The purpose of this research was to characterize the algal populations in a developing area (The Woodlands) to evaluate the impact of urbanization on the aquatic flora in The Woodlands. Several aquatic habitats were sampled on a regular bais to identify factors which influence algal population dynamics. Nutrient limitation studies were conducted to determine which nutrient was most limiting for algal growth during conditions of low flow and stormwater runoff. Water from Hunting Bayou and Westbury Square, developed communities near Houston, Texas, were used in bioassay experiments. The impact of urbanization on edaphic algal populations was also determined. Nutrient limitation studies in Panther Branch and the Conference Center Lakes showed that phosphorus additions to low-flow water increased algal cell yields, while yields in stormwater samples were increased by nitrogen additions. Undisturbed soil had more diverse algal populations, but smaller standing crops, than disturbed soils, even though concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus were higher than in most disturbed soils.

"Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Rice University." "August 1980." Includes bibliographical references (pages 71-75). "Grant no. 802433." "Project Officers Richard Field, Anthony N. Tafuri."