PB03-253195
Ware River Intensive Watershed Study
2. Estuarine Receiving Water Quality
Virginia Inst. of Marine Science
Gloucester Point
Prepared for


Environmental Protection Agencv, Annapolis,
Chesapeake Bay Program        "
Aug 83

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4. TITLE AND SUBTITIF
  Ware  River Intensive Watershed Study  -
  2.  Estuarine Receiving Water Quality
                                   TECHNICAL REPORT DATA  •
                           (Please read Ihsinicr.om un Hie ret cne before complctmrl
 . REPORT NO.
   EPA-600/3-83-Q78b
             S REPORT DATE
             .  August 1983
             6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE

                    VIMS
  AUTHORIS)                         . |    '
  Cindy  Bosco,  G.F. Anderson and Bruce Neilson
                                                           8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
                   PB83    253195   _
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

  Virginia Institute of Marine Science
  College  of  William and Mary
  Gloucester  Point, VA 23062'
                                                           10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
             11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.


                   806310
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
  Chesapeake  Bay Program
  U.S.  Environmental  Protection Agency, ORD
  2083  West1Street                      j
  Annapolis,  MD  21401                 I
                                                           13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
             14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE

                  EPA/600/05
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
        I
16. ABSTRACTThe Ware  River Intensive Watershed Study  contains results of runoff from small
catchments,  instream transport of runoff and the  impacts on estuarine water quality,
which are contained in two volumes: 1. Nonpoint Source  Pollution and 2. Estuarine Re-
ceiving Water Quality..
     The', Ware; River  is a relatively "clean" estuarine  system.  However, during summer
nonths some of the'nutrients,  particularly inorganic phosphorus and organic nitrogen,
achieve levels associated with moderate :enrichment. The Ware is typical of other small
tributaries of Chesapeake Bay: nutrient 'levels are higher ,at low tide, the estuary is
nore homogeneous  laterally than longitudinally, and vertical gradients exist for dis-
solved oxygen,  total phosphorus, and suspended solids.    /
     The estuary  is  generally  phosphorus:limited, except during the annual spring phyto-
plankton blooms (April 1979 and March.1980) when uptake of inorganic nitrogen by plank-
ton causes the system to be nitrogen limited.
     Impacts  of nonpoiht source pollution are slight and shortlived in the estuary.
This appears  t<2 be  due to dilution by Bay; waters and sedimentation in "the upstream
narshes. Thus,  impacts typically are observed only in  the shallow upstream portions Of
the estuary.
17.
                                KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
                  DESCRIPTORS
                                              b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
                          c.  COSATi Field/Group
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT '


    Release  to public
19. SECURITY CLASS iTIitl Kfporl/
   Unclassified
                                                                         21. NO. OF HAGfcS
130
30. SECURITY CLAF
   Unclassified
                           33. PRICE
 EPA Form 2220-1 (Rซv. 4-77)   PREVIOUS EDITION is OBSOLETE

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                                              EPA-600/3-83-078b
                                              August  1983
           WARE RIVER INTENSIVE WATERSHED STUDY
           2. ESTUARINE RECEIVING WATER QUALITY
                            by

                       Cindy Bosco
                     Gary F.- Anderson
       |               Bruce Neilson                     j
Department of Estuarine Processes and Chemical Oceanography
       '    Virginia Institute of Marine Science
               College of William and Mary
              Gloucester Point, VA  231062
                     Grant No. 806310
                    Co-Project Officers
      James Shell j Virginia State Wat'er Control Board
                    James Smullen, EPA
           U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
                  Chesapeake Bay Program
                     2083 West Street,
                Annapolis, Maryland 21401

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                      NOTICE

This document has been reviewed in accordance with
y.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and
approved for publication.  Mention of trade names
or commercial products does not constitute endorse-
ment or recommendation for use.
                       1i

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                            ABSTRACT

     The Ware River Intensive Watershed Study contains results of
runoff  from small catchments,  instream transport of runoff  and
i^he  impacts on estuarine water quality,  which are contained  in
two volumes:   1.  Nonpoint Source Pollution   and  2.  Estuarine
Deceiving Water Quality.i
 1   I      "    ~        '        ''           •••'"'      •'
Estuarine Studies              '<
                               I
     The  Ware  River is a relatively  "clean" estuarine  system.
However,   during    summer   months  some  of   the   nutrients,
particularly inorganic phosphorous and organic nitrogen,  achieve
levels associated with moderate enrichment.   The Ware is typical
of other small tributaries of  Chesapeake Bay: nutrient levels are
higher at low tide, the estuary is more homogenous laterally than
longitudinally,   and  vertical  gradients  exist  for  dissolved
oxygen, total phosphorous, and suspended solids.

     The estuary is generally phosphorous limited,  except during
the  annual  .spring  phytoplankton blooms (April 1979  and  March
1980)   when uptake of inorganic nitrogen by plankton  causes  the
system  to  b'e  nitrogen  limited.            /
     Impacts  of nonpoint source pollution, are slight and  short-
lived in the estuary.   This appears to be due to dilution by Bay
waters and sedimentation in the upstream marshes.   Thus  impacts
typically  are observed only in the shallow upstream portions  of
the estuary,                ,  \
                                iii

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                             CONTENTS

                                                                  Page
ABSTRACT. ...,.,..:		i . . ,	'.. ill
LIST OF FIGURES	*	i	 . .,i . v11
         1   '  !           '          '           '                    •
LIST OF TABLES J	!,	,	i:.  1x
              " i   '•       |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . *	1 i . .. i	'.,	 .   *
                            -SECTION 1                           1

1.1 INTRODUCTION. . 4	;.   1

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF  THE  STUDY  AREA	,.   3

1.3 CONCLUSIONS. ..*.,(	   6

                            SECTION 2

2.U  ESTUAR'INL' FTKLD  STUDY  AND RESULTS	,; *   8

2.1  METHODS AND  MATERIALS  FOR ESTUARINE FIELD SAMPLING	v.   9
       2.1.1  ESTUARINE HYDROGRAPHIC DATA COLLECTION....	I.   11
       2.1.2  OTHER SPECIAL ESTUARINE SAMPLING EQUIPMENT...	   12
       2.1.3  STATISTICAL METHODS	   14
       2.1.4  QUALITY CONTROL DATA	i'	'.:.   15

 2.2 INTENSIVE SURVEYS
       2.2.1  1979  INTENSIVE  SURVEY. . i ... i i	 .;..   17
       2.2.2  1930  INTENSIVE  SURVEY.	   29
       2.2.3  1981  INTENSIVE  SURVEY.	';   38

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                       CONTENTS  (Continued)
 2.3 TREND ANALYSES: APRIL  1979 -  JULY  1981.*.....'	I	,.  -51

 2.4 SPRING SURVEY, 1981	 4	.•.  $6
       2.4.1  TWO DAY Vs MONTHLY SLACKWATER SAMPLING TECHNIQUES..'.  82
                          i        > '    .  '        '     '   I  I
 2;5 ASSESSMENT OF STORMWATER  IMPACTS IN THE ESTUARY	i*..  84*

                                  "'      •    '                    ' "   !
 2.6 "WET"/"DRY" HIGHWATER  SLACK SURVEYS...... 4	*... i.,..,.   
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                            LIST OF FIGURES
Number                  '                                               Page
  1     Location of the Ware River Basin	;..	    A
  2     Map of Ware River Sampling Stations	....   10
  3     Tidal variation in salinity during August 1979  Intensive
        Survey........ iป	J	   18
  4     Average total Kjeldahl nitrogen concentrations  in the brackish
        region (W5j WFM1,  WBS1)[ August 1979  Intensive  Survey..	  22
  5     Average total ammonia-nitrogen concentrations in the brackish
        region (W5, WFM1,  WBSl), August 1979  Intensive  Survey	  23
  6     Average total phosphorus concentrations in the  brackish
        region (W5, WFM1,  WBSl) and in two streams (STR3, STR4),
        August 1979 Intensive Survey	  24
  7     Average suspended  solids concentrations in the  brackish  region
        (W5, WFM1, WBS1),  August 1979 Intensive Survey		  25
  8     Dissolved oxygen percent saturation at transect W3,
        August 1979 Intensive Survey	  27
  9     Phosphorus specie mean concentrations, July 1980 Intensive
        Survey	  31
 10     Nitrogen species mean concentrations, July 1980 Intensive
        Survey	......;	{.....-	.:*	  33
 11     Average TN:TP ratios, July 1?JO Intensive Survey	  34
 12a    Chlorophyll-a concentrations at FM2 and FM3, July 1980 Intensive
        Survey	l..\	/.	  36
 12b    Chlorophyll-a concentrations at BS6 and BS8, July 1980 Intensive
        Survey... .\	.',	,	/.	k	  37
 13a    Average salinity concentrations, March 1981 Intensive Survey...  39
 13b    Average silicate concentrations, March 1981 Intensive Survey...  39
 14     Average chlorophyli-a''concentrations, March 1981 Intensive
  \      Survey	l.J	  41
 15     Average carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, March 1981
  \      Intensive Survey	:...!...	  42
 16     Average total filterable solids, March 1981 Intensive Survey...  43
 17     Phosphorus specie mean concentrations, March 1981 Intensive
   ',     Survey.	'. .\	*	  44
 18     Nitrogen specie mean concentrations,  March 1981 Intensive
        Survey	 1	....,....,	  45
 I9a    Average TN:TP ratios, March 1981 Intensive Survey.\...	  47
 19b    Average DIN:P04 ratios, March 1981 Intensive Survey	  48
 20     Average TOC concentrations,March 1981 Intensive Survey..	49
 21     Time-series  plot of chlorophyll-a concentrations', WIT,  WBS1
        and STR4	;.... i	; i...... k	  52
 22     Time-series  plot  vof temperature, WlB and WBS1	  63
 23     Time-series  plot  oฃ carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand,
        WlB and WBSl	'.'.*..,	i	'.. i......^	J	  55
 24     Tine-series  plot  of percent dissolved oxysen saturation at
        WBSl and  WlB	i	 i	t,  56
 25     T^ime-ecries plot ot total phosphorus at WlB, WBSl and STR3	58
 26     Time-series 'plot of dissolved silica at WBSl and WlB...........  59
                                    vii

