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Dissolved silica in the tidal Potomac River and Estuary, 1979-81 water years

Water Supply Paper 2234-H
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/wsp2234H

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Abstract

The Potomac River at Chain Bridge is the major riverine source of dissolved silica (DSi) to the tidal Potomac River and Estuary. DSi concentrations at Chain Bridge are positively correlated with river discharge; river discharge is an important factor controlling rates of supply, dilution, and residence time. When river flow is high, the longitudinal DSi distribution is conservative. When river flow is low, other processes, such as phytoplankton uptake, benthic flux, resuspension, ground-water discharge, and water-column dissolution of diatoms, tend to be more influential than the river. Elevated concentrations of DSi in sewage-treatment-plant effluent in the Washington, D.C., area raise the DSi concentration of receiving Potomac River water. The tidal river zone serves as a net sink for DSi as a result of phytoplankton uptake. Ultimately, the biogenic silica from the tidal river is transported to the transition zone, where it is mineralized. As a result, the DSi concentration in the transition zone increases during summer. The DSi concentrations in the estuarine zone are largely controlled by dilution by Chesapeake Bay water and by phytoplankton uptake.

Suggested Citation

Blanchard, S.F., 1988, Dissolved silica in the tidal Potomac River and Estuary, 1979-81 water years: U.S. Geological Survey Water Supply Paper 2234, vii, 48 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wsp2234H.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Dissolved silica in the tidal Potomac River and Estuary, 1979-81 water years
Series title Water Supply Paper
Series number 2234
Chapter H
DOI 10.3133/wsp2234H
Year Published 1988
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description vii, 48 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title A water quality study of the tidal Potomac River and Estuary
Country United States
Other Geospatial Potomac River and Estuary
Additional publication details