.56 7.8 94.2 1.4

15:15:53 25.1 637 1.81 7.57 7.8 95.1 1.4

15:20:53 25.2 637 1.81 7.57 7.9 95.5 1.4

15:25:53 25.2 637 1.81 7.57 7.8 95.4 1.5

15:30:53 25.1 637 1.81 7.57 7.9 95.5 1.4

15:35:53 25.1 637 1.80 7.57 7.9 95.9 1.4

15:40:53 25.1 637 1.80 7.59 8.0 96.9 1.4

15:45:53 25.2 637 1.80 7.59 8.0 97.5 1.4

15:50:53 25.2 637 1.80 7.60 8.0 97.7 1.5

15:55:53 25.2 637 1.80 7.60 8.1 98.3 1.4

16:00:53 25.2 637 1.80 7.60 8.1 98.9 1.4

16:05:53 25.3 637 1.80 7.61 8.2 99.5 1.5

16:10:53 25.2 637 1.80 7.61 8.1 98.7 1.5

16:15:53 25.2 637 1.79 7.62 8.2 99.5 1.7

16:20:53 25.2 638 1.79 7.62 8.2 99.7 1.7

16:25:53 25.3 638 1.79 7.63 8.3 100.5 1.4

16:30:53 25.3 638 1.79 7.63 8.3 100.7 1.4

16:35:53 25.3 638 1.79 7.63 8.3 101.1 1.5
48 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

16:40:53 25.3 638 1.79 7.63 8.3 101.0 1.4

16:45:53 25.3 638 1.79 7.63 8.3 101.0 1.4

16:50:53 25.3 638 1.79 7.63 8.3 100.9 1.5

16:55:53 25.3 638 1.79 7.63 8.3 100.9 1.5

17:00:53 25.3 638 1.79 7.63 8.3 101.0 1.7

17:05:53 25.3 638 1.79 7.63 8.3 100.9 1.5

17:10:53 25.3 638 1.78 7.64 8.3 101.0 1.8

17:15:53 25.3 638 1.78 7.64 8.3 101.3 1.3

17:20:53 25.3 638 1.78 7.64 8.3 101.2 1.5

17:25:53 25.3 638 1.78 7.64 8.3 101.2 1.5

17:30:53 25.3 638 1.77 7.64 8.3 101.2 1.5

17:35:53 25.3 638 1.78 7.65 8.3 101.5 1.5

17:40:53 25.3 638 1.77 7.65 8.3 101.8 1.8

17:45:53 25.3 638 1.77 7.65 8.4 101.8 1.6

17:50:53 25.4 638 1.77 7.65 8.4 101.8 1.5

17:55:53 25.4 638 1.78 7.65 8.4 101.8 1.6

18:00:53 25.4 638 1.78 7.66 8.4 101.9 1.6

18:05:53 25.4 638 1.78 7.66 8.4 102.5 1.4

18:10:53 25.4 638 1.78 7.67 8.4 102.4 1.4

18:15:53 25.4 638 1.78 7.67 8.4 102.7 1.4

18:20:53 25.4 639 1.77 7.67 8.4 102.3 1.5

18:25:53 25.4 639 1.77 7.67 8.4 102.2 1.5

18:30:53 25.4 639 1.77 7.66 8.4 102.0 1.6

18:35:53 25.4 639 1.77 7.66 8.4 102.0 1.4

18:40:53 25.4 639 1.78 7.66 8.3 101.7 1.8

18:45:53 25.4 639 1.77 7.66 8.3 101.6 1.5

18:50:53 25.4 639 1.77 7.66 8.4 101.9 1.5

18:55:53 25.4 639 1.77 7.66 8.3 101.6 2.1

19:00:53 25.4 639 1.78 7.66 8.3 101.6 1.7

19:05:53 25.4 639 1.78 7.66 8.3 101.3 1.6

19:10:53 25.4 639 1.78 7.66 8.3 101.2 1.8

19:15:53 25.4 639 1.78 7.66 8.3 100.9 1.7

19:20:53 25.4 639 1.78 7.65 8.2 100.2 1.5

19:25:53 25.4 639 1.78 7.65 8.2 100.3 1.6

19:30:53 25.4 639 1.78 7.65 8.2 99.7 1.6

19:35:53 25.4 640 1.78 7.64 8.1 99.0 1.5

19:40:53 25.4 640 1.78 7.63 8.1 98.7 1.6

19:45:53 25.4 639 1.79 7.64 8.1 98.4 1.8

19:50:53 25.4 639 1.80 7.64 8.0 97.8 1.5

19:55:53 25.4 639 1.83 7.63 8.0 97.7 1.5

20:00:53 25.3 640 1.84 7.63 8.0 97.3 2.9

20:05:53 25.3 639 1.84 7.62 7.9 96.6 2.5
Appendixes 49

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

USGS station number 014670868

TACO263 8/18/2009 8:30:52 23.9 657 1.67 7.33 6.5 77.1 4.1

8:35:52 23.9 657 1.67 7.37 6.6 78.2 6.8

8:40:52 23.9 657 1.67 7.40 6.6 78.9 4.7

8:45:52 23.9 657 1.67 7.41 6.7 79.3 1.6

8:50:52 23.9 657 1.68 7.41 6.6 79.0 3.0

8:55:52 23.9 657 1.67 7.40 6.6 78.4 1.6

9:00:52 23.9 657 1.67 7.40 6.7 79.4 1.2

9:05:52 24.0 657 1.68 7.41 6.8 80.2 1.2

9:10:52 24.0 657 1.68 7.42 6.8 80.6 1.1

9:15:52 24.0 657 1.68 7.42 6.8 80.7 1.2

9:20:52 24.0 657 1.68 7.42 6.9 81.7 1.2

9:25:52 24.0 657 1.68 7.43 6.9 82.1 1.0

9:30:52 24.0 657 1.68 7.43 6.9 82.3 1.0

9:35:52 24.1 657 1.67 7.44 7.0 83.4 1.0

9:40:52 24.1 657 1.68 7.45 7.0 84.0 1.1

9:45:52 24.1 657 1.68 7.45 7.1 84.3 1.0

9:50:52 24.2 657 1.68 7.45 7.1 84.4 1.0

9:55:52 24.2 657 1.68 7.45 7.1 84.7 1.1

10:00:52 24.2 657 1.68 7.46 7.1 85.2 1.1

10:05:52 24.3 663 2.09 7.46 7.8 92.6 2.3

10:10:52 24.3 663 2.25 7.40 6.6 78.3 1.4

10:15:52 24.3 663 2.25 7.40 6.5 77.8 2.0

10:20:52 24.4 663 2.26 7.41 6.6 79.5 7.3

10:25:52 24.4 663 2.25 7.41 6.6 79.5 1.4

10:30:52 24.5 663 2.25 7.41 6.6 79.7 1.4

10:35:52 24.5 663 2.25 7.42 6.7 79.9 2.5

10:40:52 24.5 663 2.25 7.43 6.8 81.2 1.4

10:45:52 24.5 664 2.25 7.44 6.8 81.4 1.5

10:50:52 24.5 664 2.25 7.44 6.9 82.6 1.7

10:55:52 24.6 664 2.25 7.45 6.9 82.6 1.5

11:00:52 24.6 664 2.25 7.45 7.0 83.7 2.3

11:05:52 24.6 664 2.24 7.46 7.0 83.6 1.4

11:10:52 24.7 664 2.25 7.46 7.1 85.3 1.4

11:15:52 24.7 664 2.24 7.46 7.1 85.4 1.5

11:20:52 24.8 664 2.24 7.49 7.2 87.1 1.7

11:25:52 24.8 664 2.25 7.49 7.2 86.6 1.4

11:30:52 24.8 665 2.24 7.49 7.2 87.1 6.4

11:35:52 24.9 664 2.24 7.49 7.3 88.0 1.3

11:40:52 24.9 665 2.24 7.50 7.2 87.4 1.7

11:45:52 24.9 665 2.24 7.50 7.3 88.1 1.5

11:50:52 25.0 665 2.24 7.51 7.3 88.8 2.0

11:55:52 25.0 665 2.24 7.51 7.4 89.3 1.3

12:00:52 25.1 665 2.24 7.53 7.4 90.2 1.5
50 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

12:05:52 25.1 665 2.23 7.52 7.4 90.1 1.4

12:10:52 25.1 665 2.23 7.53 7.5 90.6 1.7

12:15:52 25.1 665 2.23 7.53 7.5 90.8 1.5

12:20:52 25.2 665 2.23 7.54 7.5 91.7 1.4

12:25:52 25.2 665 2.23 7.53 7.5 91.3 1.3

12:30:52 25.2 665 2.23 7.54 7.5 91.7 1.3

12:35:52 25.2 665 2.22 7.54 7.6 92.0 1.4

12:40:52 25.2 665 2.22 7.54 7.6 92.9 1.3

12:45:52 25.2 665 2.22 7.56 7.7 93.7 1.2

12:50:52 25.3 665 2.22 7.55 7.7 93.8 3.1

12:55:52 25.3 665 2.21 7.57 7.7 94.2 1.3

13:00:52 25.4 666 2.21 7.57 7.8 94.7 1.5

13:05:52 25.4 665 2.21 7.57 7.8 95.3 1.5

13:10:52 25.4 665 2.21 7.58 7.8 95.2 1.4

13:15:52 25.4 666 2.21 7.58 7.9 95.9 1.3

13:20:52 25.5 666 2.20 7.60 7.9 96.9 1.3

13:25:52 25.5 666 2.20 7.60 8.0 97.7 1.3

13:30:52 25.5 666 2.20 7.61 8.0 98.0 1.4

13:35:52 25.4 666 2.20 7.60 7.9 96.9 1.4

13:40:52 25.4 666 2.19 7.59 7.9 95.8 1.6

13:45:52 25.5 665 2.19 7.60 8.1 98.4 1.2

13:50:52 25.5 666 2.19 7.60 8.0 98.0 1.3

13:55:52 25.4 666 2.18 7.62 8.0 98.3 1.3

14:00:52 25.4 666 2.19 7.61 8.0 97.7 1.2

14:05:52 25.3 666 2.19 7.59 7.9 95.7 1.2

14:10:52 25.4 666 2.18 7.61 8.1 98.4 1.8

14:15:52 25.4 666 2.18 7.62 8.1 98.8 1.1

14:20:52 25.4 666 2.18 7.60 8.0 98.2 1.1

14:25:52 25.5 666 2.18 7.62 8.3 101.2 1.1

14:30:52 25.5 666 2.17 7.63 8.2 100.6 1.5

14:35:52 25.6 666 2.18 7.64 8.4 102.5 1.0

14:40:52 25.6 667 2.18 7.66 8.4 102.7 1.0

14:45:52 25.6 667 2.18 7.67 8.3 101.9 1.1

14:50:52 25.5 667 2.17 7.65 8.2 100.5 1.4

14:55:52 25.6 667 2.17 7.65 8.3 102.1 1.4

15:00:52 25.6 667 2.17 7.66 8.3 101.5 1.2

15:05:52 25.5 667 2.16 7.65 8.2 100.4 1.1

15:10:52 25.5 667 2.17 7.65 8.2 100.3 3.4

15:15:52 25.5 667 2.17 7.62 8.1 99.4 1.9

15:20:52 25.6 667 2.17 7.64 8.3 102.0 1.4

15:25:52 25.6 667 2.16 7.67 8.4 102.7 1.4

15:30:52 25.6 667 2.16 7.69 8.4 103.3 1.4

15:35:52 25.5 668 2.16 7.66 8.2 100.8 1.4

15:40:52 25.5 668 2.15 7.65 8.2 100.5 1.2
Appendixes 51

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

15:45:52 25.6 667 2.15 7.68 8.4 103.2 1.2

15:50:52 25.6 667 2.15 7.69 8.5 103.8 1.2

15:55:52 25.7 668 2.15 7.70 8.5 104.6 1.2

16:00:52 25.7 668 2.15 7.72 8.6 105.5 1.2

16:05:52 25.7 668 2.15 7.72 8.6 106.1 1.4

16:10:52 25.7 668 2.15 7.70 8.5 103.7 1.2

16:15:52 25.7 668 2.15 7.70 8.4 103.3 1.2

16:20:52 25.6 668 2.14 7.69 8.4 102.7 1.1

16:25:52 25.6 668 2.14 7.69 8.4 102.3 1.2

16:30:52 25.6 668 2.14 7.71 8.5 104.6 1.3

16:35:52 25.6 668 2.14 7.71 8.5 104.0 1.0

16:40:52 25.7 668 2.14 7.71 8.5 104.7 1.3

16:45:52 25.6 668 2.14 7.72 8.5 103.7 1.2

16:50:52 25.6 668 2.14 7.70 8.3 102.2 1.1

16:55:52 25.5 669 2.14 7.67 8.2 100.6 1.1

17:00:52 25.5 669 2.13 7.66 8.2 99.8 1.2

17:05:52 25.5 669 2.14 7.65 8.1 98.5 1.6

17:10:52 25.4 669 2.13 7.63 8.0 98.1 1.0

17:15:52 25.4 669 2.13 7.64 8.1 98.3 1.4

17:20:52 25.4 669 2.12 7.64 8.1 98.8 1.5

17:25:52 25.4 669 2.13 7.63 8.1 98.3 1.1

17:30:52 25.4 669 2.13 7.64 8.1 98.5 1.3

17:35:52 25.4 669 2.13 7.63 8.1 98.3 1.2

17:40:52 25.4 669 2.13 7.62 8.1 98.5 1.2

17:45:52 25.4 669 2.13 7.63 8.1 98.7 1.2

17:50:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.62 8.0 98.0 1.1

17:55:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.62 8.0 98.0 1.4

18:00:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.61 8.0 97.6 1.4

18:05:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.60 8.0 97.3 1.1

18:10:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.61 8.0 97.3 1.2

18:15:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.59 8.0 97.1 1.0

18:20:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.58 7.9 96.7 1.7

18:25:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.58 7.9 96.1 1.0

18:30:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.59 7.9 95.9 1.2

18:35:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.58 7.8 95.4 1.0

18:40:52 25.3 670 2.13 7.59 7.8 95.0 1.0

18:45:52 25.3 670 2.13 7.60 7.8 94.6 1.5

18:50:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.58 7.8 94.7 1.2

18:55:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.58 7.8 94.8 1.1

19:00:52 25.4 670 2.13 7.58 7.8 94.6 1.3

19:05:52 25.4 671 2.14 7.57 7.7 94.2 1.2

19:10:52 25.4 671 2.14 7.56 7.7 94.2 1.4

19:15:52 25.3 671 2.14 7.56 7.7 93.4 1.4

19:20:52 25.4 671 2.13 7.55 7.6 93.3 1.2
52 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

