Control of nutrient concentrations in the Seekonk-Providence River region of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
12-1-1990
Abstract
Six synoptic samplings of nutrient concentrations of the water column and point-source inputs (rivers, sewage treatment plants) were conducted in the Seekonk-Providence River region of Narragansett Bay. Concentrations of nutrients (NH4+, NO2-+NO3-, PO4-3, dissolved silicon, particulate N, particulate C) were predicted using a conservative, two-layer box model in order to assess the relative influence of external inputs and internal processes on observed concentrations. Although most nutrients were clearly affected by processes internal to the system, external input and mixing explained most of the variability in and absolute magnitude of observed concentrations, especially for dissolved constituents. In the bay as a whole, two functionally distinct regions can now be identified: the Seekonk-Providence River, where dissolved nutrient concentrations are externally controlled and lower Narragansett Bay where internal processes regulate the behavior of nutrients. A preliminary nitrogen budget suggests that the Seekonk-Providence River exports some 95% of the nitrogen entering the system via point sources and bottom water from upper Narragansett Bay. © 1990 Estuarine Research Federation.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Estuaries
Volume
13
Issue
4
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Doering, P. H., C. A. Oviatt, and M. E. Pilson. "Control of nutrient concentrations in the Seekonk-Providence River region of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island." Estuaries 13, 4 (1990). doi: 10.2307/1351786.