Water Quality Ramifications in Estuaries of Converting Forest to Intensive Agriculture

摘要

A 4-year (1974-78) study was conducted to assess ramifications in estuaries from conversion of bordering forests to intensive agriculture. The study specifically related to land development in Carteret County, North Carolina, by a commercial agriculture firm, as it influenced the upper South River estuary. Significant changes occurred in surface water salinity, turbidity, and dissolved nutrients in the estuary. No significant changes were noted, however, in bottom water salinity (except at one station), oxygen concentration, or phytoplankton biomass (as measured by chlorophyll a). Dissolved nutrients (phosphate, nitrate, ammonia) increased in concentration. The intensity, extent, and duration of the noted changes directly correlated with rainfall, and, thus, also with runoff volumes from the surrounding watershed.