19:25:52 25.3 671 2.14 7.55 7.6 92.7 1.3

19:30:52 25.3 671 2.14 7.55 7.6 92.7 1.2

19:35:52 25.3 671 2.14 7.54 7.6 92.1 1.4

19:40:52 25.3 671 2.14 7.54 7.5 91.6 1.1

19:45:52 25.3 671 2.15 7.53 7.5 91.3 1.4

19:50:52 25.3 671 2.16 7.52 7.5 91.0 1.3

19:55:52 25.3 671 2.17 7.52 7.4 90.6 1.3

USGS station number 014670869

TACO260 8/18/2009 8:30:59 24.1 651 1.39 7.37 6.7 80.0 3.2

8:35:59 24.1 637 1.48 7.37 6.7 79.9 2.1

8:40:59 24.1 648 1.45 7.37 6.7 79.8 6.2

8:45:59 24.2 647 1.51 7.38 6.7 79.9 3.1

8:50:59 24.2 647 1.41 7.38 6.7 79.9 3.1

8:55:59 24.2 648 1.40 7.38 6.7 80.5 2.6

9:00:59 24.2 648 1.43 7.38 6.7 80.1 2.2

9:05:59 24.2 647 1.38 7.38 6.8 80.7 2.5

9:10:59 24.2 637 1.43 7.39 6.8 80.7 2.4

9:15:59 24.2 650 1.49 7.38 6.8 80.6 2.3

9:20:59 24.3 651 1.44 7.38 6.7 80.6 2.4

9:25:59 24.3 623 1.44 7.38 6.7 80.3 2.5

9:30:59 24.3 651 1.50 7.38 6.8 80.8 2.3

9:35:59 24.3 650 1.41 7.38 6.7 80.6 2.3

9:40:59 24.3 649 1.49 7.38 6.8 80.9 2.3

9:45:59 24.4 629 1.43 7.38 6.8 81.4 2.3

9:50:59 24.4 649 1.48 7.38 6.8 81.5 2.2

9:55:59 24.4 649 1.51 7.38 6.8 81.0 2.1

10:00:59 24.4 651 1.45 7.39 6.8 81.7 2.1

10:05:59 24.4 651 1.49 7.40 6.8 82.1 2.1

10:10:59 24.4 649 1.47 7.39 6.9 82.1 2.1

10:15:59 24.4 649 1.41 7.39 6.9 82.3 2.0

10:20:59 24.5 637 1.41 7.40 6.9 82.9 2.1

10:25:59 24.4 648 1.41 7.39 6.9 82.3 2.0

10:31:04 24.5 647 1.50 7.40 7.0 83.4 4.0

10:35:59 24.6 647 1.48 7.40 6.9 83.3 2.6

10:40:59 24.7 649 1.45 7.42 7.0 84.0 1.9

10:45:59 24.6 647 1.44 7.40 6.9 83.1 1.9

10:50:59 24.6 647 1.34 7.40 7.0 83.7 2.1

10:55:59 24.7 651 1.49 7.42 7.0 84.4 1.9

11:00:59 24.7 650 1.49 7.41 7.0 84.2 2.3

11:05:59 24.8 647 1.42 7.42 7.0 84.9 1.8

11:10:59 24.8 646 1.46 7.41 7.0 84.0 2.0

11:15:59 24.8 650 1.49 7.42 7.1 85.2 3.1

11:20:59 24.8 650 1.43 7.41 7.0 84.3 2.5

11:25:59 24.9 649 1.38 7.42 7.0 84.8 2.0
Appendixes 53

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

11:30:59 24.9 605 1.37 7.42 7.0 85.1 2.9

11:35:59 24.9 648 1.40 7.42 7.1 85.5 2.7

11:40:59 25.0 644 1.31 7.43 7.1 85.7 2.0

11:45:59 25.0 650 1.33 7.43 7.1 85.6 1.7

11:50:59 25.0 648 1.44 7.44 7.1 86.5 2.7

11:55:59 25.0 644 1.42 7.44 7.2 87.0 2.2

12:00:59 25.1 639 1.41 7.45 7.2 87.0 2.6

12:05:59 25.2 647 1.42 7.45 7.2 87.7 2.0

12:10:59 25.2 648 1.40 7.45 7.2 88.1 2.6

12:15:59 25.3 650 1.32 7.46 7.2 88.3 2.1

12:20:59 25.3 625 1.46 7.47 7.3 89.1 2.3

12:25:59 25.4 592 1.46 7.47 7.3 89.2 2.4

12:30:59 25.3 645 1.37 7.47 7.3 88.7 2.3

12:35:59 25.4 649 1.40 7.49 7.3 89.7 2.0

12:40:59 25.5 627 1.45 7.49 7.4 90.4 2.3

12:45:59 25.6 652 1.43 7.50 7.4 90.6 2.1

12:50:59 25.6 651 1.43 7.51 7.4 91.2 2.0

12:55:59 25.5 649 1.34 7.50 7.4 90.4 2.0

13:00:59 25.5 650 1.45 7.52 7.5 92.0 2.3

13:05:59 25.4 641 1.41 7.51 7.4 90.8 2.1

13:10:59 25.5 651 1.44 7.53 7.6 92.7 2.1

13:15:59 25.5 647 1.40 7.53 7.6 92.5 1.8

13:20:59 25.5 622 1.36 7.51 7.5 91.8 2.6

13:25:59 25.7 649 1.43 7.53 7.6 92.9 2.0

13:30:59 25.8 647 1.40 7.55 7.6 93.5 2.2

13:35:59 25.7 649 1.40 7.54 7.5 92.3 1.7

13:40:59 25.7 649 1.41 7.54 7.6 93.6 2.0

13:45:59 25.7 647 1.45 7.56 7.7 94.5 1.9

13:50:59 25.8 650 1.37 7.56 7.7 94.0 1.7

13:55:59 25.8 637 1.37 7.56 7.7 94.4 2.0

14:00:59 25.7 650 1.38 7.55 7.6 93.1 2.2

14:05:59 25.7 651 1.40 7.56 7.7 94.5 1.7

14:10:59 25.8 620 1.35 7.58 7.8 95.6 1.9

14:15:59 25.7 610 1.42 7.56 7.7 94.2 2.0

14:20:59 25.7 651 1.36 7.58 7.8 95.7 2.2

14:25:59 25.8 651 1.32 7.58 7.8 95.9 1.6

14:30:59 25.8 650 1.38 7.59 7.9 96.7 2.5

14:35:59 25.9 644 1.25 7.59 7.9 96.7 1.6

14:40:59 26.1 649 1.38 7.63 8.0 98.4 2.1

14:45:59 26.0 615 1.34 7.60 7.8 95.6 2.0

14:50:59 26.0 652 1.31 7.61 7.9 97.1 3.2

14:55:59 26.0 651 1.40 7.61 7.9 97.5 1.8

15:00:59 26.0 650 1.38 7.62 7.9 98.0 2.5

15:05:59 26.0 622 1.31 7.63 7.9 97.9 2.1
54 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

15:10:59 25.9 645 1.34 7.61 7.8 96.5 2.0

15:15:59 26.1 626 1.28 7.63 7.9 98.1 1.7

15:20:59 26.1 642 1.35 7.63 8.0 98.5 2.3

15:25:59 26.1 652 1.39 7.64 8.0 99.1 2.0

15:30:59 26.1 594 1.40 7.64 7.9 98.1 1.8

15:35:59 26.1 620 1.31 7.65 8.0 98.6 1.9

15:40:59 26.2 644 1.35 7.68 8.2 101.1 1.2

15:45:59 26.2 653 1.40 7.68 8.2 101.2 1.5

15:50:59 26.2 652 1.35 7.68 8.1 100.8 1.7

15:55:59 26.2 651 1.34 7.67 8.1 100.4 1.5

16:00:59 26.3 653 1.37 7.68 8.1 100.7 2.5

16:05:59 26.3 622 1.34 7.69 8.1 101.0 1.7

16:10:59 26.3 646 1.34 7.69 8.1 100.1 1.6

16:15:59 26.3 612 1.27 7.70 8.1 101.0 1.4

16:20:59 26.3 649 1.36 7.69 8.1 100.5 1.5

16:25:59 26.4 632 1.33 7.70 8.2 101.3 1.6

16:30:59 26.4 650 1.39 7.71 8.2 101.5 1.8

16:35:59 26.5 649 1.33 7.72 8.2 102.2 1.5

16:40:59 26.5 630 1.34 7.73 8.2 101.8 1.5

16:45:59 26.5 646 1.32 7.70 8.1 100.4 1.9

16:50:59 26.4 644 1.35 7.70 8.1 100.5 2.1

16:55:59 26.3 651 1.35 7.69 8.1 100.1 2.0

17:00:59 26.3 650 1.35 7.70 8.1 100.0 1.4

17:05:59 26.2 647 1.25 7.71 8.2 101.1 1.4

17:10:59 26.2 633 1.29 7.71 8.2 101.4 1.7

17:15:59 26.2 645 1.31 7.72 8.2 101.3 1.7

17:20:59 26.1 643 1.26 7.72 8.2 101.6 1.5

17:25:59 26.1 649 1.34 7.73 8.2 101.7 1.7

17:30:59 26.1 648 1.29 7.73 8.2 101.4 2.0

17:35:59 26.1 645 1.36 7.73 8.2 101.5 2.1

17:40:59 26.1 647 1.28 7.73 8.2 101.5 1.9

17:45:59 26.1 650 1.23 7.72 8.2 101.3 1.9

17:50:59 26.1 648 1.31 7.72 8.2 101.2 2.6

17:55:59 26.1 633 1.25 7.73 8.2 101.6 2.3

18:00:59 26.1 623 1.31 7.72 8.2 100.8 2.3

18:05:59 26.0 646 1.22 7.72 8.2 100.6 2.1

18:10:59 26.0 641 1.34 7.72 8.2 100.7 2.2

18:15:59 26.0 648 1.33 7.72 8.1 100.4 1.7

18:20:59 26.0 644 1.32 7.72 8.1 100.0 1.7

18:25:59 26.0 645 1.38 7.72 8.1 100.1 2.4

18:30:59 25.9 640 1.34 7.72 8.1 100.0 2.1

18:35:59 25.9 640 1.35 7.71 8.1 99.3 2.5

18:40:59 25.9 653 1.31 7.72 8.1 99.7 2.0

18:45:59 25.9 651 1.31 7.72 8.1 99.3 2.0
Appendixes 55

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

18:50:59 25.9 647 1.30 7.71 8.1 99.7 1.7

18:55:59 25.9 654 1.32 7.71 8.1 99.5 2.6

19:00:59 25.9 652 1.32 7.71 8.0 98.9 2.1

19:05:59 25.9 647 1.30 7.71 8.0 99.0 1.7

19:10:59 25.9 651 1.33 7.70 8.0 98.8 2.0

19:15:59 25.8 649 1.32 7.71 8.0 98.9 2.0

19:20:59 25.8 650 1.36 7.71 8.0 98.4 1.9

19:25:59 25.8 651 1.29 7.71 8.0 98.4 1.5

19:30:59 25.8 653 1.36 7.70 8.0 97.9 1.3

19:35:59 25.8 642 1.31 7.70 8.0 98.1 1.7

19:40:59 25.8 651 1.33 7.69 8.0 97.8 2.2

19:45:59 25.7 629 1.34 7.70 8.0 97.6 1.7

19:50:59 25.7 648 1.32 7.71 8.0 98.2 1.7

19:55:59 25.7 629 1.39 7.70 8.0 97.6 1.4

USGS station number 01467087

TACO250 8/18/2009 0:00:00 24.9 616 1.59 -- 4.7 -- --

0:30:00 24.9 616 1.59 -- 4.3 -- --

1:00:00 24.8 616 1.59 -- 4.7 -- --

1:30:00 24.7 616 1.59 -- 4.8 -- --

2:00:00 24.7 617 1.59 -- 5.1 -- --

2:30:00 24.6 617 1.59 -- 4.8 -- --

3:00:00 24.6 618 1.59 -- 4.2 -- --

3:30:00 24.5 618 1.59 -- 4.0 -- --

4:00:00 24.5 618 1.58 -- 4.2 -- --

4:30:00 24.4 619 1.58 -- 4.1 -- --

5:00:00 24.4 619 1.58 -- 3.2 -- --

5:30:00 24.3 619 1.58 -- 3.9 -- --

6:00:00 24.3 619 1.58 -- 3.3 -- --

6:30:00 24.2 620 1.58 -- 2.8 -- --

7:00:00 24.2 620 1.58 -- 3.1 -- --

7:30:00 24.1 620 1.58 -- 3.9 -- --

8:00:00 24.1 620 1.58 -- 4.4 -- --

8:30:00 24.2 620 1.58 -- 4.7 -- --

9:00:00 24.3 621 1.57 -- 5.3 -- --

9:30:00 24.4 621 1.58 -- 5.6 -- --

10:00:00 24.6 622 1.58 6.9 6.1 -- --

11:30:00 25.2 614 1.58 7.2 -- -- --

12:00:00 25.3 614 1.58 7.3 -- -- --

12:30:00 25.5 614 1.58 7.4 -- -- --

13:00:00 25.8 614 1.58 7.4 8.3 -- --

13:30:00 25.9 614 1.58 7.4 8.4 -- --

14:00:00 26.1 615 1.58 7.4 8.5 -- --

14:30:00 26.2 615 1.58 7.5 8.6 -- --

15:00:00 26.3 615 1.58 7.5 8.7 -- --
56 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