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                     LIST OF FIGURES(cot.:lnued)

Number                                                             Page

27a   Time-series plot of nitrogen specie concentrations, WIT	 60
27b   Time-series plot of nitrogen sptcie concentrations, WBS1	61
27c   Time-series plot of nitrogen specie concentrations, STR4.	62
27d   Time-series plot of nitrogen specie concentrations, STR1}...... .• 63
28    Tira^series  plot of total filterable solids at WIT, WBS1, STR4.65
29    Time-series temperature plot during 1981 Spring Survey	.-'67
30    Timte-series plot of salinity concentrations during 1981 Spring   ;
      Survey	i	 68
31    Time-series plot of dissolved oxygen percent saturation during  ;.
      1981 Spring Survey	..	69
32d   Time-series histogram of nitrogen specie concentrations at
      Goshen during 1981 Spring Survey	 71
32b   Time-series histogram of nitrogen specie concentrations at     '••
      Pig Hill during 1981 Spring Survey	 72
33a   Time-series histogram of phosphorus specie concentrations  it
      Goshen during 1981 Spring Survey.....	 73
33b   Time-series histogram of phosphorus specie concentrations at
      Pig Hill during 1981 Spring Survey..!	;.,. 74
34    Tims-series plot of TN:TP ratios during 1981 Sprii.ซj Survey.....;75
35    Time-series plot of chlorophyll-a concentrations during
      1981 Spring Survey	;..	.'	 75
36a   Phytoplankton cell counts at Goshen during 1981 Spring Survey.*?78
36b   Phytoplankton cell counts at Pig Hill during 1981 Spring Survey 79
37    Time-series plot of dissolved silica concentrations during
      1981 Spring Survey	.	 80
38    Time-series plot of total suspended solids during 1981 Spring
      Survey	;.....	.81
39    Rainfall and baseflow during study period, 1979-1981	 85
40    Relationship between dissolved osygen percent saturation and
      rainfall during Stormwater Survey,1980	.,87
41    Dissolved oxygen percent saturation during "Wet" and "Dry"
      slackwater surveys	.92
42    Total suspended solids concentrations during "Wet" and "Dry"
      slackwater surveys	 93
43    Dissolved orthophosphorus concentrations during "Wet" and      .:,
      "Dry" slackwater surveys	 95
44    Relationship of nitrite+nitrate nitrogen to rainfall (cm) in
      upper estuary.	96
45    Current speeds (m/sec) at BS2 and BS6 during marsh study	98
46    Gonentrations of total suspended solids and silica at BS2      ;
      during marsh study.J............ 1	..100
47    Concentration of total suspended solids at BS6, marsh study....101
48    Concentration of dissolved silica at BS6 during marsh study....110
                                  viii

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                         LIST OF TABLES

Number                                                                Page

     1    Quality Control Data from 1980 and 1981 Intensive Surveys..;..16

     2    Salinity Differences Between Surface and Bottom Samples During'  /
          1979 Intensive Survey	........ i..... 20
          Comparison of Monthly Averaged Composite Sample Values vst     .,
          Monthly Slackwater Values*	,	83

          Comparison of Average Salinity and Daily Discharge Between     )
          •Wet" and "Dry" Slackwater Surveys........:............... j;. ^ ,9l

          Chemical Evidence for a Turbidity Maximum...,/	...i.105
                                  ix

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                           ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

     The  authors wish to thank Don Campbell and David Krantz for
their technical expertise and assistance throughout the  project.
The study would not have been possible without their good spirits
and  perserverance while collecting over 100,000 samples  in  the
rain,  snow  and  mosquito-fladen weather*
                          i
     We,3130 extend appreciation to Betty Sailey, Cathy White and
Sam  Wilson for their long and oftentimes late  hours  analyzing
the samp.les.

     Finally, we would like to thank Maxine Smith for her patient
typing of the manuscript.1

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                            SECTION 1
                        1.1 INTRODUCTION
                                    i
      The  Ware  River Study is one of five  intensive  watershed
(Studies  funded ( by  the  Chesapeake  Bay  Program  of  the  U.S.
Environmental  Protection  Agency.   In  all  five  basins  small
catchments  are  being monitored  to determine the  quantity  and
quality  of  runoff  for the major  land uses  and  physiographic
features of the Chesapeake Bay  drainage basin.   These :data will
be used to calibrate  mathematical models of land runoff: which in
turn 'will  be  used to  determine  the  quantity  of  pollutants
entering Chesapeake Bay  from nonpoint sources and to examine how
these  loads  are  likely   to vary as land uses  change,  in  the
future.   Results from the nonpoint source study are contained in
a  companion report,   Ware River Intensive Watershed  Study   1_^
Nonpo'int Sources.
    ' I                                    •               •        *
     In  the  Ware  system and in the  two  Maryland  watersheds,
estuarine  water quality is being studied to determine how it  is
affected by runoff.   The Ware River is relatively clean,  and to
a certain extent,  it serves as the "control" against which  more
impacted  systems  can be compared.   At the beginning  of   this
study relatively little data was available on the Ware  R:Lver; it
was  not  polluted so it had not been the subject  of   extensive
monitoring  in  the  past.   Therefore the Ware  study   includes
elements  to characterize seasonal, ' tidal,  diurnal  and   other
variations  so  that the effects of stormwater runoff  could   be
separated  from other features,.   The information gained in  this
study will provide us with a better understanding of the  nature^,
extent  and  duration of stormwater impacts on  estuarine   water
quality.   In addition, the field data will be used to  calibrate
a series of models which will simulate runoff  generation and its
transport through the streams and into the  estuary.

     Seqtion 1,  a synopsis of the report, contains a description
of   the   study   area  and  conclusions   from   the   27-month
investigation.   In the second section,  details are presented on
the hydrography and water quality of the receiving waters and the
methods  used  in  collecting the  data.  Section  2.2  discusses
diurnal  trends in the estuarine water quality from  measurements
made!  aroundj-the-clock  during intensive surveys,  the  first  of
which took place during the summer of 1979.   Seasonal trends  in
estuarine water quality were studied by frequent high water slack
surveys  and is included in Section 2.3.   The characteristics of
the  transition zone from the freshwater flowing streams  to  the
tidally  influenced;  brackish  waters  .of the  estuary .is  also
described in this section,  along with impacts oฃ stormwater upon
the  area.  A  number  of  incidental  topics  and  findings  are
presented,  including  a  discussion  of quality  control  and  a

                                 1                      ."•:

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comparison  of automatic vs.  discrete water sampling techniques.
     The remainder of the report includes references and a series
of appendices containing supporting material.   Sampling stations
are described in Tables A-l and A-2;  the dates of the slackwater
surveys  are  given in Table A-3.   Since the focus of the  field
efforts varied, all stations were not occupied during each study.
Table  A-4 gives the station coverage for  slackwater,  intensive
and  stormwater  runoff  surve'ys.

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                1.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA

     The  Ware River drainage basin lies on the Middle  Peninsula
of Virginia between the York and Rappahannock Rivers, as shown in
Figure  1.   The  Ware,  along with the Severn,  North  and  East;
Rivers,  debouches  to Mobjack Bay on the southwestern  shore  of
Chesapeake  Bay.   Beaverdam  Swamp  and  Fox Mill  Run  are  two,
freshwater tributaries which drain the upper reaches of the basin
and provide nearly continuous flows to the estuary.   In addition
to  the two main stems of the river,  two small sub-basins  drain .;
into  man-made  impoundments,  Cow Creek Pond and  Robbins  Pond,
before  discharging  to the tidal waters of Beaverdam  Swamp  and
Wilson Creek respectively!.   The freshwater streams generally are
shallow (less than 1 meter deep) and not especially wide (usually
less  than  4 meters).   The  channels  are  sinuous,  frequently:
braided  and often interrupted by beaver dams,  especially in the
headwaters.                     .                                 •

     Tidal  effects  are  observed at the Route  14  crossing  of
Beaverdam  Swamp  and just downstream of  the  Route  17-Business;
crossing  of Fox Mill Run.   In the transition zone the  salinity;
gradients  are;large and the channels follow a serpentine  course
through  extensive tidal marshes on either side of Deacon's Neck.
The  Ware proper is formed by the confluence of these  two  tidal
streams at Warehouse Landing.  The main channel of the estuary is;
broad  and shallow and is approximately 9i,6 km long.   The  river.
depth  at  Mean High Water varies from 8 meters at the  mouth  to
less than 1.5 m near Warehouse Landing.   The channel margins ?nd
subtidal  flats are generally narrow,  making up less than 20% of"
the  river suface area.   Salinities usually are 17-21 parts  per'
.thousand (ppt) at the mouth,  and reflect the strong influence of,
Chesapeake Bay.  Salinities at the confluence range between 6 and
17 ppt showing the influence of runoff.                          •-,

     The  drainage  area of the Ware is  174  square  kilometers.
Land  use  in  the  basin is rural,  with over 70%  of  the  land
occupied by forests.  Agriculture, primarily rowcrops with annual
rotation of corn and soybeans, account for about 12% of the totalJ
land  area.   Residential and commercial uses occupy  only  about.
7,2%  of  the  basin;  the  majority of this  development  is  at
Gloucester Court House, located near the center of the watershed.
The  single point source in the basin,  a sewage treatment  plant
serving  Gloucester,  dicharges  to Fox  Mill  Run  approximately ;
570,000  liters  per  day  of!secondary  effluent  about  a  half"
kilometer above the tidal reaches.

