Abstract |
In 1988 the Division of Environmental Management (DEM) expanded its ambient water quality monitoring program in the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary area. This report summarizes water quality information for the Tar-Pamlico, Neuse, Roanoke, Chowan and Pasquotank River basins collected between October 1991 and July 1992. Elevated nutrient concentrations were found throughout the upper and mid-portions of the study area. The majority of algal blooms occurred in the upper estuary of the Neuse River below New Bern. In the Pasquotank River basin, dissolved oxygen stratification occurred at several Albemarle Sound sites and near Edenton. Algal blooms were present in November 1991 and February 1992 in the Albemarle and Currituck Sounds. The highest upper river conductivity and salinity values occurred in conjunction with Union Camp's discharge at downstream monitoring stations. |