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Open-File Report 2013–1052

Total Nutrient and Sediment Loads, Trends, Yields, and Nontidal Water-Quality Indicators for Selected Nontidal Stations, Chesapeake Bay Watershed, 1985–2011

By Michael J. Langland, Joel D. Blomquist, Douglas L. Moyer, Kenneth E. Hyer, and Jeffrey G. Chanat

Thumbnail of and link to report PDF (5.50 MB)Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) partners, routinely reports long-term concentration trends and monthly and annual constituent loads for stream water-quality monitoring stations across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This report documents flow-adjusted trends in sediment and total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations for 31 stations in the years 1985–2011 and for 32 stations in the years 2002–2011. Sediment and total nitrogen and phosphorus yields for 65 stations are presented for the years 2006–2011. A combined nontidal water-quality indicator (based on both trends and yields) indicates there are more stations classified as “improving water-quality trend and a low yield” than “degrading water-quality trend and a high yield” for total nitrogen. The same type of 2-way classification for total phosphorus and sediment results in equal numbers of stations in each indicator class.

Revised June 10, 2013

First posted April 30, 2013

For additional information visit:
Director, Pennsylvania Water Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
215 Limekiln Road
New Cumberland, PA 17070-2424
http://pa.water.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Langland, M.J., Blomquist, J.D., Moyer, D.L., Hyer, K.E., and Chanat, J.G., 2013, Total nutrient and sediment loads, trends, yields, and nontidal water-quality indicators for selected nontidal stations, Chesapeake Bay Watershed, 1985–2011: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013–1052, 51 p., available only at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2013/1052/.



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Flow-adjusted Concentrations

Combined Water-Quality Indicator

Summary

References Cited

Appendix 1. Supplemental Data—Long-term Trends

Appendix 2. Supplemental Data—10-year Trends

Appendix 3. Supplemental Data—5-year Annual-Average Yields


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