 \   The  freshwater  discharge entering the Ware River is  small
relative  to the volume of the estuary.   The long  term  average
discharge at the USGS gaging station near^ Ark,  Va.  on Beaverdam
Swamp  is  0.21  cubic meters per  second.   The  average  annual .
rainfall  is 111 cm based on a thirty year record for 27 gages in

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                                           WARE  RIVER  BASIN


                                           LOCATION- GLOUCESTER  COUNTY,VA.
                                           APPROX.  AREA-

                                                 194 km2 DRAINAGE  BASIN
                                                 20 km2 ESTUARY
                                                 174 km*  TOTAL
                                                                      CHESAPEAKE
                                                                         EAY
                                                               5 Ml.
                                                               10 KM
FIGURE 1. Location of the study area, shaded portion delineates drainage boundaries of the Ware River watershed.

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Virginia's coastal plain!(U.S. Environmental Data Service, 1979).
Monthly average rainfall is fairly uniform and ranges from  about
7 cm in April to nearly 12 cm in July.  Although rainfall is high
during  summer months,  monthly mean discharges are lowest  then,
presumably  due  to high rates of evaporation and  transpiration.
Meteorological  conditions  during the study have  been  somewhat
anomalous.  In general 1979 was a wet year and 1980-1981 was dry.
Also  the snowfall during the first winter was exceptionally high
for  this area and was greater than any since records  have  been
kept;  Although both total rainfall and stream discharge for 1979
were high (see Figure 39),  the rainfall was unevenly distributed
throughout the year.   For example, the rainfall during September
and  November  1979  was the highest for the years  1966  through
1979,  while  the rainfall for December 1979 was the  lowest  for
that  mpnth  during tjie same period.   Additionally,  during  the
first,14 months there was a 33.4 cm surplus of rainfall  compared
to  the average of 128.8 cm expected for Tidewater (based on data
1940-1970), while during the latter 13 months there was a 37.8 cm
deficit in rainfall.  As a result of the draught, Beaverdam Swamp
reached zero discharge in late July 1981, the first time this has
occurred         since      j   1953         (USG3,         1981).

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                         Ii3    CONCLUSIONS
      Results   from  the  27-month  study showed  water  quality  in  the
Ware  Ritfer  to  be  relatively  non-degraded.   The  broad  reaches  of
the estuary are dominated  by Chesapeake  Bay waters  and are  rather
homogeneous laterally and  longitudinally.   However,   upstream in
the   narrow tidal marsh regions,   nutrient rich  conditions  exist,
and   concentrations generally decrease with distance   downstream,
indicating  that1 advective   diffusion   plays a major  role  in
determining overall water  quality.   The estuary   is  generally
phosphorus  lirjilted, except  on a few occassions and   in  a   few
locations.   For  example,  during the annual  spring phytopiankton
blooms,   uptake   of  inorganic  nitrogen by plankton   causes   the
system to become  nitrogen  limited.  Also, Fox Mill Run,  the only
tributary  containing   a  point-source  (57,000 liter  per   day
secondary  sewage  treatment plant)  contains elevated  nutrient
concentrations and  is nitrogen limited year round due  to   the
effects  of  phosphorus rich sewage.
             I                                                   ;-•'.
      The Ware River is typical  of many  shallow  subestuaries that
drain the coastal plain.   During low flow conditions, freshwater
inputs   to  the   estuary are  insignificant.   During   high flow
conditions, 'vertical stratification may exist in the   downstream
portion!   of the estuary,   but the gradient is not strong  (<2   ppt
salinity).   The  freshwater  to saltwater interface shifts over
several  kilometers  in the  narrow upctream reaches in response  to
freshwater  inputs,   arid a  turbidity maximum was  found  to  exist in
at    least   one   of   the   tributaries,    Beaverdam    Swamp.

      Distinct   seasonal   patterns  were    evident:     nutrient
concentrations for total  phosphorus and nitrogen  concentrations
in the estuary were greatest during the  summer season;  dissolved
oxygen   levels were lowest at that time. Results from the   trend
data  also suggested that increased nutrient concentrations  in  the
spring and  fall were generally due to runoff  contributions,   arid
inputs in the  form  of marsh  debris.  During  the summer,  or times
of   low  flow and  high temperature, nutrient  cycling and   release
from  the sediments appeared to be the primary factor  controlling
nutrient levels.            i
                     i       !   •
      Chlorophyll-a  exhibited a spring maximum,   especially  during
1979  and 1980. Phytopiankton cell counts showed  diatoms to  be  the
'dominant spring organism (primarily Rhizosolenia and   Nitzschia)".
.During tjie  spring of ?981,  the  typical  chlorophyll-a  maximum  was
not observed.   This was presumably due  to the drought conditions
which resulted in  lesser  amounts of dissolved silica   introduced
into  the estuary from'  baseflpw.

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     Assessment  of  stormwater impacts ih the  estuary  revealed
that  rainfall of 0.5 in (1.3 cm) or more resulted in  measurable
changes  in  estuarine  water  quality.    Suspended  solids  and
nitrite+nitrate   nitrogen  concentrations   increased,   whereas
dissolved  oxygen  (measured  as percent  saturation)  tended  to
decrease  following  major storms.   The extent and  duration  of
nonpoint  source   pollution varied greatly  dependent  upon  the
amount and intensity of rainfall,  and time of year.   Generally,
responses  in  the estuary were short-lived;   nutrient  loadings
were  offset by dilution upon entering the broad  reaches of  thp
estuary.

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          SECTION 2.  ESTUARINE FIELD STUDY AND RESULTS

     The  Ware  Rivet  is typical of other small  estuaries
drain the coastal plain.; Lowjdensity residential housing peppers
the shoreline.   Because of the dearth of population and industry
along the river, ntany of the well-known environmental problems of
pollution are absent.   Since the Ware River is a fairly  "clean"
estuary,  it.  is a good system in which to assess the impacts  of
nonpoint  source  (NFS) pollution upon the water quality  of  an
estuary.   To accomplish this,  it was necessary to ascertain the
existing regime of nutrients (through determination of descriptive
normsj and  causal  relationships,  A  baseline  was  established
initially  by conducting a series of semi-monthly highwater slack
(HV^S) surveys.   Such information serves as a reference to  which
perturbations in the nutrient levels can be compared.

   '  The  effects of nonpoint source pollution,  the  particulate
matter and associated nutrients that are in runoff from the land,
may  play an important role in the productivity of small  coastal
plain  estuaries.   The significance of increased nutrient levels
upon  the  receiving waters has been discussed  by  many  authors
(Ketchum^ 1967; see  also Neilson, 1980).  Few other studies have
attempted  to address nutrient levels in the Ware River  estuary.
The.|  Virginia  State  Water Control Board  (SWCB)  has  routinely
monitored  one  of  the  tributaries,   Foxraill  Run,  for  fecal
coliformSr   various   nutrients,    dissolved  oxygen,   pH  and
alkalinity  since  wastewater i is  discharged  into  the  stream.
     In April, 1979, the Department of Estuarine Processes of the
Virginia ; Institute  of Marine Science,  College of  William  and
Mary;  irjitidted  a  two  year investigation of  the  Ware  River
Watershedj   funded  by  the  Environmental  Protection  Agency's
Chesapeake Bay Program.   The^primary objectives of the estuarine-
research'  effort were to provide a description of the hydrography
and  water  quality  and !to as'certain the  temporal  and  spatial
response of the estuary to runoff.   The results of the estuarine
monitoring  will be presented in terms of trends,  in  particular
seasonal patterns, and intensive surveys, which were conducted to
define spatial distribution of nutrients as well as solar,  tidal
and other die! processes in the estuary.   The estuardne response
to  runoff,   especially  the  variations^  which  occur  in   the
freshwater to saltwater 'transition zone, are discussed in Section
2.                          '  '    '            '

-------
     2*1 METHOD'S AND MATERIALS FOR ESTUARINE FIELD SAMPLING

     Sampling  stations  (Figure 2) were established in the  Ware
River,  first,  on  the  basis  of  the  probable  value  of  the
hydrographic and water chemistry information they would  provide,,
and  second,  on the ease of access to the area since the estuary
is extremely shallow in the upper reaches.  Stations were located;
by   meanp  of  buoysf   markers  and  sitings   off   landmarks.

     Surveys  were conducted with 18 1/2' T-Birds outfitted  with
either single or twin outboard engines.  Water was pumped onboard
using  a  Rule  Bilge Pump (750 GPH),  and  bottles  were  filled
according  to the schedule below once the lines had been  cleared
at each station.  In case of pump failure, samples were collected
using  a  Frautschy  bottle (a modified Van Dorn  discrete  water
sampler).

     DO:         125  ml glass bottles                           -~

     SALINITY:   125 ml glass bottles                            V
           I                    .        .                       '  .'••
     NURIENTSt  2L Nalgene containers                            •

     pH/ALKALINITY/SS:  500 ml brown Nalgene bottles

     CHLOROPHYLL: 250 ml brown Nalgene bottles                  "

     BODS:        300 ml glass BOD bottles                      '•
                       /                *
     UBOD:        2L Nalgene containers

     The  field program in the freshwater portions of the estuary
involved little mechanical equipment;  all equipment was serviced
and  Calibrated before field usage.   Field  sampling  techniques
were selected to insure representative sampling.                 ฃ

     Temperatures  measurements  in the water column  wore  taken
using  an  Applied  Research  Austin (ARA) Model  ET  100  Marine
temperature sensor.  Accuracy of the instrument is reported to be
0.1  C.    The  instrument  was  tested  and  recalibrated,  when
necessary,  before  each survey.   Dissolved oxygen samples  were
"pickled"  in the field (manganese suifate solution  followed  by
alkali-iodide azide reage.nt)! and titrated in the laboratory using
the azide modification of the Winkler methodi

     A  list  of chemical parameters,  methods of  analysis,  and
STORET  numbers  foir  each  ^ariable  are  listed  in  Volume  1.
Nonpoint Sources.        i   j                                     :;

-------
Figure 2. Ware  River cstuarinc and Crcshwater stream station locations.
                                     10

-------
         2 + i. .1
                  ESTUARINE HY.DROGRAPHIC DATA COLLECTION
     Bathymetric  data was obtained along 15 different   transects
in  the  Ware River, during 1979-1980 using a Raytheon   fathometer
(see  Appendix   A-5).    Cross-sectional  areas  are   listed  in
Appendix A-6.      '        / I

Current Meter Information
     General Oceanic current meters (recording at 6j min intervals
for a minimum of 8 tidal cycles) were deployed in the Ware  River
estuary in August,  1979 and;July,  1980.  During the first year,
lateral  as well as longitudinal and vertical data was collected.
Information  collected indicated that water movement  was  fairly
uniform  across the channel,  therefore  during the second  year,
all  current meters were placed in the center of the channel  but
spanned a greater longitudinal distance.

