Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Effects Of Seagrass Biology On Water Quality In Shallow Regions Of The Lower Chesapeake Bay : Final Report, Kenneth A. Moore

Reports

The changes in water quality within shallow water regions of the lower Chesapake Bay was compared seasonally from permanent stations located along transects across vegetated and unvegetated sites in shoal regions of the lower Chesapeake Bay. The effect of the seagrass bed on conditions inside compared to outside of the bed varied seasonally and could be related to bed biomass and develoment. During spring (April-June) the rapidly growing seagrass bed was a sink for nutrients, suspended inorganic particles and phytoplankton, while during the summer, as bed dieback progressed, resuspension and release of nutrients were observed. Reductions in suspended particle concentrations …