15:30:00 26.4 616 1.58 7.5 8.8 -- --

16:00:00 26.5 615 1.58 7.5 8.7 -- --

16:30:00 26.6 615 1.58 7.5 8.7 -- --

17:00:00 26.6 615 1.58 7.5 8.6 -- --

17:30:00 26.5 616 1.58 7.5 8.1 -- --

18:00:00 26.3 616 1.58 7.5 8.1 -- --

18:30:00 26.2 616 1.58 7.4 7.9 -- --

19:00:00 26.1 616 1.58 7.4 7.7 -- --

19:30:00 26.0 616 1.58 7.4 7.5 -- --

20:00:00 25.9 616 1.58 7.4 7.3 -- --

20:30:00 25.7 616 1.58 7.4 7.3 -- --

21:00:00 25.6 614 1.58 7.4 7.3 -- --

21:30:00 25.5 615 1.58 7.3 7.1 -- --

22:00:00 25.4 614 1.58 7.3 7.2 -- --

USGS station number 014670868

TACO263 9/1/2009 6:45:52 19.1 533 1.55 7.48 7.4 80.0 0.6

6:50:52 19.1 533 1.56 7.44 7.4 80.0 0.4

6:55:52 19.1 534 1.56 7.43 7.4 80.0 0.5

7:00:52 19.1 534 1.56 7.43 7.4 80.1 0.6

7:05:52 19.1 534 1.56 7.44 7.4 80.1 0.4

7:10:52 19.1 535 1.56 7.43 7.4 80.2 0.4

7:15:52 19.1 535 1.56 7.43 7.4 80.3 1.5

7:20:52 19.1 536 1.57 7.44 7.4 80.3 0.6

7:25:51 19.0 536 1.57 7.44 7.4 80.4 0.5

7:30:52 19.0 537 1.57 7.44 7.5 80.7 1.9

7:35:52 19.0 537 1.57 7.44 7.5 80.6 0.7

7:40:52 19.0 538 1.57 7.45 7.5 81.1 1.0

7:45:52 19.0 539 1.57 7.45 7.5 81.2 1.4

7:50:51 19.0 540 1.57 7.45 7.5 81.3 2.9

7:55:52 19.0 539 1.57 7.46 7.6 81.8 0.9

8:00:52 19.0 540 1.57 7.47 7.6 82.0 1.7

8:05:52 19.0 541 1.58 7.47 7.6 82.1 1.2

8:10:52 19.0 541 1.57 7.47 7.6 82.3 1.2

8:15:52 18.9 542 1.57 7.47 7.6 82.3 1.8

8:20:52 18.9 543 1.58 7.47 7.6 82.2 1.0

8:25:52 18.9 543 1.58 7.47 7.7 82.5 1.0

8:30:52 18.9 543 1.58 7.48 7.7 82.9 .8

8:35:52 19.0 543 1.58 7.48 7.7 83.1 .6

8:40:52 18.9 545 1.58 7.47 7.7 83.1 1.4

8:45:52 19.0 544 1.59 7.49 7.8 83.8 .5

8:50:52 19.0 546 1.59 7.47 7.7 83.5 1.5

8:55:52 19.0 545 1.59 7.49 7.8 84.5 .6

9:00:52 19.0 547 1.59 7.49 7.8 84.5 1.0

9:05:52 19.0 546 1.59 7.49 7.9 85.1 .5
Appendixes 57

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

9:10:52 19.1 548 1.59 7.49 7.9 85.6 .9

9:15:52 19.1 547 1.59 7.50 8.0 86.2 .5

9:20:52 19.1 548 1.60 7.50 8.0 86.7 .5

9:25:52 19.2 548 1.59 7.50 8.1 87.2 .5

9:30:52 19.2 550 1.60 7.49 8.1 87.5 1.5

9:35:52 19.2 549 1.60 7.51 8.1 88.2 .5

9:40:52 19.2 550 1.60 7.52 8.2 88.6 .5

9:45:52 19.3 551 1.60 7.52 8.2 89.0 .4

9:50:52 19.3 551 1.60 7.52 8.2 89.5 .5

9:55:52 19.4 551 1.60 7.53 8.3 90.1 .5

10:00:52 19.4 554 1.60 7.51 8.3 90.2 2.1

10:05:52 19.5 553 1.60 7.53 8.4 91.1 .6

10:10:52 19.5 553 1.61 7.55 8.4 91.6 .5

10:15:52 19.5 553 1.60 7.55 8.4 92.0 .5

10:20:52 19.6 554 1.61 7.55 8.5 92.4 .4

10:25:52 19.6 554 1.61 7.56 8.5 92.9 .4

10:30:52 19.7 555 1.61 7.56 8.5 93.2 .4

10:35:52 19.7 555 1.61 7.56 8.6 93.6 .5

10:40:52 19.7 557 1.61 7.56 8.6 93.9 .4

10:45:52 19.8 556 1.61 7.57 8.6 94.0 .4

10:50:52 19.8 557 1.61 7.57 8.6 94.4 .4

10:55:52 19.8 557 1.60 7.57 8.6 94.8 .5

11:00:52 19.9 561 1.62 7.54 8.7 95.2 2.0

11:05:52 19.9 559 1.61 7.57 8.7 95.2 .7

11:10:52 19.9 558 1.61 7.58 8.7 95.2 .5

11:15:52 20.0 560 1.61 7.58 8.7 96.1 .4

11:20:52 20.0 560 1.61 7.58 8.8 96.4 0.4

11:25:52 20.0 560 1.61 7.59 8.7 96.3 0.5

11:30:52 20.0 560 1.61 7.59 8.8 96.4 0.5

11:35:52 20.0 562 1.60 7.59 8.8 96.9 0.4

11:40:52 20.0 562 1.60 7.59 8.7 96.2 0.4

11:45:52 20.0 563 1.60 7.60 8.8 96.8 0.6

11:50:52 20.1 563 1.60 7.60 8.8 96.7 0.5

11:55:52 20.1 564 1.60 7.60 8.8 96.9 0.6

12:00:52 20.1 564 1.59 7.61 8.8 97.3 0.6

12:05:52 20.1 565 1.60 7.61 8.8 97.5 0.5

12:10:52 20.2 565 1.59 7.62 8.9 97.8 0.5

12:15:52 20.2 566 1.59 7.61 8.9 98.1 0.4

12:20:52 20.3 567 1.59 7.61 8.9 98.4 1.0

12:25:52 20.2 566 1.59 7.62 8.9 98.6 0.7

12:30:52 20.3 568 1.58 7.63 8.9 98.9 1.0

12:35:52 20.3 568 1.59 7.63 8.9 98.6 1.0

12:40:52 20.3 568 1.57 7.64 9.0 99.4 0.7

12:45:52 20.3 568 1.59 7.63 9.0 99.3 0.6
58 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

12:50:52 20.3 569 1.59 7.63 9.0 99.6 1.4

12:55:52 20.4 570 1.58 7.64 9.0 99.3 .7

13:00:52 20.4 570 1.59 7.64 9.0 99.7 1.0

13:05:52 20.4 571 1.59 7.65 9.0 100.1 .5

13:10:52 20.4 571 1.58 7.66 9.1 100.9 .4

13:15:52 20.4 571 1.59 7.65 9.1 101.0 .4

13:20:52 20.5 572 1.59 7.65 9.1 100.9 .6

13:25:52 20.5 572 1.58 7.65 9.1 101.1 .4

13:30:52 20.5 573 1.58 7.66 9.1 101.2 .6

13:35:52 20.5 573 1.58 7.64 9.1 101.1 .8

13:40:52 20.6 574 1.58 7.65 9.2 102.1 1.4

13:45:52 20.5 574 1.58 7.67 9.1 101.6 .6

13:50:52 20.6 574 1.57 7.67 9.1 101.8 .5

13:55:52 20.6 574 1.58 7.67 9.2 102.1 .4

14:00:52 20.6 575 1.57 7.67 9.2 102.2 .9

14:05:52 20.6 577 1.57 7.66 9.1 101.6 1.3

14:10:51 20.6 575 1.57 7.68 9.1 101.5 .7

14:15:51 20.6 576 1.57 7.67 9.2 102.3 .5

14:20:52 20.6 576 1.58 7.67 9.1 101.9 .5

14:25:52 20.6 576 1.58 7.67 9.2 102.0 .4

14:30:52 20.6 576 1.57 7.68 9.1 101.7 .5

14:35:52 20.7 575 1.57 7.67 9.1 101.8 .4

14:40:52 20.7 576 1.57 7.67 9.1 102.0 .4

14:45:51 20.7 576 1.57 7.67 9.1 101.9 .4

14:50:52 20.7 576 1.57 7.67 9.1 102.0 .4

14:55:52 20.7 577 1.57 7.67 9.1 101.9 .4

15:00:52 20.7 577 1.57 7.67 9.1 102.0 .4

15:05:52 20.7 577 1.57 7.68 9.2 102.2 .8

15:10:51 20.7 578 1.56 7.68 9.2 102.4 .4

15:15:52 20.7 579 1.56 7.68 9.2 102.5 .5

15:20:52 20.7 579 1.57 7.68 9.2 102.5 .5

15:25:52 20.7 579 1.56 7.68 9.2 102.7 .4

15:30:51 20.7 580 1.57 7.68 9.2 102.8 .4

15:35:52 20.7 581 1.57 7.68 9.2 102.8 .4

15:40:52 20.7 580 1.57 7.69 9.2 102.8 .4

15:45:52 20.7 581 1.57 7.70 9.2 103.1 .4

15:50:52 20.7 582 1.57 7.69 9.2 103.2 .4

15:55:52 20.7 581 1.57 7.70 9.3 103.4 .4

16:00:52 20.7 581 1.57 7.70 9.3 103.5 .4

16:05:52 20.7 582 1.57 7.69 9.3 104.0 .4

16:10:52 20.7 582 1.56 7.70 9.2 103.0 .4

16:15:52 20.7 582 1.57 7.69 9.3 103.4 .5

16:20:51 20.7 583 1.57 7.69 9.3 103.4 .5

16:25:51 20.7 583 1.57 7.70 9.3 103.4 .4
Appendixes 59

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

16:30:52 20.7 583 1.56 7.70 9.3 103.5 .4

16:35:52 20.7 583 1.57 7.71 9.3 103.5 .4

16:40:52 20.7 584 1.56 7.70 9.3 103.9 .4

16:45:51 20.7 584 1.56 7.70 9.3 103.7 .5

16:50:52 20.7 585 1.57 7.71 9.3 103.9 .4

16:55:52 20.7 585 1.57 7.70 9.3 103.4 .4

17:00:52 20.7 586 1.57 7.70 9.3 103.7 .4

17:05:52 20.7 585 1.57 7.70 9.3 103.3 .5

17:10:52 20.7 586 1.57 7.70 9.3 103.6 .4

17:15:52 20.7 586 1.58 7.70 9.3 103.4 .4

17:20:52 20.6 586 1.58 7.71 9.3 103.5 .4

17:25:52 20.6 587 1.58 7.69 9.2 102.9 .4

17:30:52 20.6 587 1.58 7.70 9.2 103.0 .4

17:35:52 20.6 587 1.58 7.70 9.2 103.0 .4

17:40:52 20.6 588 1.59 7.71 9.3 103.4 0.6

17:45:51 20.6 588 1.58 7.69 9.2 102.5 0.4

17:50:52 20.6 588 1.59 7.69 9.2 102.3 0.4

17:55:52 20.5 588 1.59 7.69 9.2 102.2 0.4

USGS station number 014670869

TACO260 9/1/2009 6:50:59 19.4 513 3.69 7.55 7.3 79.7 1.0

6:55:58 19.4 514 3.69 7.38 7.4 80.3 0.6

7:00:59 19.4 514 3.69 7.38 7.3 79.6 0.7

7:05:59 19.4 514 3.69 7.32 7.3 79.4 0.6

7:10:59 19.3 516 3.69 7.33 7.3 79.6 0.7

7:15:59 19.3 516 3.69 7.33 7.3 79.5 0.7

7:20:59 19.3 516 3.69 7.32 7.3 79.2 0.6

7:25:59 19.3 517 3.69 7.32 7.3 79.1 0.7

7:30:59 19.3 518 3.69 7.34 7.3 78.9 0.7

7:35:59 19.3 518 3.69 7.34 7.3 78.9 0.7

7:40:59 19.3 519 3.69 7.33 7.3 78.9 0.6

7:45:59 19.3 519 3.69 7.31 7.3 79.1 0.7

7:50:59 19.3 519 3.70 7.33 7.2 78.6 0.7

7:55:59 19.2 520 3.70 7.33 7.3 78.7 0.8

8:00:59 19.2 521 3.70 7.36 7.3 79.1 0.7

8:05:59 19.2 522 3.70 7.35 7.3 78.9 0.6

8:10:59 19.2 522 3.70 7.36 7.3 79.1 0.6

8:15:59 19.2 523 3.70 7.37 7.3 79.0 0.6

8:20:59 19.2 524 3.70 7.41 7.3 78.9 0.6

8:25:59 19.2 525 3.70 7.36 7.3 78.7 0.8

8:30:59 19.2 525 3.71 7.37 7.3 78.9 0.9

8:35:59 19.2 525 3.71 7.38 7.3 79.1 0.8

8:40:59 19.2 525 3.71 7.39 7.3 78.9 0.7

8:45:59 19.2 526 3.71 7.39 7.3 79.3 0.7

8:50:59 19.2 527 3.71 7.41 7.3 79.0 0.6
60 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