Tide Gage Information

     Two tide gages were installed on piers in the Ware River at
   rerrnile  1.3  and  5.3. '  Tide gage information  was  recorded
                                               Results  indicated
                  was  an average tidal range of 0.76  m  at  the
                   and  2). jhigh  tide occurs  approximately  35
minutes  after  the times reported for  Hampton  Roads  (Sewell's
Point) by the U.Sx.  Department of Commerce,/ National Oci-anic and
Atmospheric  Administration.!  However,  a /variance of 71 minutes
was  found,  depending  on  wind conditions  and  other   factors.
Tid'al information for 1979 and 1980 has been recorded on  magnetic
tape and forwarded to SWCB.  1
r
cocomitant  with current meter  recordings,
that  l)"i  there
downstream  gage
                                 11

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      2.1.2     OTHER SPECIAL ESTUARINE SAMPLING EQUIPMENT

PLANKTON ANALYSES

     Zooplahkton and phytoplankton were collected seasonally from
at  least  three of the slackwater stations located in  the  main
channel of the estuary,'                                       .:

PhytoplanktQn:                                                .•

     Phytoplankton  samples  were  pumped  into  2-liter  plastic
containers and placed on ice until brought to the laboratory  ;for
analysis.  '                            '                       >
           i
     phytoplankton  samples  were first examined  and  enumerated
with  an  epi-fluorescent microscope using  a  proflavin-modified
Acridine-orange  direct  count  method  (Hobbie,  et  al.,  1977;
Watson,  et al.,  1977) and categorized by percentages into major
groups   (blue-green    algae,    cryptomohads,    prasinophytes,
heteroflage'llates,  green flagellates,  dinoflagellates,  diatoms
and  miscellaneous).

     Carbon   :ontent  determinations were then obtained from   the
phytoplankton samples using dry and ash-free weight  measurements
according  to the procedures outlined in Standard Methods  (APHA,
1975)  arid  in  the EFA Biological Field and  Laboratory  Methods
(U.S. EPA, ^979).

Zooplankton:

     Zobplankton were collected in a Clarke-Bumpus sampler  using
a  #20 mesh (76 u) net.   At each station a minimum of 200 liters
of water were tov/ed through.   Samples were taken throughout   the
water  column  (oblique samples) with equal towing time  at  each
depth.    Samples'  were  placed  on  ice  for  transport  to   the
laboratory  where  biomass (carbon-content)  determinations  were
performed  as described for phytoplankton above.

PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION
               /
     Particle size distribution samples were taken seasonally  at
all   estiiarine  stations)  using  a  modified-clam  bottom  grab.
Samples  were 'analyzed  for  total ,(undigested)  and  inorganic
(digested)  particle  sizes  on  a  TA-2  Coulter  Counter   with
population  assessor.    Organic  values  were  obtained  through
calculation.              I

-------
BED  SEDIMENT ANALYSES

     Bed  sediments  were   sampled  seasonally   at  all   estuarine
stations;  samples  were analyzed for  total  and inorganic  carbon
using  an  induction   furnance   and gasometric  carbon  analyzer
manufactured by the Leco Corporation.   Organic  carbon values were
obtained  through calculations.   Total sulfur  analyses were also
run  on  samples using  the  Leco   induction   furnance.

SEDIMENT OXYGEN DEMAND

     The  apparatus  used for determining sediment oxygen  demand
consisted  of a cylindrical  chamber fitted with' a  self-contained
battery-powered  stirrer  and a  dissolved oxygen  probe  (YSI-15)
plugged into the top of the  chamber1.   The chamber was ppen^ at the
bottom  and  weighted so that it \settled into   the  sediment  and
effectively  isolate a  unit  bottom  area and  a parcel of overlying
water.   The  stirrer   provided  gentle agitation  to keep  watetf
moving  past  the membrane on the\probe without stirring  up  the
sediment.   The  dissolved   oxygen  concentration of  the • trapped
water  parcel  was monitored for a  sufficient length of  tinte  tc-
obtain  a  dissolved oxygen  versus  time slope   (m).  ^,The  bottom
oxygen  demand was calculated according to the  following formula:

                               .  mg oxygen ,.
                             m ^  L • hr  '
      ~nn gm oxygen              ,	i 	   „   0/
      SOD ฐ •/  J "—    =      —•	p—!	•	 •  H  • 24
           n>  ' day                .Q2               '
                                    i
where  H is the mean depth  of the chamber in cm allowing for  the
volume displaced by the stirrer.                 '
                                 13

-------
                   SECTION 2.1.3    STATISTICAL METHODS

     Statistical  methods  used consisted of 1) means  and  other
descriptive statistics,  ;2) correlation analysis,  3) analysis of
variance,  and 4) Duncan's Multiple Range Test (Sokal and  Rohlf,
1969).   A  brief  description  of Duncan's Multiple  Range  Test
follows for readers not familar with the analysis.
     Duncan's Multiple Range Test was Used to calculate means for
each  variable  (in this case specific  nutrient  parameters)  by
station.   The group means for each variable are then arranged in
order  from largest to smallest.  The test is performed for  each
variable  using tbe error)mean square,  error degrees of  freedom
ancl  the F-value specified (a=0.05 unless otherwise specified  in
this report).   If one ofi the station variables is missing,' then
the  observations  at all! stations at that time are deleted  from
the analysis. Means that are not significantly different from one
another can then be grouped.

     Notably,  this is a crude test;  it does not have provisions
for  time series analysis!,  although most  intercompared  samples
were  collected  within  30  minutes of one  another  during  the
Intensive  Surveys  and  within  2  hours  during. HWS   surveys.
Secondly,  some  nutrientj  concentrations fall  below  laboratory
analytical detection limits.  In such cases, a value that is half
the detection limit was used for calculating means,  since it was
felt that this value would be more representative than either the
lowest standard value or a zero value.
                                 14

-------
                  2,1.A   QUALITY CONTROL DATA

     During  the  1980 and 1981 intensive  Surveys,  5  replicate
samples were collected simultaneously at several stations in  the
estuary  for each parameter.   The mean,  standard deviation  and
variance  were  calculated arid results are presented in Table  ^1.

     Results  showed  good  pverall  quality  control;   standard
deviation  and  variance  were very low.   It  should  be  noted,
however,  that  alkalinity,  suspended solids  and  chlorophyll-a
measurements,  in some cases,  differed by one standard deviation
unit.
                                15

-------
 JEable 1,  Quality Control Infppnation.
                                           VARIAUE
                                                     KAN
                                                             H.VIA1ION
                                                                       VARIANCE
VARIABLE


SAL
to
SS
MP51
CHI Oft
PWO
Sli.'CA

SAL
DO;
ss;
MK.I
CHI OR
PMfO
SILICA
j
SIAtIOK=M|iSt
VAKUMi

SAL
HI
iiflnsi
tW.Off
(MEO i
SILICA 1
i 1
SAL '?
M \
SS
con:, i
CHI OK
PHtO
SltlW


Sfit
SS
MUSI
fHLOR
I-HEO
Sit IDA




KAN


16.84
5.77
16.20
1.42
8.04
5.56
2.66

18.48
6.53
9,00
1.35
8.52
2.92
2.33


HE AN

21.30
U.60
O.'?0
1.12
0.14
21.94
9.50
I7.?0
1.32
1.22
1.0?
Oils
,

22.70
9.82
3.10
1.59
1,44
0.42
oao
f



SIAWWRD
DEVIATION

0.09
0.08
3.42
0.24
0.40
0.44
0.05

0.04
0.29
4.24
0.24
1.18
0.37
0.01


STMMftD
DEVIATION
0.00
0.16
o!25
0.35
0.08
i
0.36
0.06
7.97
0.11
0.22
0.19
0.03

\
0.00
0.08
2.83
0.24
0.2;
0.04
0.01




VARIANCE


. 0.01
0.01
11.70
0.04
0.36
0.20
0,00

0.00
0.08
18.00
0.06
t.40
0.14
0.00


VARIANCE'

0.00
0.02
w?
0.07
0.12
0.01
0.13
0.00
63.45
0.01
0.05
O.C4
0.00


0.00
0.01
8.30
0.06
O.C4
0.00
0.00




STAflONstfRl
' • Ptt
ALK
Off

TUN
mi
NH3F
N02
N02N03
Ptt
SIAIIOปปซ1 *LJ
' Off
i IP
UN
NH3
KHjf
NO:
1 N02NU3
i SIATiaN^Kl
VARIADLE

PH
ALK
OPf
IP
UN
IK*
HH1F
NO? ,
N02N03
SIAUON^HFHl —
PM
M.K
OPf
IP
UN
MH3F
NO'.
NO., .03

SlATIQlWn " —
PH
AlK
OPF
IP
IM
IKNF
NH3F
W2
N02N03

' 7.52
84.00
0.0]
0.10
0.71
0.00
0.00
9.00
0.00
7.64
78.60
0.00
0.05
0.59
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

