USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5043: Assessment of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus in Selected Surface Water of the National Park Service Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, from 1972 through 2007

Assessment of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus in Selected Surface Water of the National Park Service Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, from 1972 through 2007

By Juliane B. Brown and David P. Thoma

Abstract

Nutrients are a nationally recognized concern for water quality of streams, rivers, groundwater, and water bodies. Nutrient impairment is documented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a primary cause of degradation in lakes and reservoirs, and nutrients are related to organic enrichment and oxygen depletion, which is an important cause of degradation in streams. Recently (2011), an effort to develop State-based numeric nutrient criteria has resulted in renewed emphasis on nutrients in surface water throughout the Nation. In response to this renewed emphasis and to investigate nutrient water quality for Northern Colorado Plateau Network streams, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, assessed total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentration data for 93 sites in or near 14 National Park units for the time period 1972 through 2007.

First posted June 26, 2012

Report PDF (19.7 MB)

For additional information contact:
Center Director, Colorado Water Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
Box 25046, Mail Stop 415
Denver, CO 80225
http://co.water.usgs.gov

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Suggested citation:

Brown, J.B., and Thoma, D.P., 2012, Assessment of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in selected surface water of the National Park Service Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, from 1972 through 2007: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5043, 112 p.

Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Data Analysis Methods

Assessment of Nutrient Water Quality

Summary

References Cited

Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service

Assessment of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus in Selected Surface Water of the National Park Service Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, from 1972 through 2007

By Juliane B. Brown and David P. Thoma

Abstract

Suggested citation:

Contents