Water quality analysis of a freshwater diversion at Caernarvon, Louisiana
Lane, RR; Day, JW; Thibodeaux, B
| HERO ID | 4469593 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 1999 |
| Title | Water quality analysis of a freshwater diversion at Caernarvon, Louisiana |
| Authors | Lane, RR; Day, JW; Thibodeaux, B |
| Journal | Estuaries |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 2A (0 |
| Page Numbers | 327-336 |
| Abstract | The Caernarvon structure, which came into operation in 1991, was the largest of 6 diversions which delivered freshwater from the Mississippi river to Breton sound. A survey of water quality in the sound commenced 3 years prior to operation of the Caernavon diversion and continued until 1994, with 2 additional field trips in 1996. Nitrate plus nitrite, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonium, total phosphorus, total suspended solids and salinity were determined in samples taken at monthly intervals from 7 stations in Breton sound. A significant decrease in total nitrogen, TKN and salinity was the only immediate impact of the diversion. Reduction in salinity had been an early objective for the diversion. Nitrate plus nitrite was rapidly assimilated by the system and suspended sediments were rapidly trapped within a few kilometres of the diversion. Loading rates of nitrate-nitrite and total nitrogen were 5.6-13.4 g per m2.year and 8.9-23.4 g per m2.year, respectively, with removal efficiencies of 88-97 and 32-57 per cent, respectively. Total phosphorus had a loading rate of 0.9-2.0 g per m2.year with a removal efficiency of 0-46 per cent. These removal rates and the fact that dissolved oxygen remained high suggested that increased diversion flows from the Mississippi river could be used in an effort to increase nutrients and sediment transfer to the lower reaches of Breton sound. The need for such transfers was to increase vertical accretion and maintain marsh elevation above the relative sea level rise in the area. There are 57 references. |
| Doi | 10.2307/1352988 |
| Wosid | WOS:000082578500015 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | 4469593 |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Keyword | USA, Louisiana; USA, Mississippi River; Flow; Nitrate; Suspended-solids; Loading; Determination; Phosphorus; Sediment; Nutrients; Freshwater; Sea levels; Accretion; Efficiency; Salinity; Assimilation; Nitrite; Ammonium; Survey; Marshes; Structures; Maintenance; Reaches; Analysis; Samples; Oxygen (Dissolved); Water quality (Natural waters); Nitrogen; 1999) |