KAN1

7.70
87.72
0.00
0.04
0.43
0.33
0.03
0.00
0.04
7.84
68.72
0.00,
0.04
0.39
0.30
0.01
0.00
0.02
/
i
7.91
89.38
0.00
0,02
0,34
0.29
0.02
0.00
0.00

0.02
0.23
0.01
0.01
0.04
0.00
0.01
0.00
0.00
0.12
1.47
0.01
OJOO
0.02
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

5IANDARO
DEVIATION
0.06
0.89
0.00
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.00
0.00
0.01
0.01
1.15
0.00
0.02
O.C1
0.02
0.01
0.00
0.00


0.03
1.01
0.00
O.*03
0.05
0.00
0.00

0.00
0.04
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0,01
2.16
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
4.00

VARIANCE

0.00
0.79
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
o.oo
1.33
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00


0.00
1.03
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00





• l-t
VO
00
o








VO
00
t— •








* Sample  size (q) =  5 in all  cases above.
                                   16

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                 2.2.1    1979 INTENSIVE SURVEY

     On August 14 and 15,, 1979 an intensive survey was conducted
on  the   Ware  River to provide a comprehensive picture  of  how
water  quality  changes temporally and spatially in  response  to
sunlight  and  tidal  oscillation.   Seventeen  stations  in  the
estuary,  four freshwater stream sites and the Gloucester  sewage
treatment  plant,  the  single point-source discharge  into   the
estuary,  were  monitored  round-the-clock for slightly over  two
cycles  (27 hours).                                             ;

     Temperature,  salinity  and  dissolved oxygen were  measured
hourly,   while   samples  for  nutrients,   chlorophyll-a,   pH,
alkalinity,  carbonaceous  5-day biochemical oxygen demand  (BOD)
and  suspended  solids were collected every 3 hours.   A  set  of
ultimate  oxygen  demand  determinations was  made  once  at  HWS
throughout  the estuary.   Ancillary  studies such as enumeration
of  nitrifying  bacteria,  sediment oxygen  demand  measurements,
plankton  biomass  determinations  and  identification  of  major
phytoplanktpn groups were conducted as well.

     Two tide gages arid 7 current meters were deployed to provide
hydrographicI information.   Cross-channel bathymetries also  were
taken along each station transect.

     Water  temperatures during the survey ranged from 25.4 C  to
29 C. Similarly pH was homogeneous throughout the estuary ranging
from  7.3 - 7,9.  Skies were clear on the 14th,  air temperatures
ranged from 20 - 29 C (68 -  84 F) a^.d winds were out of the west
16  r 32  km/hr  (10  -20 mph).   On the  15th   the  skies  were
overcast,  air  temperatures ranged from 20 - 25 C (68 - 77   F) ,
winds were calm,  out of the north at 5 km/hr (3 mph).

Salinity

     The  Ware  River  is a mesohaline  estuary  and  subject  to
freshwater  flow  fluctuations.   During the first  intensive,  a
relatively "wet" year, salinities ranged from about 17 ppt at the
river  mouth to 10 ppt at  Warehouse Landing,  the confluence  of
Beaverdam  Swamp  and  Fox 'Mill  Run.    Temporal  variation  of
salinity  showed  a  strong  tidal  periodicity,  with   greatest
variation upstream (see Figure 3).   Amplitude of tidal variation
in  salinity increased with'distance from the river  mouth,  with
range  of  variation reaching as high as 6.6 ppt at the  upstream
stations.   The  longitudinal salinity gradient in the downstream
portion of the estuary was  {slight,  less than 0.12 ppt per km at
the  mouth  and  about 0.5 ppt per km in  the  mid-reach  of  the
estuary. At the lan'dihg the jgradient was very large at  low water
slack,  on the order :c/f 3 or more ppt per km.

                                17                              ••

-------
18-
16-

14-
"ct
ฃ 12-
H 10-
z
Ij 8-
tn
o —
4-

2-
o-


o<



^
O




LJ


1

Q 0 OO O


o
o o
o
> 0



3C
•!•


1 ,1 1 1 1

Q _ 
-------
     The  27  hour  intensive survey was conducted at a  time  of
neaptides,  a  period  ,of maximum water column  stability  (Haas,
1977).    Significant  stratification,   defined  as  a  salinity
difference  greater than 1 ppt between top and  bottom  stations,
occurred  only at the two most downstream stations,   Wl and  W2,
and  only  during  parts  of-the tidal  cycle  (Table  2).   This
indicates  that  tidal mixing dominates and that the  estuary  is
essentially  well-mixed,   especially  in  the  upstream  reaches
(Cameron and Pritchard, 19^5).  The lack of stratification of the
water  column  at  t-his time1 is probably due to  1)  the  shallow
nature of the estuary, 2) the proximity of sampling to the spring
tide  turnover  and  3) the  westerly winds which  would  tend  to
further  mix the water column.
u
ssolved  Oxygen
     Temporal variations  in dissolved oxygen were greatest at the
upstream  (brackish) stations where concentrations ranged between
4'.5 |and 10.2$ mg/1.   Oxygen concentrations were highest in mid-
afternoon  and lowest just  prior to sunrise.   Due to the  clear
weather  and the fact that summer days  are longer  than  nights,
oxygen  concentrations  near  the  surface  exceeded   saturation
values,   as  the  plankton  and  benthic  communities  typically
produced more oxygen than they consumed.   The maximum saturation
value   (128%) was recorded of WFMl at 1414 hours.
'          1               '  '                 ''
     Durirtg  thfe  27 hour sampling period,  all of the  estuarine
stations  'had mean oxygen values greater than 4.0  mg/1.   Lowest
values  were  found in the deepest waters  (/7 m)  which  might  be
attributed  to  sediment oxygen demand;  sediment  oxygen  demand
measurements  taken .it the mouth one week  prior to  the Intensive
Survey; indicated a benthal uptake of 1.4 /gm/m2/day, or  slightly
greater  than  the  normal  .demand  present  in  estuaries  of  1
gm/m2/day (Edwards, 1965)1

Chlorophyll-a
     In  this  study chlorophyll-a was utilized as a  measure  of
suspended  plant biomass.   Values were within the range normally
found   in  estuarine  waters  and  considerably   below   values
associated with nutrient enriched conditions.  The highest values
recorded (16 ug/1) were for^a station at  the mouth of the estuary
(wiT).   Ghlorophyll-a  values also tended  to be elevated at  the
upstream   sites   (W5).    Temporal  variations  were   observed
throughput  the estuary.   oiel variations  were greatest'  at  the
mouth  with values ranging from 16 to 1.9 ug/1.   Throughout  the
estuary,  daytime  values  w^re roughly twice  nighttime  values;
diurnal  variations appeared to be correlated more with  sunlight
t:han  tidal stage.   This is perhaps another indication that  the
Ware  is  relatively clean,  since instances where  chlorophyll-a
levels  do  vary significantly wit:h tidal xstage  appear  to  ocur
mostly  in  highly  enriched estuaries (Welch  and  Isaac,  1967;
Rosehb^um and Neilson 1977).


                                19

-------
             tABLE 2.   Salinity Differences between surface
                and bottom samples during Intensive Survey
                    of the '^are River, August 11-15,  1979
hour

0900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000
2100
2200
2300
0000
0100
0200
0300
0400
0500
0600
0700
0800
0900
1000
1100




LWS




HWS


|:
LWS

HVJS




LWS

E
n
"X
std. dev.
var .
W3
AS
(ppt)
0.18
rO.Ol
-0.02
-0.03
-0.01
-0.17
-0.14
0.01
olo
0.09
0*32
0.31
6.48
0.34
0.97
1.36*
6.82
0.20
-0.03
0.88
--0.03
-0.07
0.17
-0.01
-0.03
6.68
25
.27
.36
.13
   W2
   AS
 (ppt)

 0.14
-0.02
 0.03
-0.03
 0.01
 0.04
 0.04
 0.01
 -O.05
 0.21
-1.31*
-1.41*
-0.06
-0.88
 0.82
 1.70*
 O.Oi
 1.31*
 1.52*
 0.40
 1.40*
 1.40*
-0.68
-OJ37
 1.45*
-0.08
-0.42
                                                              AS
 1.05*
  .57
-1.04*
 1.51*
 0.06
 0.00
 0.95
 1.32*
 0.74
 1.39*
 0.16
 0.04
 0.18
 1.77*
 1.63*
 1.44*
-0.23
 0.49
 1.52*
 0.02
 0.90
 1.62*
 1.16*
 1.18*
 1.75*
 0.04
 1.26*
                                       15.50
                                       27
                                         .57
                                         .62
                                         .37
                    24.02
                    27
                      .89
                      .62
                      .37
         * Times of water column stratification
                                  20

-------
     Since   there   was  no  mono ton i:  longitudinal  trend   pฃ
chlorophyll-a  concentration,  this suggests that there might  be
separate    pools   of   phytoplankton   within   the    estuary.
Physical/chemical  conditions Such as light and  temperature  are
fairly  uniform throughout the estuary.   Therefore,  the  patchy
distribution   of  phytoplankton  is  probably  due  to  salinity
gradients, advective effects of wind or water transport, nutrient
availability as in proximity to the marsh area,  or to population
differences  such as growth,  moiruality,  sinking  and  migration
rates  of individual plankters and their grazers.