8:55:59 19.2 527 3.71 7.40 7.3 79.1 0.7

9:00:59 19.2 528 3.72 7.39 7.3 78.9 .6

9:05:58 19.2 528 3.72 7.39 7.3 79.3 .7

9:10:59 19.2 528 3.72 7.40 7.3 79.3 .6

9:15:59 19.2 529 3.72 7.39 7.3 79.5 .6

9:20:59 19.2 529 3.72 7.39 7.3 78.9 .6

9:25:59 19.2 530 3.72 7.40 7.4 80.0 .8

9:30:59 19.2 530 3.72 7.41 7.4 79.8 .6

9:35:59 19.2 531 3.72 7.41 7.4 80.0 .7

9:40:59 19.3 530 3.72 7.42 7.4 80.3 .6

9:45:59 19.3 532 3.72 7.41 7.4 80.6 .6

9:50:59 19.3 532 3.72 7.44 7.4 80.5 .6

9:55:59 19.3 533 3.72 7.42 7.4 80.8 .7

10:00:59 19.3 534 3.72 7.42 7.5 81.3 .6

10:05:59 19.3 534 3.73 7.42 7.5 81.3 .6

10:10:59 19.4 534 3.72 7.45 7.4 80.8 1.1

10:15:59 19.4 535 3.72 7.43 7.5 82.0 .5

10:20:59 19.4 536 3.72 7.44 7.6 82.4 .7

10:25:59 19.5 536 3.73 7.45 7.6 82.9 .6

10:30:59 19.5 538 3.73 7.45 7.7 83.4 .6

10:35:59 19.5 538 3.73 7.44 7.6 83.1 .6

10:40:59 19.6 539 3.73 7.45 7.7 83.8 .6

10:45:59 19.6 539 3.73 7.45 7.7 83.8 .6

10:50:59 19.6 540 3.73 7.46 7.7 84.3 .6

10:55:59 19.6 541 3.73 7.46 7.7 84.2 .5

11:00:59 19.6 541 3.72 7.48 7.8 85.0 .6

11:05:59 19.7 542 3.72 7.47 7.8 85.2 .6

11:10:59 19.7 542 3.72 7.47 7.8 85.7 .5

11:15:58 19.7 543 3.72 7.47 7.8 85.6 .6

11:20:59 19.8 544 3.72 7.48 7.9 86.2 .6

11:25:59 19.8 544 3.72 7.49 7.8 86.0 .6

11:30:59 19.8 544 3.72 7.48 7.9 86.5 .5

11:35:59 19.8 545 3.72 7.51 7.9 86.6 .6

11:40:58 19.8 546 3.72 7.49 7.9 87.1 .5

11:45:59 19.9 546 3.72 7.51 7.9 87.2 .6

11:50:59 19.9 546 3.72 7.49 8.0 87.5 .6

11:55:59 19.9 547 3.71 7.50 8.0 87.6 .6

12:00:59 20.0 547 3.71 7.49 8.0 87.8 .5

12:05:59 20.0 547 3.71 7.49 8.0 88.3 .6

12:10:58 20.0 548 3.71 7.51 8.1 89.0 .6

12:15:59 20.0 549 3.71 7.50 8.1 89.2 .6

12:20:59 20.1 549 3.71 7.53 8.1 89.4 .5

12:25:59 20.1 550 3.70 7.52 8.1 89.7 .6

12:30:58 20.1 551 3.71 7.52 8.2 90.8 .6
Appendixes 61

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

12:35:59 20.1 552 3.71 7.52 8.2 90.5 0.6

12:40:58 20.2 553 3.70 7.53 8.3 91.3 .6

12:45:59 20.2 553 3.71 7.53 8.2 91.0 .6

12:50:58 20.2 554 3.70 7.54 8.3 91.3 .4

12:55:59 20.2 555 3.70 7.54 8.3 92.0 .6

13:00:59 20.3 555 3.70 7.56 8.4 93.0 .6

13:05:58 20.3 556 3.70 7.55 8.4 92.8 .4

13:10:59 20.4 556 3.70 7.55 8.4 93.2 .6

13:15:59 20.4 557 3.70 7.55 8.4 93.7 .6

13:20:59 20.4 557 3.70 7.55 8.5 93.9 .6

13:25:59 20.5 558 3.70 7.55 8.5 94.1 .6

13:30:59 20.5 558 3.70 7.56 8.5 94.3 .6

13:35:58 20.6 559 3.70 7.56 8.5 94.7 .7

13:40:59 20.6 560 3.69 7.58 8.6 95.3 .6

13:45:59 20.6 560 3.69 7.57 8.5 95.2 .6

13:50:59 20.6 560 3.69 7.57 8.5 95.1 .7

13:55:59 20.7 561 3.69 7.57 8.5 95.1 .6

14:00:59 20.7 561 3.69 7.59 8.6 95.9 .6

14:05:59 20.7 562 3.68 7.58 8.6 96.0 .6

14:10:59 20.7 562 3.69 7.59 8.6 96.2 .6

14:15:59 20.8 563 3.68 7.57 8.6 96.5 .6

14:20:59 20.8 563 3.69 7.59 8.6 96.6 .7

14:25:58 20.8 563 3.68 7.61 8.7 97.4 .5

14:30:59 20.8 564 3.69 7.59 8.7 97.5 .7

14:35:59 20.8 565 3.68 7.59 8.7 97.4 .6

14:40:59 20.9 565 3.68 7.60 8.7 97.9 .8

14:45:58 20.9 566 3.69 7.60 8.7 98.0 .8

14:50:59 20.9 566 3.69 7.59 8.7 97.7 .6

14:55:58 20.9 567 3.69 7.60 8.8 98.3 .7

15:00:59 20.8 568 3.69 7.61 8.7 97.8 .7

15:05:59 20.9 569 3.69 7.61 8.8 98.5 .7

15:10:58 20.9 570 3.68 7.62 8.8 98.7 .6

15:15:58 20.9 570 3.68 7.61 8.8 98.8 .7

15:20:58 20.9 570 3.68 7.60 8.8 98.7 .7

15:25:59 20.9 571 3.68 7.61 8.9 99.1 .6

15:30:59 20.9 572 3.68 7.63 8.9 99.4 .6

15:35:59 20.9 572 3.68 7.62 8.9 99.2 .4

15:40:59 20.9 572 3.68 7.62 8.9 99.5 .6

15:45:59 20.9 573 3.68 7.62 8.9 99.9 .6

15:50:58 20.9 574 3.69 7.63 8.9 100.2 .5

15:55:59 20.9 574 3.69 7.63 9.0 100.4 .6

16:00:58 20.9 574 3.69 7.64 8.9 100.3 .6

16:05:58 20.9 575 3.68 7.64 8.9 99.7 .8

16:10:59 20.9 575 3.69 7.65 9.0 100.5 .5
62 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

16:15:59 20.9 576 3.69 7.64 9.0 100.4 0.4

16:20:58 20.9 576 3.69 7.64 9.0 100.7 .5

16:25:58 20.9 577 3.69 7.64 9.0 100.9 .6

16:30:59 20.9 577 3.69 7.67 9.0 100.6 .6

16:35:59 20.9 577 3.69 7.66 9.0 100.9 .5

16:40:59 20.9 578 3.69 7.64 9.0 100.8 .5

16:45:59 20.9 578 3.68 7.65 9.0 101.0 .5

16:50:59 20.9 579 3.69 7.65 9.0 100.8 .6

16:55:59 20.9 579 3.69 7.66 9.0 101.0 .6

17:00:59 20.9 580 3.69 7.67 9.0 101.0 .4

17:05:59 20.9 580 3.69 7.67 9.1 101.4 .7

17:10:59 20.9 580 3.69 7.67 9.1 101.4 .5

17:15:59 20.8 581 3.70 7.67 9.0 101.1 .6

17:20:59 20.8 581 3.70 7.68 9.0 101.1 .6

17:25:59 20.8 582 3.70 7.68 9.0 101.2 .6

17:30:59 20.8 582 3.70 7.68 9.0 100.7 .5

17:35:59 20.8 582 3.70 7.68 9.0 100.6 .6

17:40:59 20.8 582 3.71 7.68 9.0 101.0 .6

17:45:59 20.8 582 3.71 7.71 9.1 101.3 .5

17:50:59 20.7 583 3.71 7.68 9.0 100.8 .6

17:55:58 20.7 583 3.71 7.68 9.0 100.5 .7

18:00:59 20.7 584 3.71 7.68 9.0 100.7 .6

18:05:59 20.7 584 3.71 7.67 9.0 100.8 .6

18:10:59 20.7 584 3.71 7.69 9.0 100.4 .4

18:15:59 20.7 584 3.72 7.69 9.0 100.4 .6

18:20:59 20.7 584 3.72 7.68 9.0 100.9 .5

18:25:59 20.6 585 3.72 7.68 9.0 100.4 .5

18:30:59 20.6 586 3.72 7.68 9.0 99.8 .6

18:35:59 20.5 586 3.72 7.68 9.0 99.7 .5

18:40:59 20.5 586 3.72 7.68 8.9 98.6 .6

18:45:59 20.5 586 3.72 7.67 8.9 98.7 .6

18:50:59 20.5 586 3.73 7.68 8.9 98.4 .6

18:55:59 20.4 587 3.73 7.67 8.8 98.2 .6

USGS station number 01467087

TACO250 9/1/2009 0:00:00 20.6 404 1.60 7.6 6.6 -- --

0:30:00 20.6 407 1.60 7.6 6.5 -- --

1:00:00 20.5 410 1.60 7.6 6.1 -- --

1:30:00 20.4 412 1.60 7.6 6.0 -- --

2:00:00 20.3 414 1.60 7.6 6.1 -- --

2:30:00 20.2 416 1.60 7.6 5.9 -- --

3:00:00 20.1 418 1.60 7.6 6.3 -- --

3:30:00 20.0 421 1.60 7.6 5.9 -- --

4:00:00 19.9 424 1.60 7.6 6.1 -- --

4:30:00 19.8 428 1.60 7.6 6.3 -- --
Appendixes 63

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

5:00:00 19.7 431 1.60 7.7 5.9 -- --

5:30:00 19.7 435 1.60 7.6 6.2 -- --

6:00:00 19.6 438 1.60 7.7 6.0 -- --

6:30:00 19.5 443 1.60 7.7 6.1 -- --

7:00:00 19.4 447 1.60 7.6 5.0 -- --

7:30:00 19.4 451 1.60 7.7 6.4 -- --

8:00:00 19.3 457 1.60 7.7 5.8 -- --

8:30:00 19.2 461 1.60 7.7 6.2 -- --

9:00:00 19.2 463 1.60 7.9 6.6 -- --

9:30:00 19.3 467 1.60 8.0 6.8 -- --

10:00:00 19.5 474 1.60 7.9 6.7 -- --

10:30:00 19.7 477 1.60 7.9 8.2 -- --

11:00:00 19.8 480 1.60 8.0 7.8 -- --

11:30:00 20.0 485 1.60 8.0 8.4 -- --

12:00:00 20.2 488 1.60 8.0 8.2 -- --

12:30:00 20.4 491 1.61 8.0 8.5 -- --

13:00:00 20.6 495 1.60 8.0 8.6 -- --

13:30:00 20.8 499 1.61 8.0 8.8 -- --

14:00:00 20.9 504 1.61 8.1 8.7 -- --

14:30:00 21.2 506 1.60 8.0 8.8 -- --

15:00:00 21.3 511 1.60 8.0 8.8 -- --

15:30:00 21.4 515 1.60 8.1 8.9 -- --

16:00:00 21.5 518 1.60 8.0 8.9 -- --

16:30:00 21.5 522 1.60 8.0 9.0 -- --

17:00:00 21.4 525 1.60 8.1 8.9 -- --

17:30:00 21.3 527 1.60 8.1 8.8 -- --

18:00:00 21.2 530 1.60 8.0 8.8 -- --

18:30:00 21.1 532 1.60 8.0 8.7 -- --

19:00:00 20.9 534 1.60 8.0 8.6 -- --

19:30:00 20.7 536 1.60 8.0 8.5 -- --

20:00:00 20.5 538 1.61 8.0 8.3 -- --

20:30:00 20.3 540 1.60 8.0 8.1 -- --

21:00:00 20.2 542 1.60 8.0 8.1 -- --

21:30:00 20.1 543 1.60 8.0 8.0 -- --

22:00:00 20.0 545 1.60 8.0 7.9 -- --

22:30:00 19.9 546 1.60 8.0 8.0 -- --

23:00:00 19.8 547 1.60 8.0 7.8 -- --

23:30:00 19.7 548 1.60 8.0 7.9 -- --

USGS station number 014670864

TACO315 9/3/2009 6:40:59 18.1 643 2.58 7.80 8.1 86.1 .9

6:45:59 18.1 643 2.58 7.69 8.0 84.9 .6

6:50:59 18.1 643 2.58 7.68 8.0 84.8 .5

6:55:59 18.1 643 2.59 7.67 8.0 84.2 .5

7:00:59 18.1 643 2.58 7.67 8.0 84.8 .6
64 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

