Water Quality Management Studies, Middle Black Warrior and Lower Tombigbee Rivers, Warrior and Demopolis Lakes, July 1978-October 1979

摘要

This study began in July 1978, and samplings were made approximately every six weeks through October 1979, for a total of thirteen (13) samplings. Physical-chemical water quality parameters including in-situ parameters such as temperature and dissolved oxygen were measured along with anions, cations, and heavy metals. Sediment samples were analyzed for grain size, pesticides, herbicides, oil and grease, organic matter and heavy metals. Biological parameters monitored included fecal bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and aquatic macrophytes. Algal nutrient limitation was evaluated using the U.S. EPA Algal Assay Bottle Test. The physical-chemical water quality of the Middle Black Warrior and Tombigee River evidenced no levels of monitored constituents which would be considered severe or environmentally degrading. The river and reservoirs exhibited only very minor seasonal stratification. Seasonal variation in certain constituents, most notably suspended matter, nutrients and some anions, was observed and resulted primarily through increased discharge due to rainfall. Aquatic biota was observed to be relatively diverse and indicative of moderate to good biological water quality.