Characterization of Spatial and Temporal Trends in Water Quality in Puget Sound

摘要

The primary purpose of the study was to assess whether water quality in Puget Sound has changed over time. The major focus of the study was nutrient enrichment and the enhancement of algal blooms. The physical variables investigated were salinity and water temperature. The chemical variables investigated were concentrations of dissolved oxygen, inorganic nitrate, and orthophosphate. The intensity of algal blooms was measured by the concentration of chlorophyll a, percent dissolved oxygen saturation in surface water, and Secchi disk depth. The concentration of sulfite waste liquor was evaluated as an index of pulp mill pollution. The concentration of fecal coliform bacteria was evaluated as an index of sewage contamination.