7:05:59 18.0 643 2.58 7.67 8.0 84.5 0.6

7:10:59 18.0 643 2.83 7.67 8.2 86.5 .6

7:15:59 18.0 643 2.83 7.67 8.0 84.8 .6

7:20:59 18.0 643 2.83 7.67 8.0 84.7 .5

7:25:59 18.0 643 2.83 7.67 8.1 85.2 .6

7:30:59 18.0 643 2.83 7.67 8.0 84.7 .5

7:35:59 18.0 643 2.83 7.67 8.0 84.8 .6

7:40:59 18.0 643 2.83 7.67 8.0 84.9 .5

7:45:59 17.9 643 2.83 7.68 8.1 85.1 .6

7:50:59 17.9 643 2.83 7.68 8.1 85.1 .4

7:55:59 17.9 643 2.83 7.67 8.1 85.2 .7

8:00:59 17.9 643 2.83 7.68 8.1 85.5 .6

8:05:59 17.9 643 2.83 7.68 8.1 85.5 .4

8:10:59 17.9 643 2.83 7.68 8.1 85.7 .5

8:15:59 17.9 643 2.83 7.69 8.2 86.0 .5

8:20:59 17.9 643 2.83 7.69 8.2 86.1 .4

8:25:59 17.9 643 2.83 7.69 8.2 86.3 .5

8:30:59 17.9 642 2.83 7.69 8.2 86.7 .6

8:35:59 17.9 643 2.82 7.69 8.2 86.5 .6

8:40:59 17.9 643 2.82 7.70 8.2 86.9 .4

8:45:59 17.9 643 2.82 7.70 8.3 87.4 .3

8:50:59 17.9 642 2.82 7.70 8.3 87.1 .6

8:55:59 17.9 643 2.82 7.70 8.3 87.5 .2

9:00:59 17.9 643 2.82 7.71 8.3 87.5 .6

9:05:59 17.9 642 2.81 7.71 8.3 87.8 .4

9:10:59 17.9 642 2.81 7.71 8.3 88.0 .6

9:15:59 17.9 642 2.82 7.71 8.3 88.0 .6

9:20:59 17.9 642 2.81 7.71 8.4 88.3 .5

9:25:59 17.9 643 2.82 7.72 8.4 88.8 .4

9:30:59 17.9 642 2.82 7.72 8.4 89.1 .6

9:35:59 17.9 643 2.82 7.72 8.5 89.3 .6

9:40:59 17.9 642 2.82 7.73 8.5 89.5 .5

9:45:59 17.9 643 2.82 7.73 8.5 89.7 .6

9:50:59 17.9 642 2.82 7.73 8.5 89.9 .6

9:55:59 18.0 642 2.82 7.73 8.5 89.8 .4

10:00:59 18.0 642 2.82 7.74 8.5 90.1 .4

10:05:59 18.0 642 2.82 7.74 8.5 90.4 .7

10:10:59 18.0 642 2.82 7.74 8.6 90.5 .5

10:15:59 18.0 642 2.82 7.74 8.6 91.1 .6

10:20:59 18.0 642 2.82 7.75 8.6 90.9 .8

10:25:59 18.0 642 2.81 7.75 8.6 90.8 .7

10:30:59 18.1 642 2.81 7.75 8.6 91.3 1.3

10:35:59 18.1 642 2.81 7.75 8.7 91.7 1.2

10:40:59 18.1 642 2.81 7.76 8.7 92.0 .5
Appendixes 65

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

10:45:59 18.1 642 2.81 7.76 8.7 92.2 0.7

10:50:59 18.2 642 2.81 7.77 8.7 92.6 .7

10:55:59 18.2 642 2.81 7.77 8.7 92.6 .6

11:00:59 18.2 642 2.81 7.77 8.8 93.0 .6

11:05:59 18.2 642 2.81 7.77 8.8 93.1 .6

11:10:59 18.3 642 2.80 7.78 8.8 93.5 .6

11:15:59 18.3 642 2.80 7.78 8.8 93.9 .5

11:20:59 18.3 642 2.80 7.78 8.8 93.9 .9

11:25:59 18.4 642 2.79 7.79 8.9 94.4 .5

11:30:59 18.4 642 2.79 7.79 8.9 94.8 .4

11:35:59 18.4 642 2.79 7.79 8.9 94.7 .4

11:40:59 18.5 643 2.79 7.80 8.9 95.3 .4

11:45:59 18.5 643 2.78 7.80 8.9 95.5 .5

11:50:59 18.6 642 2.79 7.80 9.0 95.8 .4

11:55:59 18.6 642 2.78 7.80 8.9 95.8 .5

12:00:59 18.7 643 2.78 7.81 9.0 96.5 .6

12:05:59 18.7 642 2.78 7.81 9.0 96.8 .8

12:10:59 18.8 643 2.78 7.82 9.0 97.2 .7

12:15:59 18.8 643 2.78 7.82 9.1 97.5 .7

12:20:59 18.8 643 2.78 7.82 9.1 97.8 .8

12:25:59 18.9 643 2.78 7.83 9.1 98.2 .8

12:30:59 18.9 643 2.78 7.83 9.1 98.5 .6

12:35:59 19.0 643 2.77 7.84 9.2 99.0 .6

12:40:59 19.0 643 2.77 7.85 9.2 99.2 .6

12:45:59 19.0 643 2.77 7.85 9.2 99.4 .5

12:50:59 19.1 643 2.77 7.85 9.2 99.3 .6

12:55:59 19.2 643 2.77 7.86 9.2 100.1 .4

13:00:59 19.2 643 2.77 7.86 9.3 100.5 .4

13:05:59 19.2 643 2.77 7.86 9.3 100.7 .4

13:10:59 19.3 643 2.76 7.87 9.3 100.9 .3

13:15:59 19.4 643 2.76 7.88 9.3 101.4 .4

13:20:59 19.4 643 2.76 7.88 9.3 101.5 .4

13:25:59 19.4 643 2.76 7.88 9.4 101.8 .3

13:30:59 19.5 643 2.75 7.90 9.4 102.1 .5

13:35:59 19.5 643 2.75 7.90 9.4 102.2 .4

13:40:59 19.5 643 2.75 7.90 9.4 102.6 .4

13:45:59 19.5 643 2.75 7.90 9.4 102.5 .5

13:50:59 19.6 643 2.74 7.91 9.5 103.3 .4

13:55:59 19.6 643 2.74 7.91 9.5 103.5 .3

14:00:59 19.7 643 2.74 7.92 9.5 103.8 .7

14:05:59 19.7 643 2.73 7.93 9.5 103.7 .5

14:10:59 19.7 643 2.73 7.94 9.5 104.5 .3

14:15:58 19.8 643 2.73 7.94 9.5 104.5 .5

14:20:58 19.8 643 2.73 7.94 9.5 104.7 .4
66 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

14:25:59 19.8 643 2.72 7.94 9.6 104.8 0.4

14:30:59 19.9 643 2.72 7.95 9.6 105.1 .5

14:35:59 19.9 643 2.72 7.95 9.6 105.0 .4

14:40:58 19.9 643 2.72 7.95 9.6 105.1 .4

14:45:58 20.0 643 2.71 7.96 9.6 105.3 .5

14:50:59 20.0 643 2.71 7.96 9.6 105.6 .6

14:55:59 20.0 643 2.71 7.97 9.6 105.5 .4

15:00:59 20.1 643 2.71 7.97 9.6 106.0 .5

15:05:58 20.1 643 2.71 7.98 9.6 106.0 .5

15:10:59 20.1 643 2.71 7.99 9.6 106.1 .7

15:15:59 20.1 643 2.71 7.99 9.6 106.0 .6

15:20:59 20.1 643 2.71 7.99 9.6 106.5 .4

15:25:59 20.2 643 2.71 8.01 9.6 106.3 .6

15:30:59 20.2 643 2.71 8.01 9.6 106.6 .3

15:35:58 20.2 643 2.71 8.01 9.7 106.9 .4

15:40:59 20.3 643 2.70 8.02 9.7 107.0 .5

15:45:59 20.3 643 2.70 8.03 9.7 107.0 .4

15:50:59 20.3 643 2.70 8.03 9.7 107.3 .4

15:55:59 20.3 643 2.69 8.04 9.7 107.7 .5

16:00:58 20.4 643 2.69 8.04 9.7 107.6 .4

16:05:58 20.4 644 2.69 8.04 9.7 107.4 .4

16:10:58 20.4 643 2.70 8.05 9.7 107.4 .3

16:15:59 20.4 644 2.70 8.05 9.7 107.4 .4

16:20:59 20.4 644 2.70 8.06 9.7 107.8 .4

16:25:59 20.4 644 2.69 8.06 9.7 107.6 .4

16:30:59 20.5 644 2.69 8.08 9.7 108.1 .5

16:35:59 20.5 644 2.69 8.08 9.7 108.3 .4

16:40:59 20.5 644 2.69 8.08 9.7 108.2 .4

16:45:59 20.5 644 2.69 8.08 9.7 108.2 .4

16:50:59 20.5 644 2.69 8.10 9.7 107.9 .6

16:55:59 20.5 644 2.69 8.10 9.7 107.7 .3

17:00:59 20.5 644 2.69 8.10 9.7 108.0 .5

17:05:59 20.5 644 2.69 8.11 9.7 108.1 .4

17:10:59 20.5 644 2.69 8.11 9.7 107.8 .4

17:15:59 20.5 644 2.69 8.12 9.7 107.9 .5

17:20:58 20.6 644 2.69 8.12 9.7 107.7 .5

17:25:59 20.6 644 2.69 8.13 9.7 107.9 .5

17:30:59 20.6 644 2.69 8.13 9.7 107.5 .3

USGS station number 014670865

TACO285 9/3/2009 9:20:52 18.2 648 2.12 7.71 8.7 92.2 .5

9:25:52 18.2 649 2.12 7.71 8.7 92.4 .6

9:30:52 18.2 649 2.13 7.70 8.7 92.8 .4

9:35:52 18.2 649 2.13 7.69 8.7 92.9 .5

9:40:52 18.2 650 2.13 7.71 8.8 93.2 .4
Appendixes 67

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

9:45:52 18.3 650 2.13 7.71 8.8 93.6 0.4

9:50:52 18.2 650 2.13 7.71 8.8 93.8 .6

9:55:52 18.2 650 2.13 7.71 8.8 93.9 .4

10:00:52 18.2 650 2.13 7.72 8.9 94.1 .4

10:05:52 18.3 650 2.13 7.72 8.9 94.7 .4

10:10:52 18.3 650 2.13 7.72 8.9 94.8 .4

10:15:52 18.3 651 2.12 7.72 8.9 95.2 .4

10:20:52 18.3 651 2.12 7.73 9.0 95.5 .4

10:25:52 18.3 651 2.12 7.72 9.0 95.7 .4

10:30:52 18.3 651 2.12 7.73 9.0 96.0 .4

10:35:52 18.3 651 2.11 7.74 9.1 96.4 .4

10:40:52 18.4 652 2.11 7.74 9.1 96.8 .4

10:45:53 18.4 652 2.11 7.74 9.1 96.9 .4

10:50:52 18.4 652 2.11 7.74 9.1 97.1 .4

10:55:52 18.4 652 2.11 7.74 9.1 97.1 .4

11:00:52 18.5 652 2.11 7.74 9.1 97.5 .4

11:05:52 18.5 651 2.11 7.74 9.2 97.7 .3

11:10:52 18.5 652 2.11 7.75 9.2 98.1 .4

11:15:52 18.6 652 2.11 7.75 9.2 98.4 .4

11:20:52 18.5 652 2.10 7.76 9.2 98.5 .4

11:25:52 18.6 652 2.10 7.77 9.3 99.4 .4

11:30:52 18.7 653 2.10 7.77 9.3 99.3 .4

11:35:52 18.7 653 2.09 7.77 9.3 99.9 .3

11:40:52 18.7 652 2.09 7.78 9.3 100.2 .3

11:45:52 18.8 653 2.09 7.78 9.3 100.4 .4

11:50:52 18.8 653 2.09 7.79 9.4 100.7 .3

11:55:52 18.9 653 2.09 7.79 9.4 101.3 .4

12:00:52 18.9 653 2.09 7.80 9.4 101.5 .4

12:05:52 19.0 653 2.09 7.81 9.5 102.0 .4

12:10:52 19.0 653 2.08 7.80 9.5 102.2 .4

12:15:52 19.1 653 2.08 7.81 9.5 102.8 .3

12:20:52 19.1 653 2.08 7.81 9.5 102.7 .4

12:25:52 19.1 653 2.08 7.82 9.6 103.4 .4

12:30:52 19.2 653 2.07 7.82 9.6 103.7 .3

12:35:52 19.2 653 2.07 7.83 9.6 103.8 .3

12:40:52 19.3 653 2.07 7.83 9.6 104.4 .4

12:45:53 19.3 653 2.07 7.84 9.6 104.5 .3

12:50:52 19.4 653 2.07 7.84 9.7 105.0 .4

12:55:52 19.5 653 2.07 7.84 9.7 105.4 .4

13:00:52 19.5 653 2.07 7.85 9.7 105.6 .3

13:05:52 19.5 653 2.06 7.86 9.7 105.9 .4

13:10:52 19.5 653 2.06 7.86 9.7 106.3 .4

13:15:52 19.6 653 2.06 7.86 9.7 106.4 .4

13:20:52 19.6 653 2.06 7.87 9.8 106.8 .4
68 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