Nutrient and Suspended  Solids  Data
                                 \           •   •  i
     Temporal variations in nutrient concentrations were seen  in
the  brackish  region  of  the estuary  within  a  tidal  period ,(
Maximum values for total Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia nitrogfen, and
total  phosphorus occurred at times of low water  slack)  minimum
values  occurred  at  high water slack  (Figures  4-6).  However^
nutrient  water quality at the mout-h fluctuated, little  with  the
tides.  Nitrite+nitrate  nitrogen  concentrations Were  generally
below  detection limit throughout the estuary during the  survey;
71%  of  the  samples were less than Q.05  mg/1. t  As  a  result,
detection  limits  were  lowered to ( 0.01  mg/1  to  provide  more
information,  since  this  nutrient is important in  /elation  to
phytoplankton  growth.                    |
     Suspended  solids (SS) showed no regular pattern through
27 hours,  especially at the mouthi  Overall, concentrations were
highest in bottom waters, which would be expected since sediments
will setttle from the surface waters and become moire concentrated
near  the  bottom.   In the  brackish  region,  increased  solids
concentrations appeared to be,  in part, . a function of  incoming
Bay  water  (Figure 7),  since denser,  more salin^ bottom  water
carries   suspended  particulates  in  a  net  upstream   current
direction.

Lateral and Longitudinal Variations

     The   1979  intensive  survey  was  conducted  not  only  to
determine diel influences in water quality but also to  delineate
lateral  and  longitudinal  variation^ t;hat mighft  exist  \.n  the
estuary.

     Five stations,  WIN,  W1S,  W2N, W2S,. W3N, ( ske Appendix A-2
for   station  locations  and  descriptions)  additional  to  the
slackwater  stations  were sampled in the  estuary  tP  determine
whether  cross-channel variations existed along a given transect.
Samples were taken at mid-depth, and v:ater quality parameters for
all stations located on a transect were compared.   Results  were
analyzed  graphically and statistically >  using Duncan's Multiple
Range  Test  to check for significant differences  among'  groups*


                                21

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ro
rs>
          .20
                     9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 0  1  2  3   4   5   6  7  8  9 10 11 12
                                August 14                                   August 15
                                                       TIME (hours)
         FIGURE 4.   Average total Kjeldahl nitrogen  concentrations  in the brackish region (W5, WFMl, WBS1),
                    August 1979 Intensive Survey.

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r\>
                                       1   TOTAL AfflQNfft
                      9  iO 11 12 13 14 15 16 1713 19 20 21  22  23  0  1

                                August 14
                                                       TIME (hours)
2  3  4   5   6  7  8  9 10 11 12
       August lj>

              1
       .FIGURE  5.   Average .total aramon-ia-riitrogen concentrations  in  the-brackish region (W5ป WFMl, WBS1),:
                   August 1979 Intensive Survey.

-------
   1.50
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 to

 =1.00
 o
 x
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 X
 Q.
 _J
 <
    -^05-
   OrOO -
                  ^
                  i  \
                                        TOTAL PHOSPHORUS
                9 iO 11 12 13-14 15 16 1718  19 20  21 22  23 0- 1  2  3  A  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12
                          August 14
                                                 TIME (hours)
August 15
 FIGURES.   Average-, total  phosphorus  concentrations in  the'Brackish region <ป?v,.-WF!

            and  stream  sites  (STR3, STR4), August  1979 J-ntensive Survey-

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en
        r-i
             30 -
             25,- .
          C3
          co  20
          o
o
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Q  15-
LLJ
Q
          to
          Z3
          CO
             10 - r
              5--'
             -0 . .
                                              SUSPENDED SOLIDS
                       9 iO 11 12 13 K 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7   8   9  10 11 12
                                  August 14
                                                         TIME (hours)
                                                                     August 15
        FIGURE  7.   Average  suspended  solids concentrations in the brackish region (W5, (WFM1, WBS1),
                    August 1979  Intensive Survey.

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Longitudinal variations

     Significant  differences  were found in  station  means  for
salinity  which ranged from 17 ppt at the mouth to 10 ppt in  the
brackish area (V?5,  WBS1,  WFM1).   This salinity difference of 7
ppt  was  twice  as  large as the 3  ppt  (averacs)  longitudinal
variation  found  over  the 27-month  study.  Hence,  the  survey
results  can be used to delineate diel variations during a  "wet"
year.   Average  temperatures were fairly homogeneous  throughout
the  main stem of the estuary during the study:  at no  time  'did
temperatures range more than 4 C between stations. No significant
longitudinal  differences  were  found  in  levels  for  ammonia,
dissolved'  ammonia,  tbtal Kjeldahl nitrogen,  inorganic nitrog.en
and  organic riitrogen.  Chlorophyll- a means varied by  only  4.8
ug/1  dt a giveh hour,  from a maximum of 9.9 upstream (WBS1)  to
5.1 ug/;l near the mouth (W2).  Significant differences,  however,
were  found  ^.n  total phosphorus and  dissolved  oxygen  percent
saturation,  Highest oxygen levels were found at W5 and lowest at
W1B;   Concentrations  of total phosphorus varied throughout  the
estuary,  with   highest  concentrations in the brackish  regions
(W5, WBS1, &FM1) and lowest  values downstream (W1S).
Lateral  variations                                           '. .
           I                             '        '
     Individual   transects   were   analyzed   for   significant
differences between station means.   Analyses were conducted both
with and without the bottom station in order to avoid skewing the
significane  testing  for certain  parameters  (e.g.,  dissolved
oxygen,  salinity; total phosphorus) where large  differences can
exist  in  'the water column.

     Results  from the Duncan's Multiple Range Test indicated  no
significant  difference  between sample means along  any  of  the
transects  for  total  Kjeldahl nitrogen,  organic  nitrogen  and
ammonia  nitrogen.   Similarly,   peKcent oxygen  saturation  was
homogenous along the first two downstream  transects,  Wl and W2.
Percent  oxygen  saturation was significantly   different  across
transect W3; the percent oxyyen saturation in the channel margins
averaged  about 10% above that in the main stem and  appeared  to
vary  with  tidal  stage (Figure  8).   Likewise  percent  oxygen
saturation  was significantly different (a=0.05) between top  and
bottom station means at all transects.

     Total  phosphorus  concentrations were  predominantly  below
detection   limit  in the downstreart waters (65% of  the  samples
were  less than 0.05 mg/1) and thus not suitable for  this  test.
Of  143 measurable observations  of ^23  samples,  concentrations
were highet in the bottom waters.
                                                              r..
     Differences  in  salinity amounted to less than 2 ppt  among
the stations along a transect;   This also tends to indicate that
stratification  was riot present since top and bottom samples on a
given transect varied little.


                                26                            i

-------
       130f
          i
      '120—
     tr
     CO

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     LU
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     x
     o

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     CZ
     LU
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        50-
                                    ./
                   .W3N'
W3B
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 9  10
                            4
                           11
                                                       >\
            12  13  14 15T.617  l'& ~I9  2a  21  22 23  00


              August 14

                                      TIME (hours)
                                                                                       August 15
                                                  ซ
i  ^.  .j~_...i	|	|    t   •>   t   i   I	i   |   I *

223^00^   I   T  3    4   i   '&   ?'   8  9* l6  ll
    FIGURE 8...  Tercent dissolved-oxygen-saturatlon at transect W3-, August 11J7S-Intensive Survey.

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     Results  from the lateral and longitudinal analyses tend  to
indicate  that   the  Ware  River  estuary  is  more  homogeneous
laterally  than longitudinally.   Lateral differences were  found
only  along  transect W3 and for only one   parameter,  dissolved
oxygen.   Longitudinal gradients,  however,  were  discerned  for
salinity,   totail  phosphorus  and  dissolved  oxygen.   Vertical
differences   were  significant  for  dissolved   oxygen,   total
phosphorus and suspended solids.   It is interesting to note that
in  the  Ware  River,  percent oxygen  saturation  was  the  only
parameter  that  varied  significantly between  stations  in  all
three  directions  (across  the channel,  along the  channel  and
vertically   through the water column).   It appears that  oxygen
and salinity, relatively  easy to measure parameters, may provide
the  best,  first-cut  indication   of the existence  of  density
stratification,  as well as how this might affect  water  quality
in the estuary.
                                23

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                 -2.2,2    1980 Intensive Survey

     6n  July  9  and i<3,  1980,  a second intensive  survey  was
conducted dn the Ware Riveir estuary.   The survey was coordinated
with  the  'Chesapeake  Baywide Nutrient Survey  and  also  was  a
cooperative  effort with Mr.  Dale Phillips of the Virginia State
Water', Control Board and Mr.  Wesley  D.  Jones,  the  Gloucester
County  Engineer.   Phillips  was interested in  calibrating  and
evaluatirig(a stream transport model of Foxmill Run from above the
sewage  treatment ' plant to the mouth of the Ware River  estuary.


     The 1980 Intensive Survey was conducted during a  relatively
dry  summer.  Less  than 2 inches of rain fell during the 30  day
period 'preceeding  the survey.   This was 2.3 inches  below  the
monthly mean rainfall recorded for that time period for the  past
13  year& (National Weather Service,  Bohannon,  VA) .  Freshwater
flow  at  the USGS gaging station ati  Beaverdam  Swamp,  however,
averageij 7.6 cfs during the survey which is about  normal,  based
on  the  discharge recorded  at the gage fot the past  30  yeai^s.
The  higher-than-anticipated flow was probably due to 0.3  inches
of  rfiin  that fell in the watershed 2 days prior to the  survey.
     Weather conditions were somewhat similar to the first year's
survey.  Estuarine  water  temperatures ranged from 25 to  30  C.
Skies were mostly clear on the 9th,  air temperatures ranged from
72  to 86 F (22-30 C) and winds were out of the east,  3-11  mph.
toear midnight, squall warnings were issued and winds of up to  23
mph out of the northwest were reqprded fo several hours;  only  a
trace of precipitation was measured.  On the 10th, the skies were
partly cloudy, air temperatures ranged from 74 to 88 F (23 r-31 C)
and  winds  were calm out of the southwest,  3-11  mph.

