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DESCRIPTIVE WATER QUALITY FOR THE ATCHAFALAYA BASIN, LOUISIANA
Citation:
Hern, S., V. Lambou, AND J. Butch. DESCRIPTIVE WATER QUALITY FOR THE ATCHAFALAYA BASIN, LOUISIANA. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/4-80/014 (NTIS PB80202328), 1980.
Description:
This report describes water quality in the Atchafalaya Basin in terms of geographical areas, seasonal patterns, and its relationships to water regimes and compares water quality in the Basin to water quality in other Louisiana and southeastern lakes. Emphasis in this report is given to water quality in the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway, i.e., that portion of the Atchafalaya Basin subject to frequent and prolonged natural overbank flooding and most subjected to hydrological modification by man. The key to the high productivity of the Floodway is the short, efficient, bacteria-detritus food chain. Organic matter processed through bacterial metabolism represents the foundation of the system. Nitrogen and phosphorus levels are sufficient for bacterial metabolism of organic matter, regardless of geographical area, season, or water level.