13:25:52 19.7 653 2.06 7.88 9.8 107.1 0.4

13:30:52 19.7 653 2.05 7.88 9.8 107.3 .4

13:35:52 19.8 653 2.05 7.88 9.8 107.3 .3

13:40:52 19.8 653 2.05 7.89 9.8 107.9 .4

13:45:52 19.8 653 2.05 7.89 9.9 108.0 .4

13:50:52 19.8 653 2.04 7.89 9.9 108.1 .4

13:55:52 19.9 653 2.04 7.90 9.9 108.4 .4

14:00:52 19.9 653 2.04 7.90 9.9 108.4 .5

14:05:52 19.9 653 2.03 7.91 9.9 108.8 .5

14:10:52 19.9 653 2.03 7.91 9.9 108.8 .5

14:15:52 20.0 654 2.03 7.92 9.9 109.2 .5

14:20:52 20.0 653 2.03 7.92 9.9 109.2 .6

14:25:52 20.0 653 2.03 7.92 9.9 109.4 .6

14:30:52 20.0 653 2.02 7.92 9.9 109.4 .6

14:35:52 20.1 653 2.02 7.93 9.9 109.6 .5

14:40:52 20.1 653 2.02 7.93 9.9 109.7 .6

14:45:52 20.2 653 2.01 7.92 10.0 110.0 .5

14:50:52 20.1 653 2.01 7.94 10.0 109.9 .5

14:55:52 20.2 653 2.01 7.94 10.0 110.1 .5

15:00:52 20.2 654 2.01 7.95 10.0 110.2 .6

15:05:52 20.2 653 2.01 7.95 10.0 110.5 .4

15:10:52 20.2 653 2.01 7.95 10.0 110.5 .4

15:15:52 20.3 653 2.01 7.95 10.0 110.4 .4

15:20:52 20.3 653 2.01 7.96 10.0 110.4 .4

15:25:52 20.3 653 2.01 7.96 10.0 110.5 .4

15:30:52 20.3 653 2.01 7.96 10.0 110.7 .4

15:35:52 20.3 653 2.01 7.97 10.0 110.8 .4

15:40:52 20.4 653 2.01 7.97 10.0 110.7 .5

15:45:52 20.4 653 2.00 7.96 10.0 110.8 .4

15:50:52 20.4 653 2.00 7.97 10.0 110.9 .5

15:55:52 20.4 653 2.00 7.97 10.0 110.8 .4

16:00:52 20.4 653 2.00 7.98 10.0 110.8 .5

16:05:53 20.4 654 1.99 7.98 10.0 110.7 .4

16:10:52 20.5 654 2.00 7.98 10.0 110.6 .4

16:15:52 20.5 653 2.00 7.98 10.0 110.8 .4

16:20:52 20.5 654 2.00 7.99 10.0 111.0 .4

16:25:52 20.5 653 2.00 7.99 10.0 111.0 .5

16:30:52 20.5 654 1.99 7.99 10.0 111.2 .4

16:35:52 20.5 653 1.99 8.00 10.0 111.1 .5

16:40:52 20.5 653 1.99 7.99 10.0 111.1 .5

16:45:52 20.5 653 1.99 7.99 9.9 110.7 .6

16:50:52 20.6 654 1.99 8.00 9.9 110.7 .5

16:55:52 20.6 653 1.99 8.00 9.9 110.8 .4

17:00:52 20.6 654 1.99 8.00 10.0 110.9 .4
Appendixes 69

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

17:05:52 20.6 654 1.99 8.00 9.9 110.7 0.5

17:10:52 20.6 654 1.99 8.00 9.9 110.7 .5

17:15:52 20.6 654 1.99 8.01 9.9 110.4 .4

17:20:52 20.6 654 1.99 8.01 9.9 110.4 .6

17:25:52 20.6 653 1.99 8.01 9.9 110.3 .5

17:30:52 20.6 654 1.99 8.01 9.9 110.3 .6

17:35:52 20.6 654 1.99 8.00 9.9 109.9 .5

17:40:52 20.6 654 1.99 8.00 9.9 109.8 .5

17:45:52 20.6 653 1.99 8.00 9.8 109.7 .6

17:50:52 20.6 653 1.99 8.00 9.8 109.4 .6

17:55:52 20.6 653 1.99 7.99 9.8 108.9 .6

18:00:52 20.6 654 1.99 7.99 9.8 108.7 .6

18:05:52 20.5 653 1.99 7.99 9.8 108.6 .6

USGS station number 014670866

TACO275 9/3/2009 8:40:52 18.4 628 2.42 7.56 7.9 84.5 2.4

8:45:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.55 7.9 84.1 .7

8:50:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.55 7.9 84.1 .7

8:55:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.55 7.9 84.0 .6

9:00:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.55 7.9 84.0 .6

9:05:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.55 7.9 84.1 .6

9:10:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.56 7.9 84.2 .6

9:15:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.56 7.9 84.5 .5

9:20:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.56 7.9 84.4 .6

9:25:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.56 7.9 84.7 .6

9:30:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.56 8.0 84.9 .6

9:35:52 18.4 630 2.33 7.56 8.0 85.0 .6

9:40:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.57 8.0 85.1 .6

9:45:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.57 8.0 85.5 .7

9:50:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.57 8.0 85.7 .6

9:55:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.57 8.0 85.4 .6

10:00:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.57 8.0 85.8 .6

10:05:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.58 8.1 86.0 .6

10:10:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.57 8.1 85.9 .6

10:15:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.57 8.1 86.0 .7

10:20:52 18.4 630 2.32 7.58 8.1 86.6 .5

10:25:52 18.4 630 2.31 7.58 8.1 86.5 .6

10:30:52 18.4 630 2.31 7.58 8.1 86.7 .7

10:35:52 18.4 630 2.31 7.58 8.2 87.0 .7

10:40:52 18.4 630 2.31 7.58 8.2 87.0 .6

10:45:52 18.4 630 2.31 7.59 8.2 87.3 .6

10:50:52 18.5 630 2.31 7.58 8.2 87.5 2.5

10:55:52 18.5 630 2.31 7.59 8.2 87.5 .7

11:00:52 18.5 630 2.31 7.59 8.2 88.0 .6

11:05:52 18.5 630 2.30 7.60 8.3 88.4 .5
70 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

11:10:51 18.6 630 2.30 7.60 8.3 88.7 0.5

11:15:52 18.6 630 2.30 7.60 8.3 88.9 .5

11:20:52 18.6 630 2.30 7.60 8.3 89.1 .6

11:25:52 18.6 630 2.29 7.60 8.3 89.3 .5

11:30:52 18.6 630 2.29 7.61 8.4 89.6 .5

11:35:52 18.6 630 2.29 7.62 8.4 90.4 .5

11:40:52 18.7 630 2.29 7.61 8.4 90.3 .6

11:45:52 18.7 630 2.29 7.62 8.4 90.4 .6

11:50:52 18.7 630 2.29 7.62 8.5 91.1 .5

11:55:52 18.7 630 2.28 7.62 8.5 91.0 .5

12:00:52 18.8 630 2.28 7.63 8.5 91.7 .6

12:05:52 18.8 630 2.28 7.63 8.5 91.8 .5

12:10:52 18.8 630 2.28 7.64 8.6 92.4 .6

12:15:52 18.8 631 2.28 7.64 8.6 92.9 .6

12:20:52 18.9 630 2.27 7.64 8.6 93.1 .6

12:25:52 18.9 630 2.27 7.65 8.7 93.3 .6

12:30:52 18.9 631 2.27 7.66 8.7 94.0 .6

12:35:51 19.0 631 2.27 7.65 8.7 94.1 .6

12:40:51 19.0 631 2.27 7.66 8.8 94.6 .6

12:45:52 19.0 631 2.27 7.68 8.9 95.6 1.0

12:50:52 19.1 631 2.26 7.67 8.9 95.6 1.5

12:55:52 19.1 631 2.26 7.68 8.9 96.1 1.0

13:00:52 19.1 631 2.26 7.66 8.8 95.6 .8

13:05:52 19.1 631 2.26 7.68 8.9 96.8 1.0

13:10:52 19.2 631 2.26 7.69 9.0 97.3 .7

13:15:52 19.2 631 2.25 7.69 9.0 97.6 .7

13:20:52 19.2 631 2.25 7.70 9.1 98.2 .6

13:25:52 19.2 631 2.25 7.71 9.1 98.7 .6

13:30:52 19.3 631 2.25 7.71 9.1 99.0 .6

13:35:52 19.3 631 2.25 7.71 9.2 99.3 .5

13:40:52 19.3 631 2.24 7.72 9.2 99.6 .5

13:45:52 19.4 631 2.24 7.73 9.2 99.9 .4

13:50:52 19.4 631 2.24 7.73 9.2 100.4 .4

13:55:52 19.4 630 2.24 7.74 9.3 100.8 .4

14:00:52 19.5 630 2.23 7.73 9.3 100.9 .4

14:05:52 19.5 631 2.23 7.74 9.3 101.1 .4

14:10:52 19.6 631 2.22 7.74 9.3 101.7 .5

14:15:52 19.6 630 2.23 7.75 9.3 101.9 .4

14:20:52 19.6 631 2.22 7.75 9.3 102.1 .4

14:25:52 19.7 631 2.22 7.75 9.3 102.2 .5

14:30:52 19.7 631 2.22 7.75 9.4 102.7 .4

14:35:52 19.7 630 2.22 7.76 9.4 102.9 .5

14:40:52 19.8 631 2.21 7.76 9.4 103.3 .6

14:45:52 19.8 631 2.21 7.77 9.4 103.5 .6
Appendixes 71

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

14:50:52 19.8 630 2.21 7.77 9.4 103.7 0.6

14:55:52 19.9 631 2.21 7.77 9.5 104.0 .5

15:00:52 19.9 631 2.21 7.78 9.5 104.2 .6

15:05:52 19.9 630 2.21 7.78 9.5 104.5 .4

15:10:52 20.0 631 2.21 7.78 9.5 104.7 .8

15:15:52 20.0 630 2.21 7.79 9.5 104.9 .4

15:20:52 20.0 630 2.20 7.79 9.5 105.1 .6

15:25:52 20.1 631 2.21 7.79 9.6 105.5 .6

15:30:52 20.1 631 2.20 7.80 9.6 105.7 .6

15:35:52 20.1 630 2.20 7.81 9.6 106.1 .5

15:40:52 20.2 631 2.20 7.81 9.6 106.3 .6

15:45:52 20.2 631 2.19 7.81 9.6 106.4 .6

15:50:52 20.2 631 2.19 7.82 9.6 106.6 .5

15:55:52 20.3 631 2.19 7.82 9.6 106.7 .6

16:00:52 20.3 630 2.19 7.82 9.7 107.1 .6

16:05:52 20.3 630 2.19 7.83 9.7 107.2 .5

16:10:52 20.3 630 2.19 7.83 9.7 107.4 .6

16:15:52 20.4 631 2.19 7.83 9.7 107.3 .6

16:20:52 20.4 630 2.19 7.83 9.7 107.5 .6

16:25:51 20.4 631 2.19 7.83 9.7 107.6 .6

16:30:52 20.4 631 2.18 7.84 9.7 108.1 .7

16:35:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.84 9.7 108.0 .7

16:40:52 20.4 630 2.19 7.84 9.7 108.1 .7

16:45:52 20.5 631 2.19 7.84 9.7 108.2 .6

16:50:52 20.5 630 2.19 7.85 9.7 108.2 .7

16:55:52 20.5 630 2.19 7.85 9.7 108.2 .7

17:00:52 20.5 630 2.19 7.86 9.8 108.6 .7

17:05:52 20.5 631 2.18 7.86 9.8 108.5 .7

17:10:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.8 108.4 .6

17:15:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.8 108.6 .7

17:20:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.7 108.3 .6

17:25:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.8 108.6 .6

17:30:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.7 108.2 .6

17:35:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.7 108.3 .6

17:40:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.7 108.1 .6

17:45:52 20.5 631 2.18 7.87 9.7 108.1 .7

17:50:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.7 108.2 .7

17:55:52 20.5 631 2.18 7.88 9.7 108.1 .7

18:00:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.7 107.7 .6

18:05:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.7 107.7 .6

18:10:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.7 107.5 .8

18:15:52 20.5 631 2.18 7.87 9.7 107.4 .8

18:20:51 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.6 107.3 .6

18:25:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.6 107.1 .6
72 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 1–2. Chemical and physical properties measured by water-quality monitors during the period of dye tracing in Tacony/

Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa. on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009.—Continued

[°C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; FNU, Formazin Nephelometric units; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; 

--, no data]

Site Date Time

Temperature

(°C)

Specific 

conductance

(μS/cm)

Sonde depth 

or gage 

height1

(feet)

pH

Dissolved 

oxygen

(DO)

concentration

(mg/L)

DO

saturation

(percent)

Turbidity 

(FNU)

18:30:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.6 107.0 0.7

18:35:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.6 106.8 .6

18:40:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.6 106.4 .7

18:45:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.6 106.3 .6

18:50:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.6 106.2 .6

18:55:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.5 105.9 .7

19:00:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.87 9.5 105.8 .8

19:05:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.5 105.6 .7

19:10:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.5 105.2 .7

19:15:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.5 105.1 .7

19:20:52 20.5 630 2.18 7.86 9.4 104.9 .7

19:25:52 20.5 631 2.18 7.86 9.4 104.6 .7

1

 Sonde depth was depth of water over water-quality sonde placed in stream at each site except for TACO250, where gage height is recorded as USGS 

streamgage 01467087.
Appendixes 73

Appendix 2.—Concentrations in Stream Samples

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 

2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.

Table 2–2. Results of analyses for propane and methane gas in water samples collected on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 

2009, Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia,
74 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO275 014670866 8/18/2009 8:05 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

8:55 < .01 < .01 < .01

9:00 < .01 < .01 < .01

9:05 < .01 < .01 < .01

9:10 .10 .06 .01

9:15 .65 .30 .30

9:20 1.97 1.61 1.09

9:25 4.76 4.21 2.07

9:30 7.24 6.47 4.71

9:35 11.7 10.4 5.29

9:40 13.3 12.9 10.7

9:45 13.9 14.0 9.54

9:50 14.9 15.0 14.6

9:55 14.2 14.7 11.3

10:00 14.2 14.1 13.0

10:05 12.7 13.7 12.5

10:10 12.4 12.6 12.9

10:15 11.7 11.8 11.3

10:20 11.0 11.1 11.2

10:25 10.9 10.0 10.1

10:30 8.93 9.33 9.77

10:35 9.41 8.34 8.84

10:40 7.28 7.72 8.43

10:50 7.74 6.41 6.41

11:00 5.31 5.35 5.84

11:10 5.43 4.39 4.66

11:20 3.63 3.86 3.98

11:30 3.08 2.98 3.44

11:40 2.31 2.56 3.11

12:00 1.54 2.09 1.77

12:20 1.14 1.11 1.26

12:50 1.03 .62 .69

13:20 .38 .34 .37
Appendixes 75

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO269 014670867 8/18/2009 9:30 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

10:00 < .01 < .01 < .01

10:10 .15 < .01 < .01

10:20 1.24 .03 .04

10:30 2.13 .04 .48

10:40 2.27 1.77 2.11

10:50 5.24 1.90 3.55

11:00 4.90 4.50 4.72

11:10 5.70 4.25 3.80

11:20 4.44 3.50 4.75

11:30 5.62 4.96 3.00

11:40 1.84 2.91 4.2

11:50 1.55 3.83 4.97

12:00 5.40 3.27 4.16

12:10 4.36 3.07 3.90

12:20 3.58 3.46 4.00

12:30 2.31 3.58 3.77

12:40 -- 3.78 3.66

12:50 3.61 3.25 3.43

13:00 -- 3.50 3.3

13:10 3.73 3.37 3.21

13:30 -- 3.36 3.30

13:31 3.2 3.33 2.99

13:50 -- 3.14 2.99

14:00 2.15 2.57 2.35

14:10 -- 2.71 2.62

14:30 1.69 1.96 1.87

14:31 -- 1.18 1.15

14:50 -- 2.11 2.04

15:00 1.43 2.18 1.75

15:10 -- 1.90 1.81

15:30 1.03 1.49 1.31

16:00 .98 1.38 1.06

16:30 .82 .97 .94

17:00 -- 1.02 1.00

17:28 .54 .60 .73

17:30 -- .81 .80

18:00 .39 .68 .67

18:25 -- .55 .5

18:30 -- .52 .53
76 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO263 014670868 8/18/2009 10:10 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

10:20 < .01 < .01 < .01

10:30 < .01 < .01 < .01

10:40 .04 .04 .05

10:50 .30 .35 .38

11:00 .76 .90 1.08

11:10 1.64 1.83 2.10

11:20 2.81 2.93 3.35

11:30 3.40 3.61 3.80

11:40 3.84 3.96 4.12

11:50 4.00 4.07 4.32

12:00 4.10 4.10 4.32

12:10 4.05 4.17 4.05

12:20 3.95 3.96 4.01

12:30 3.8 3.73 3.68

12:40 3.84 3.78 3.66

12:50 3.67 3.68 3.55

13:00 3.61 3.50 3.30

13:10 3.42 3.45 3.34

13:30 3.47 3.36 3.30

13:50 3.24 3.14 2.99

14:10 2.84 2.71 2.62

14:30 2.53 2.45 2.34

14:31 1.21 1.18 1.15

14:50 2.08 2.11 2.04

15:10 1.90 1.90 1.81

15:30 1.72 1.71 1.64

16:00 1.40 1.37 1.36

16:30 1.20 2.58 1.20

16:50 1.10 2.08 1.10

17:00 1.03 1.02 1.00

17:30 .82 .81 .80

18:00 .68 .68 .67

18:30 .55 .52 .53
Appendixes 77

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO260 014670869 8/18/2009 8:43 -- <0.01 --

11:50 -- < .01 --

12:00 -- < .01 --

12:10 -- < .01 --

12:20 -- < .01 --

12:30 -- < .01 --

12:40 -- < .01 --

12:50 -- < .01 --

13:00 -- .02 --

13:10 -- .01 --

13:20 -- .04 --

13:30 -- .01 --

13:40 -- .19 --

13:50 -- .12 --

14:00 -- .61 --

14:10 -- .23 --

14:20 -- .31 --

14:30 -- .46 --

14:40 -- .90 --

14:50 -- .86 --

15:00 -- .48 --

15:10 -- 2.12 --

15:30 -- 1.78 --

15:50 -- 2.19 --

16:10 -- 2.31 --

17:10 -- 2.65 --

17:30 -- 2.28 --

17:50 -- 2.34 --

18:10 -- 2.17 --

18:30 -- 2.02 --

18:50 -- 1.93 --

19:30 -- 1.69 --
78 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO250 01467087 8/18/2009 8:00 -- <0.01 --

9:00 -- < .01 --

9:22 -- < .01 --

12:50 -- < .01 --

13:00 -- < .01 --

13:20 -- < .01 --

13:40 -- .02 --

14:00 -- .07 --

14:20 -- .23 --

14:40 -- .37 --

15:00 -- .60 --

15:20 -- .87 --

15:40 -- 1.16 --

16:00 -- 1.57 --

16:20 -- 1.77 --

16:40 -- 2.03 --

17:00 -- 2.00 --

17:30 -- 2.05 --

18:00 -- 2.10 --

18:38 -- 2.08 --

19:00 -- 2.02 --

19:30 -- 1.94 --

20:00 -- 1.83 --
Appendixes 79

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO263 014670868 9/1/2009 7:30 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

7:40 < .01 < .01 < .01

7:42 .01 .02 .03

7:44 .01 .01 .01

7:46 .01 .01 .02

7:48 .01 < .01 .01

7:50 .01 .01 .01

7:52 .14 .15 .10

7:54 4.12 11.5 11.5

7:56 15.4 38.4 47.0

7:58 48.1 51.8 69.5

8:00 38.8 44.9 57.5

8:02 30.5 31.3 41.5

8:04 23.0 21.0 25.5

8:06 17.9 16.5 16.6

8:08 17.1 13.9 13.0

8:10 14.6 11.5 9.70

8:12 12.2 9.39 7.94

8:15 10.8 6.91 7.45

8:20 9.93 5.53 5.93

8:25 7.48 4.53 2.92

8:30 5.34 3.44 2.65

8:40 3.00 2.26 1.59

8:50 2.35 1.35 .84

9:00 1.27 .84 .48

9:10 .85 .56 .38

9:30 .37 .21 .16

10:00 .17 .13 .06

11:00 .04 .02 .03

12:00 -- .01 .04
80 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO260 014670869 9/1/2009 8:16 -- <0.01 --

8:20 -- < .01 --

8:30 -- < .01 --

8:40 -- < .01 --

8:50 -- < .01 --

9:00 -- < .01 --

9:10 -- < .01 --

9:20 -- < .01 --

9:30 -- < .01 --

9:40 -- < .01 --

9:50 -- < .01 --

10:00 -- < .01 --

10:10 -- .03 --

10:20 -- .08 --

10:30 -- .69 --

10:40 -- 1.41 --

10:50 -- 3.21 --

11:00 -- 4.16 --

11:10 -- 4.89 --

11:20 -- 4.89 --

11:30 -- 5.23 --

11:40 -- 5.23 --

11:50 -- 5.12 --

12:00 -- 4.80 --

12:10 -- 3.98 --

12:20 -- 3.20 --

12:30 -- 3.26 --

12:40 -- 2.92 --

13:00 -- 1.83 --

13:20 -- 1.23 --

13:40 -- 1.24 --

14:00 -- .90 --

14:20 -- .79 --

14:40 -- .65 --

15:30 -- .41 --

16:00 -- .21 --

17:00 -- .12 --
Appendixes 81

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO250 01467087 9/1/2009 8:05 -- <0.01 --

10:30 -- < .01 --

10:40 -- < .01 --

10:50 -- < .01 --

11:00 -- .01 --

11:10 -- .23 --

11:20 -- .59 --

11:30 -- 1.62 --

11:40 -- 2.28 --

11:50 -- 2.99 --

12:00 -- 3.51 --

12:10 -- 4.07 --

12:20 -- 4.35 --

12:30 -- 4.17 --

12:40 -- 4.21 --

12:50 -- 4.02 --

13:00 -- 3.78 --

13:10 -- 3.37 --

13:20 -- 3.21 --

13:30 -- 2.84 --

13:40 -- 2.66 --

13:50 -- 2.47 --

14:00 -- 2.18 --

14:10 -- 1.96 --

14:20 -- 1.67 --

14:30 -- 1.58 --

14:40 -- 1.33 --

14:50 -- 1.24 --

15:00 -- 1.15 --

15:10 -- .38 --

15:20 -- .92 --

15:40 -- .65 --

16:00 -- .53 --

16:20 -- .42 --

16:40 -- .39 --

17:00 -- .25 --

17:20 -- .21 --

17:40 -- .15 --

18:00 -- .13 --

18:20 -- .11 --

18:40 -- .11 --
82 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO315 014670864 9/3/2009 7:15 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

7:20 < .01 < .01 < .01

7:25 < .01 < .01 < .01

7:30 7.90 7.15 2.69

7:35 46.2 41.9 26.5

7:40 62.9 56.6 47.3

7:45 51.6 52.0 51.7

7:50 40.6 39.9 41.7

7:55 30.9 31.6 35.9

8:00 24.2 25.4 27.4

8:05 19.0 19.6 21.2

8:10 14.6 15.4 16.8

8:15 12.1 12.1 12.9

8:20 8.77 9.45 11.0

8:25 7.29 7.45 8.77

8:30 5.88 5.90 7.06

8:40 4.20 4.54 5.74

8:50 3.05 3.65 4.38

9:00 2.27 2.47 2.99

9:20 1.21 1.47 2.08

9:40 .78 .96 1.32

10:00 .54 .64 .94

10:30 .35 .40 .42

11:00 .15 .21 .42

11:30 .13 .15 .22

12:00 .10 .13 .14
Appendixes 83

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO285 014670865 9/3/2009 9:40 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

