Date of Award
2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Oceanography
Specialization
Biological Oceanography
Department
Oceanography
First Advisor
Kris Lewis
Abstract
Fecal bacterial contamination shapes how communities manage and use estuarine waters, with consequences for ecosystem health and public access. In Rhode Island's Narrow River, elevated concentrations of fecal coliforms and enterococci have restricted shellfishing for decades despite ongoing management efforts. From 2004 to 2018, local organizations implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) to address water quality challenges, yet their effectiveness remains incompletely understood. This study analyzes three decades of monitoring data using linear regression, generalized additive models, and Before After Control Impact methods to evaluate BMP effectiveness and identify key drivers of contamination. Linear regression revealed spatially variable trends, with bacterial concentrations declining in the upper river, remaining stable in the middle section, and increasing in the lower region. Statistical models explained up to 34.75% of variance in fecal coliform and 44.15% in enterococci concentrations. Precipitation, impervious surface percentages, and population density emerged as significant drivers. BACI analysis results showed that BMP effectiveness varied by location and time period. The highest probability of bacterial reduction (77.5% for fecal coliforms and 82.1% for enterococci) occurred during the 2010-2018 period, coinciding with new installations and infrastructure upgrades. These findings suggest BMPs can reduce bacterial pollution in targeted areas when strategically placed and maintained, though current coverage does not address watershed-scale contamination. The results highlight the value of long-term community-based monitoring for understanding management interventions and developing adaptive strategies for similar estuarine systems.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Katherine, "INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN REDUCING FECAL BACTERIA IN NARROW RIVER, RHODE ISLAND" (2025). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2639.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2639
Included in
Other Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Commons, Water Resource Management Commons