      A total of 11 stations in the estuary,  6 fres-hwater stream
sites  and  the  Gloucester sewage .treatment  pla~nt,  the  ^single
point-source discharge into the estuary,  were monitored  around-
the-qlock   for  slightly  over  two  tidal  cycles  (27  hours).


     Temperature,  salinity  and  dissolved oxygen were  measured
hourly1  while .samples   for   nutrients,   chlorophyll-a,   pF,
alkalinity,  carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand and suspended
solids were collected ^very 3 hours.   Additionally, the upstream
stations (W4,  W5,  WFM1,  FM2, FM3, WBS1, BS6, BS8) were sampled
hourly  for  silica,   .total  phosphorus,   nitrite^nitrogen  and
nitrate-nitrogen. .  A  [set  of ultimate biological oxygen  demand
measurements,  plankton biomass determinations and identification
of major phytoplankton 'groups were conducted as well.      -
                   i
                              .29     -      '    .       •   r

-------
     Two  tide  gages and 5 current meters were deployed  in  the;
estuary to provide hydrographic information duting the  survey.

Longitudinal Differences

     Mean oxygen concentrations (percent saturation) were highest
toward  the river mouth (W2T) and lowest in the upstream brackish
regions.   The point-source stream stations (FM2,  FM3) had lower
oxygen  values than the stations in the tributary which had  only
nonpoint  source  inputs;   The greatest variation  in  estuarine
oxygeh  concentrations occurred in the  brackish  area.    Values
ranged  from  9.52 mg/1 (130.3% saturation) at.WBSl'to 3.24  rog/1
(38.9%) at FM2.

     Average  salinities at the mouth were 18.2 ppt.   Station W5
averaged 17.1 ppt which is 2.5 ppt above the seasonal average and
4.3 ppjp above the 1979 Intensive Survey averages recprded at that
station.   Salinities  decreased rapidly with distance  upstream,
reflecting an even stronger longitudinal salinity gradient in the
upper  I', reaches  of  the  estuary.    For  example,   there   was
approximately at 0.7 ppt per km change in salinity  concentration
at1 low water slack between the mouth and the mid-reaches of  the
estuary^   Near  the landing (W5),i a gradient of 2.2 ppt per  km
occurred.   In the transition j zone 'e  salinity gradients were very
large, on the; order of 17 ppt per km.

    i LOW   suspended solids concentrations were tound  downstream
(10  mg/1);   particulate  matter was greatest  in  the  brackish
regions just upstream from  th'e landing (WFM1,  34.8 mg/1;  WBS1,
32.9 mg/1).                   I                ,
                              I               /
    I Dissolved  silica exhibited a longitudinal  gradient,  wh: :h
would   be  expected  from  a ' somewhat   conservative   element.
Concentrations  ranged from 8 mg/1 in the freshwater stream sites
to  2.3  m'g/i  at the mouth of'  the  estuary.   Brackish  regions
contained  an  average of 4 mg/1  of  silicate.

     uissplved  orthophosphorus1  was measurable only  in  Foxmill
Run, \pre'ฃumably due to effluent from the sewage treatment plant.
Concentrations  were  6.8  mg/1>  at the point  of  discharge  and
decreased  to  0.2 mg/1 in the upper  brackish areas.   At  WFM1,
values  ,were  below  detection  'limit,  as  was  also   the  case
throughput the estuary.

     Total phosphorus was excessive at the sewage treatment plant
outfall  (9.8   mg/1) and appeared to decrease due  primarily  to
dilution in Foxmill Run  (see Figure 9).  However, concentrations
increased slightly at FM2. This may indicate an important area of
physical  interactions in Foxmill Run (a turbidity maximum) since
suspended  solids  also  increased  and  salinity  concentrations
average 0.5 ppt.\. Phosphorus concentrations were moderate in the
brackish  region and decreased longitudinally towards the  mouth.
It  should be noted that most of the phosphorus measured was  not
in the orthophosphate form.

                                30 '

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   mg/1
  l .0 H
  0 "3  J
  0.4  -5
  0. 3
  3.: -
  c ;  -i
                            WARE RIVER jl 980 INTENSIVE
                                      1

                      AVEKAUf fHOSl-HUROS CONCENTRATIONS
                                                                   i
                                                        -.BC:   5C5
                          .-
                           '^ '.^ Ortho-P
                       Note :   ST? values have been  divided by 10


Figure 9.   Phosphorus specie  mean concentration, July 1980 Intensive Survey.
                                 31

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      Figure  9   and   10   are  helpful   illustrating  the  overall
 contribution of  nutrients to the estuary by the sewage  treatment
 plant.   The majority of  the measurable nitrogen, or approximately
 50-100%,  appeared  to  be organic in  nature during-  the  survey.
 Nitrate-nitrogen was more abundant than nitrite-nitrogen and  may
•indicate nitrification is occurring.   Ammonia-nitrogen in Foxmill
 Run  had  high   levels recorded  during  the  survey,   comprising
 approximately  40% of the measurable nitrogen.    Highest  ammonia
 nitrogen  values  were  recorded at the  sewage  treatment  plant
 outfall  (4.2 mg/1);  values  downstream in Foxmij.1 Run were also
 elevated (0.2 mg/1).

      LOW  total   nitrogen to total phosphorus  ratios   by  atomic
 weight  (TN:TP) ,   or  periods, of. nitrogen-limiting conditions] were
 observed  during the survey (Figure ll).   At the mouth and  jnid-
 reaches of the  estuary,  nitrogen-limiting conditions appeared ฃo
 be  the result of low inorganic-nitrogen  levels.   In th.e  marsh
 region,  inorganic  nitrogen level's were  high;  nitrate-nitrogen
 comprised  the   greatest  fraction  of  the  inorganic  nitrogen.
 Maximum   values of  both inorganic nitrogen and total   phosphorus
 were recorded   in  Foxmill Run,  which resulted  in  the  lowest
 recorded  TN:TP   ratios in the estuary.
                                                           /'
      The TN:TP  ratios both compare and contrast with the previous;
 year's   data.  By  contrast,  the estuary was  phosphorus-limited
 during   the  summer   months  of  1979.    However,  the  nitrogen
 conditions  present   in  Foxmill Run   were  consistent  and  even
 expected  based   on   the low ratios recorded  at  the   freshwater
 stream   site (STR3)  during the previous year.   Presumably,   such
 low  TN:TP values are attributable to  the  wastewater   discharge,
 since  sewage is typically phosphorus  rich.

 Temporal and  Diel Variations

      Similar  to  the  1979 Intensive   Survey,   dissolved  oxygen
 displayed  a distinct diel  periodicity.   Oxygen  concentrations
 were highest in mid-afternoon and lowest just prior to  sunrise.
 The  brackish  region of Beaverdam Swamp had' both  the  greatest
 oxygen   supersaturation  values  (136%) as well as  the  greatest
 range in values  recorded in the estuary '(48.6% - 136%) over a  24
 hour period.

      By  extending  the 1980 Intensive Survey upstream  into \ the
 tidal  portions   of  the marsh,  several interesting new  patterns
 emerged.  This  time, highest chlorophyll-a values recorded in the
 estuary were at FM2  (37.1 ug/1), more  than twice the value? found
 in the  estuary  during the 1979 Intensive Survey.

      At  the  mouth  of the estuary,  values averaged 10 ug/1  and
 exhibited  diurnal  variations that appeared  to  correlate  with
 sunlight  rather  than  tidal stage.   However,  in  the  narrower
 upstream  stretches  of the marsh,  diel patterns correlated  moire
 strongly  with  stage  of tide than  sunlight.  A  compa,ri$on  of
 chlorophyll-a levels at FM3 and FH2 tends support the notion that
 phytoplankton  populations  increased during  high  tide  (Figure

                                 32

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 mg/1
                           WARE PIVER 1980 INTENSIVE



                     AVERAGE  NITROGEN CONCENTRATIONS
                                   STR' J01
                                                            5S5  BS5  STR4

Figure 10.  Nitrogen species mean  concentrations, July  1QR0 Intensive Survey.





                                 33




                                     !

-------
                               WARE RIVER 1980 INTENSIVE
    9 -
    9 -
    3 -|
    1  -I
                    '

                    g
                    /<;.-/





                    1
                                   m
                                    '

                                   '
                                    '.'/
                                   &/.,
                                         .'•A

                                        n/.'
                                        m
H
i
i>
                /•'•
                m
               ง
               •^

    UK3
                                                                  5S5  BS9 i
                                          ' ICN
Figure.  11,  Average t;i:TP  ratios,  July 1980  Intcnoivo  Survey.

-------
12a),  since neither salinity nor chlorophyll-a levels fluctuated
at  FM3  (at  the head of tide region),  but did so  at  FM2.  In
Beaverdam    Swamp,     conversely,     elevated    chlorophyll-a
concentrations  occurred  during LWS,  implying . nonpoint  source
nutrient inputs from the marsh may be an important factor (Figure
12b) .

