This study was performed to characterize the water quality of the Lower Mississippi River and to survey the available data and methods that may be used for future water quality management studies of this stretch of river. Primary emphasis was placed on the 150 mile highly industrialized portion of the river from Baton Rouge, LA to New Orleans, LA. The concentration of many organic constituents in the river are characterized by significant high frequency, short term variations. A long term trend towards decreasing concentrations of most organics is apparent. There is little correlation of concentrations or joint occurrence between constituents. A wide array of models and methods were identified as potentially applicable to the Lower Mississippi River.