9:50 < .01 < .01 < .01

10:00 < .01 < .01 < .01

10:10 .02 .01 < .01

10:20 -- .11 --

10:30 .59 .68 .57

10:40 -- 1.86 --

10:50 3.80 3.57 3.46

11:00 -- 5.08 --

11:10 8.20 7.30 6.52

11:20 -- 8.07 --

11:30 10.8 9.83 9.21

11:40 -- 10.5 --

11:50 11.3 10.1 10.5

12:00 -- 10.2 --

12:10 11.2 9.76 9.49

12:20 -- 9.54 --

12:30 9.50 8.43 9.08

12:40 -- 7.90 --

12:50 7.64 7.05 7.44

13:00 -- 6.69 --

13:10 6.27 6.07 6.00

13:20 -- 4.98 --

13:30 4.64 4.30 4.41

13:40 -- 3.76 --

13:50 3.72 3.33 3.50

14:00 -- 3.08 --

14:10 2.79 2.52 2.48

14:20 -- 2.39 --

14:30 2.10 2.02 2.08

14:50 1.66 1.65 1.62

15:10 1.34 1.14 1.14

15:30 1.09 .93 .92

15:50 .87 .80 .88

16:10 -- .67 --

16:30 -- .64 --

16:50 -- .48 --

17:10 -- .38 --

17:30 -- .37 --

17:50 -- .33 --
84 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 2–1. Dye concentrations measured in the laboratory for stream samples collected on August 

18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; <, less than; --, no data]

Site USGS

 site number Date Time

Dye concentration

(micrograms per liter)

Right Middle Left

TACO275 014670866 9/3/2009 10:30 -- <0.01 --

10:40 -- < .01 --

10:50 -- < .01 --

11:00 -- < .01 --

11:10 -- < .01 --

11:20 -- < .01 --

11:30 -- < .01 --

11:40 -- < .01 --

11:50 -- < .01 --

12:00 -- < .01 --

12:10 -- .01 --

12:20 -- .01 --

12:30 -- .03 --

12:40 -- .10 --

12:50 -- .21 --

13:00 -- .42 --

13:10 -- 1.08 --

13:20 -- 1.65 --

13:30 -- 2.79 --

13:40 -- 3.79 --

13:50 -- 4.83 --

14:00 -- 6.03 --

14:10 -- 6.66 --

14:20 -- 7.54 --

14:30 -- 7.36 --

14:40 -- 8.01 --

14:51 -- 7.89 --

15:00 -- 8.07 --

15:10 -- 7.89 --

15:20 -- 7.67 --

15:30 -- 7.35 --

15:40 -- 6.75 --

15:50 -- 6.32 --

16:10 -- 5.25 --

16:30 -- 4.36 --

16:50 -- 3.39 --

17:10 -- 2.73 --

17:30 -- 2.25 --

17:50 -- 1.69 --

18:14 -- 1.38 --

18:29 -- 1.15 --

18:59 -- .91 --

19:14 -- .81 --

19:29 -- .69 --
Appendixes 85

Table 2–2. Results of analyses for propane and methane gas in water samples collected on August 18, September 1, and

September 3, 2009, Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[μg/L, micrograms per liter; ND, not detected]

Site and sample location Date and time 

sample collected

Laboratory 

sample

dilution

Propane

(μg/L)

Methane

(μg/L)

Sample

remarks

014670866 TAC0275L 8/18/09 18:04 3 80.7 29.0

014670866 TAC0275L 8/18/09 18:48 3 86.4 31.7

014670866 TAC0275L 8/18/09 19:31 3 85.8 32.5

014670866 TAC0275M 8/18/09 17:54 3 84.2 28.6

014670866 TAC0275M 8/18/09 18:20 3 81.4 28.6

014670866 TAC0275M 8/18/09 18:40 3 87.1 29.2

014670866 TAC0275M 8/18/09 19:10 3 84.2 29.8

014670866 TAC0275M 8/18/09 19:30 3 85.2 29.2

014670866 TAC0275M 8/18/09 19:45 3 81.4 27.4

014670866 TAC0275R 8/18/09 18:12 3 85.2 25.2

014670866 TAC0275R 8/18/09 18:58 3 85.6 24.9

014670866 TAC0275R 8/18/09 19:37 3 80.8 25.1

014670867 TAC0269L 8/18/09 18:45 3 74.4 44.2

014670867 TAC0269L 8/18/09 19:18 3 80.4 53.3

014670867 TAC0269L 8/18/09 19:35 3 79.2 49.4

014670867 TAC0269L 8/18/09 19:53 3 78.6 47.9

014670867 TAC0269M 8/18/09 18:38 3 75.0 38.4

014670867 TAC0269M 8/18/09 19:12 3 78.4 46.0

014670867 TAC0269M 8/18/09 19:50 3 81.4 44.1

014670867 TAC0269R 8/18/09 18:30 3 69.7 41.0

014670867 TAC0269R 8/18/09 18:52 3 80.8 48.1

014670867 TAC0269R 8/18/09 19:08 3 81.0 49.5

014670867 TAC0269R 8/18/09 19:25 3 81.6 49.2

014670867 TAC0269R 8/18/09 19:43 3 80.3 45.6

014670867 TAC0269R 8/18/09 20:00 3 77.3 44.6

014670868 TACO263L 8/18/09 19:02 1 42.3 24.1

014670868 TACO263L 8/18/09 19:42 1 42.8 23.9

014670868 TACO263M 8/18/09 18:45 3 46.9 24.7

014670868 TACO263M Replicate 8/18/09 18:48 1 42.6 22.4

014670868 TACO263M 8/18/09 19:24 1 43.3 22.5 air bubble in 2 of 3 vials

014670868 TACO263M 8/18/09 19:34 3 46.1 23.6

014670868 TACO263R 8/18/09 19:15 3 47.7 23.4

014670868 TACO263R 8/18/09 19:49 1 35.4 19.4

014670869 TACO260M 8/18/09 11:30 1 ND 78.7

014670869 TACO260M 8/18/09 19:00 1 27.6 49.5

014670869 TACO260M 8/18/09 19:20 1 31.5 40.2

014670869 TACO260M 8/18/09 19:40 1 29.3 38.1
86 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 2–2. Results of analyses for propane and methane gas in water samples collected on August 18, September 1, and

September 3, 2009, Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[μg/L, micrograms per liter; ND, not detected]

Site and sample location Date and time 

sample collected

Laboratory 

sample

dilution

Propane

(μg/L)

Methane

(μg/L)

Sample

remarks

014670868 TACO263L 9/1/09 12:30 3 75.4 29.7

014670868 TACO263L 9/1/09 13:31 3 73.8 27.7

014670868 TACO263M 9/1/09 12:00 3 77.3 24.3

014670868 TACO263M 9/1/09 12:20 3 83.6 27.1

014670868 TACO263M 9/1/09 12:50 3 74.9 23.4

014670868 TACO263M 9/1/09 13:00 3 67.0 22.0

014670868 TACO263M 9/1/09 13:20 3 75.2 24.3

014670868 TACO263M 9/1/09 13:40 3 70.1 21.8 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670868 TACO263M 9/1/09 14:00 3 71.1 22.4

014670868 TACO263R 9/1/09 12:31 3 73.8 23.8

014670868 TACO263R 9/1/09 13:30 3 72.0 22.5

014670869 TACO260M 9/1/09 15:30 3 73.6 34.8

014670869 TACO260M 9/1/09 15:50 3 74.8 35.1

014670869 TACO260M 9/1/09 16:10 3 66.2 35.8

014670869 TACO260M 9/1/09 16:30 3 73.3 34.6

014670869 TACO260M Replicate 9/1/09 16:38 3 67.6 32.7

014670869 TACO260M 9/1/09 16:50 3 67.4 35.9

014670869 TACO260M 9/1/09 17:10 3 71.5 33.0

014670869 TACO260M 9/1/09 17:30 3 69.6 33.8 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670867 TACO250M 9/1/09 10:00 1 ND 17.6

014670867 TACO250M 9/1/09 16:40 3 40.1 19.6 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670867 TACO250M 9/1/09 17:00 1 33.6 16.6

014670867 TACO250M 9/1/09 17:20 3 38.7 18.3

014670867 TACO250M 9/1/09 17:40 1 33.0 15.5 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670867 TACO250M 9/1/09 18:00 1 33.4 15.5

014670867 TACO250M 9/1/09 18:20 3 35.0 16.1

014670867 TACO250M 9/1/09 18:40 1 32.2 15.9

014670863 TACO315L 9/03/09 10:50 3 80.4 9.9 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670863 TACO315L 9/03/09 11:30 3 90.0 10.5 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670863 TACO315M 9/03/09 10:00 3 86.6 10.5 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670863 TACO315M 9/03/09 10:20 3 81.6 10.0

014670863 TACO315M 9/03/09 10:40 3 85.4 10.2

014670863 TACO315M 9/03/09 11:00 3 91.8 10.0

014670863 TACO315M 9/03/09 11:20 3 90.7 9.8 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670863 TACO315M 9/03/09 11:40 3 88.8 9.9 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670863 TACO315M 9/03/09 12:00 3 94.9 10.1 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670863 TACO315R 9/03/09 10:51 3 81.3 9.3

014670863 TACO315R 9/03/09 11:31 3 87.6 9.5
Appendixes 87

Table 2–2. Results of analyses for propane and methane gas in water samples collected on August 18, September 1, and

September 3, 2009, Tacony/Frankford Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.—Continued

[μg/L, micrograms per liter; ND, not detected]

Site and sample location Date and time 

sample collected

Laboratory 

sample

dilution

Propane

(μg/L)

Methane

(μg/L)

Sample

remarks

014670864 TACO285M 9/03/09 16:00 1 28.9 6.6 air bubble in 1 of 3 vials

014670864 TACO285M 9/03/09 16:20 1 29.2 6.9

014670864 TACO285M 9/03/09 16:40 3 33.2 8.3

014670864 TACO285M 9/03/09 17:00 3 30.9 7.7

014670864 TACO285M Replicate 9/03/09 17:08 1 29.1 8.1

014670864 TACO285M 9/03/09 17:20 3 33.7 8.3

014670864 TACO285M 9/03/09 17:40 1 30.0 7.6

014670864 TACO285M 9/03/09 18:00 1 29.5 7.3

014670866 TACO275M 9/03/09 09:10 1 ND 15.6

014670866 TACO275M 9/03/09 18:15 1 23.9 13.8

014670866 TACO275M 9/03/09 18:30 1 24.3 14.5

014670866 TACO275M 9/03/09 18:45 1 19.6 12.5

014670866 TACO275M 9/03/09 19:00 1 24.1 15.0

014670866 TACO275M 9/03/09 19:15 1 24.9 14.3

014670866 TACO275M 9/03/09 19:30 3 28.5 15.6
88 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek
Appendixes 89

Appendix 3.—Gas Injection Rates

Table 3–1. Injection rates of propane gas on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009, in Tacony/Frankford Creek, 

Philadelphia, Pa.
90 Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek

Table 3–1. Injection rates of propane gas on August 18, September 1, and September 3, 2009 in Tacony/Frankford 

Creek, Philadelphia, Pa.

[psi, pounds per square inch]

Date Time Tank pressure

(psi)

Valve pressure

(psi)

Flowrate or

feed pressure

(psi)

Remarks on

flow rate

August 18, 2009 - gas diffusers set at 06:30, dye injected 07:12

8/18/2009 9:25 120 44 30

8/18/2009 10:25 120 44 30

8/18/2009 11:30 120 44 30

8/18/2009 12:30 120 44 30

8/18/2009 13:15 130 44 30

8/18/2009 14:36 130 44 30

8/18/2009 16:44 110 44 30

8/18/2009 17:26 105 43 30

September 1, 2009 - gas diffusers set at 06:45, dye injected 07:40

9/1/2009 8:35 58 40 25 ok

9/1/2009 10:00 52 40 25 ok

9/1/2009 10:51 51 40 25 ok

9/1/2009 11:25 50 40 25 ok

9/1/2009 12:11 49 38 24 ok

9/1/2009 12:55 49 37 24 ok

9/1/2009 14:00 45 36 23 ok

9/1/2009 14:45 40 34 21 ok

9/1/2009 16:06 35 28 18 ok

9/1/2009 16:38 33 28 17 slowing

9/1/2009 17:50 20 22 15 slowing

September 3, 2009 - gas diffusers set at 06:15, dye injected 06:55

9/3/2009 6:50 95 90 23

9/3/2009 7:30 90 40 23

9/3/2009 8:00 85 40 23

9/3/2009 8:30 83 40 20

9/3/2009 9:30 81 40 20

9/3/2009 9:00 80 40 20

9/3/2009 10:00 80 40 20

9/3/2009 10:30 80 40 20

9/3/2009 11:00 80 40 20

9/3/2009 11:29 80 40 20

9/3/2009 11:59 80 40 20

9/3/2009 12:29 80 40 20

9/3/2009 12:59 82 40 20

9/3/2009 13:29 85 40 20

9/3/2009 13:59 88 40 20

9/3/2009 14:29 90 40 20

9/3/2009 14:59 90 40 20

9/3/2009 15:29 92 40 20

9/3/2009 15:59 95 40 20

9/3/2009 16:29 95 40 20

9/3/2009 16:59 92 40 20

9/3/2009 17:29 90 40 20
Prepared by the West Trenton Publishing Service 

Center.

For more information concerning this report, contact:

Director

U.S. Geological Survey

Pennsylvania Water Science Center

215 Limekiln Road

New Cumberland, PA 07070

dc_pa@usgs.gov

or visit our Web site at:

http://pa.water.usgs.gov
Senior and Gyves—Determination of Time-of-Travel Characteristics and Reaeration Coefficients: Lower Tacony/Frankford Creek—SIR 2010–5195

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