Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Freshwater And Nutrient Inputs To A Mississippi River Deltaic Estuary With River Re-Introduction, Emily Christina Grace Hyfield

LSU Master's Theses

In this study, I quantified freshwater and nutrient inputs in the Breton Sound estuary which is receiving freshwater reintroduction in an effort to restore deteriorating wetlands. Almost all wetlands of the Mississippi deltaic plain are isolated from riverine input due to flood control levees along the Mississippi River. This has altered water and nutrient budgets and is a primary cause of the massive wetland loss in the delta. Maintenance of the delta depends on a healthy, functioning ecosystem which includes riverine input. The Breton Sound estuary is located southeast of New Orleans and until recently was hydrologically isolated from direct …