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Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5029

Prepared in cooperation with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians

Primary Productivity in Meduxnekeag River, Maine, 2005

By Robert M. Goldstein, Charles W. Schalk, and Joshua P. Kempf

ABSTRACT

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During August and September 2005, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, specific conductance, streamflow, and light intensity (LI) were determined continuously at six sites defining five reaches on Meduxnekeag River above and below Houlton, Maine. These data were collected as input for a dual-station whole-stream metabolism model to evaluate primary productivity in the river above and below Houlton. The river receives nutrients and organic matter from tributaries and the Houlton wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Model output estimated gross and net primary productivity for each reach. Gross primary productivity (GPP) varied in each reach but was similar and positive among the reaches. GPP was correlated to LI in the four reaches above the WWTP but not in the reach below. Net primary productivity (NPP) decreased in each successive downstream reach and was negative in the lowest two reaches. NPP was weakly related to LI in the upper two reaches and either not correlated or negatively correlated in the lower three reaches. Relations among GPP, NPP, and LI indicate that the system is heterotrophic in the downstream reaches. The almost linear decrease in NPP (the increase in metabolism and respiration) indicates a cumulative effect of inputs of nutrients and organic matter from tributaries that drain agricultural land, the town of Houlton, and the discharges from the WWTP.

For additional information contact:
Director
U.S. Geological Survey,
Maine Water Science Center
196 Whitten Road
Augusta, Maine 04330
(207)622-8201

http://me.water.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Goldstein, R.M., Schalk, C.W., and Kempf, J.P., 2009, Primary productivity in Meduxnekeag River, Maine, 2005: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5029, 15 p., online only.



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose and Scope

Description of Study Area

Previous Studies

Review of Primary Productivity in Streams

Methods

Data Collection

Stream Hydraulic Data

Continuous Water-Quality Indicators

Light Intensity

Data Analysis

Primary Productivity In Meduxnekeag River, Maine, 2005

Limitations of the Study and Suggestions for Future Investigations

Summary and Conclusions

References Cited



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