     Salinity concentrations were similar at STR3, STR4, and FM3,
or roughly 0.2 ppt.  Chlorophyll-a Values were consistently  low*
and  homogeneous there,  or less than 2 ug/1.   At FM2,  salinity
gradients greater than 0.!? ppt  occurred during HWS only.  During
these   periods,   significantly   higher   measurements   of   a
chlorophyll-a   were   observed.   Such  increases  , in   prijnary
productivity   tend to support the idea of a turbidity maximum at
the freshwater/saltwater  interface.
                                35

-------
     us/1
    36.0 -
    33.0 -
     0.0
WARE RIVER 1980 INTENSIVE
;
     CHIOROPHYU A
                                July 9
                             July 10-
                                      T I  M E
Figure 12a.  CHlorophyll-a concentrations  at  FM2 and FM3, July  1980
             Intensive Survey.
                               36

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     ug/1
     36.0 -
     12.0 -
     9.0 H
     6.0 -i
     3.0 -
     0.0 -
WARE RIVER  WBO INTENSIVE

     CHIOROPHYU A
         1200             '   1800               0000
                                         0600
                                  -ju}y 9	•••  -ซ	July 10-

                                       T I M E
Figure  12b.   Chlorophyll-a concentrations at BS6 and BS8, July 1980
              Intensive Survey*
                                  37

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       2.2.3   1981 INTENSIVE SURVEY — March 25-26, 1981

     One  of the most dramatic anhual  phenomena observed in  the
Ware  River  estuary was the chloro,phyll-a maximum that  occurred
each spring in 1979-1980. After collecting two complete data sets'
of diel fluctuations during consecutive summers (August 1979  and
July 1980 Intensives);  a spring intensive survey was planned for
1981.      '                  '"  '   "\ '   '

     The  purpose  of sampling in the spring was toN  capture  the
diel   nutrient  dynamics surrounding the chlorophyll-a  maximum.
The survey, conducted March 25-26, was designed to complement the
ongoing  Spring  Survey  of 1981  (see  Section  2;4).   Thirteen
stations  in  the  estuary,  7 freshwater stream  sites  and  the
Gloucester  sewage treatment plant were monitored round-the-clock
for 2 tidal cycles.   Two of the estuarine stations (Pig Hill and
Goshen) were sampled using automatic samplers.          /

     In  the  estuary,  grab samples were collected  ev,ery  three
hours;  the  automatic   samplers were set for  hourly' sampling.
Temperature,   pH,   alkalinity,   salinity,   dissolved  oxygen,
chlorophyll-a,  silicates,  suspended solids,  Srday carbonaceous
biochemical  oxygen demand and nutrient  samples were  colle9ted.

     Water temperatures during the survey ranged from 6.5 to }0.5
C.   Weather  conditions  were "seasonable"  during 'the  survey.
Ambient  temperatures  ranged from 29 to 53 F (-rl to 11  C) .   On
March  25th,  winds  were moderate and out of the north  (5  - 1.6
mph),  but  shifted to a southerly flow by the next day
mph).   No  precipitation  was recorded over the 24 hour
previous  rain had fallen on March 23 (0.39  in).

Longitudinal Differences
                                                         (5  - 21
                                                          period;
     Average salinities at the mouth |W1) were 23.3 ppt;  nine km
upstream, at Warehouse Landing (W5), values declined slightly, to
22.6 ppt (Figure 13a),  which was 5.5 ppt greater than during the
previous intensive, and  emphasizes the paucity of spring runoff.
As  in -che 1980 survey,  a strong longitudinal salinity  gradient
was present in the upper reaches of the estuary:  at LWS Salinity
varied  20  ppt  between WFM1 and FM2 reflecting  a  longitudinal
gradient  of  6.3 ppt per km.   Similarly,  in  Beaverdam  Swamp,
salinity changed 4 ppt per km between ^JBSl and  BS8.   Downstream
gradients  were indiscernable;  at. LWS there was 0 ppt change  in
the  first  4 kilometers.                                /
                                                     values
                                                             were
     Mean  dissolved  oxygen  (percent  saturation)
higher in the mouth of the estuary and irj the freshwater strpams,
and  lowest in the brackish reaches.   Supersaturated  conditions
                                38

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                           .35-
              AVWACC SALINITY CONCENTRATIONS
                                              WARE R:VฃR SP'lNC INTENSIVC SOPVEY


                                                     SILICA
                                                            1981
vo
     ppt
        7 7
        mnm
        '$MMU
      •5 H






            3  3
              3 r
                             ft

                             M


                             '
               mg/L
F  i
!•.  -t

  3

K  K
:  :
7  6
                                    1
                                   I
                                                  4  5
S  S
T  T
R  P
3
B  S
S  8
I
                                                    STU'ICN
     Figure 13a.   Average salinity concentations,
              1981 Intensive Survey.
                  Figure 13b.  Average dissolved silica concentrations,
                          1981 Intensive Survey.

-------
existed at.all stations downstream of Warehouse Landing.  Highest
values as well as the greatest range were present at  W1B,  where
maximum  chlorophyll-a values were also found.   The point-source
tributary (Fox Mill Run) contained lowest mean values, but due to
the cool temperatures, saturation did not fall below 70%.

     Silicates  showed a strong longitudinal gradient during  ;the
spring  survey.  A significant decrease in concentration  between
stations  WBS1  and  BS8,  and 'WFM1 and  FM2  was- found,  Which
paralleled , the  limit  of  freshwater  intrusion  (Figure  13b).
Levels at the STP were similar to 1980 survey  values (7.6 mg/1).
However average values in the main stem of the estuary were  less
than  0.5  fpg/iป  almost  2 mg/1 less than what was  present  .the
proceeding  summer,   which  would  be  expected  during  reduced
baseflbw conditions.
      i     '   \"   '       •                                    t'
     Aside front the STP, chlorophyll-a values were highest at-the
mouth  of  the  estuary (Figure  14).  In  general,  mean  values
decreased  with  rivermile,  tending to  confirm  the  subsurface
transport of phytoplankton as found in 1979.  Concentrations were
extremely low,  however; maximum values in the estuary (W1B) were
2.5 ug/1.

     As ekpected STR3 had the highest BOD values (5.7 mg/1).  One
kilometer downstream, levels dropped rapidly and the remainder of
the stations sampled were not significantly different,  averaging
less than 2.0 mg/1 (Figurซ; 15).                               1

     Suspended solids were highest in the brackish region of  the
marsh and were lowest in the surface waters at the mouth (W1T=1.8
mg/1).   Values  also decreased upstream of WBS1 and WFM1 (Figure
16).'

     Filterable  ortKophosphates were measurable   downstream  of
the point-source in Foxmill Run only (Figure 17).  Concentrations
returned to  baseline (as observed ufpstream of the STP at  STR10)
at WFM1 of 0.01 mg/1.  Concentrations were uniformly undetectable
in  the  main stem of the estuary.  The NFS freshwater  tributary
(STR4)  contained little orthophosphates whereas  orthophosphorus
predominated in the point-source tributary.
      I
     Tot-xl phosphorus was high at the sewage treatment plant (6.5
mg/1)  and  decreased with distance downstream (Figure  17). . At
station  VTFM1,  background  levels (as measured at  STR  10)  had
returned  to  p.03  mg/1.   Concentrations were  above  detection
limits  (0.01 mg/1) at all  stations,  however,  no  longitudinal
trend was observed,                                           ;.
                         i                                     * -
     Extremely  high  concentrations of total  Kjeldahl  nitrogen
were measured at the STP j[!R=30.3 mg/1).   Slightly less than half
of  the  total Kjeldahl nitrogen was in the dissolved form  (13.7
mg/1).   At all other stations, dissolved tccal Kjeldahl nitrogen
represented at least 75% f the measurable fraction (Figure  18).
Nitrite-nitrogen  was not^measurable in the estuary except at STP
and  FM2.   Nitrate-nitrogen was slightly more prevalent but  was

                                40                         '••'.'

-------
                 WARE: RIVER SPRING INTENSIVE SURVE-.  1931
                            CHLOROPHYLL A
                                  M   2   R   P   K   5   8
                                   M"
Figure  14.   Average Chlorophyll-a concentrations, 1981 Intensive
             Survey.
                            41

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rag/1
                  WARE RIVER SPRING INTENSIVE SURVEY  198'.


                 CARBONACEOUS BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND
  .
 3  T)
   }

   i
   H
 2  -
                                         p
                                         /
V
                                     y
                                         i
           Kh'KKKUKFS
                                                  5   K
                                                  T   B
Figure  15,   Ayerage carbonaceous biochemical oxygen  demand, 1981

   ^         Intensive  Survey.             '
                     i   '   '
                           42

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                 WARE RiYER SPRING INTENSIVE SURVEY  1981

                        10TAL hLTERABLE SOLIDS
mg/1
20 -
•
,8-
16 -
14 -
12 -
1C -
6 -

5 -
4 -





•




B
'3
X
/
งE
/ '
. o nfififyflr
r^i ^n t/ ^ X ^ ^ /
K K K h K K W M
1 1 3 3 k 4 5 F
T B T B C r
2 1










i ^
8
40j
F S
f1 T
2 R
3



^
^
/
^
/
X
^
/
/
<
S
T
F










n
s
T
R
1






r-
i
$
j
ii
/ f\ • ^
/> \S\ __. V;
K 5 'S S
B ฃ ..T 1
5 6 :R ?
V4 9
                               STfl^lON
/     ]
Figure  16.   Average  total filterable solids,  1981 Intensive
             Survey.                                          .;
                            43

-------
                            WARE RIVER SPRING 1981

                       AVERซGC PHOSPHORJS CONCENTRATIONS
mg/1
 C.6  -
 0.0  -1
 0.4  -1
 0.
     • i
     IZL
                              ortho-P
                              REPULSE'.'; 'C;AL
                                     .E 3ฃE\- DIV.DLD er ^
Figure 17.   phn<,nhr,rilR
             Survey.
                               mpan roncentrfltlons,  1981 Intensive
                                44

-------
 mg/1
   i .<
  r  3
                           WARE RIVER SPRING INTNSiVE 1981

                      AVERAGE FITERABLE NITROGEN CONCENTRATIONS
                  l
                                          -NO 3
                                                          NCC
Figure  18.   Nitrogen  specie.1? mean  concentrations, 1981  Intensive
             Survey.

-------
measurable only upstream of station W5.  Ammonia-nitrogen  values
similarly  exhibited a longitudinal gradient.   Values were below
detection limit downstream of W5; values were high at the STP (12
mg/1)  and  returned to baseline  by  WFMl.

     Interestingly enough,  WBS1 contained higher mean values for
inorganic nitrogen than WFM1,  the point source tributary.   Most
of  the  contribution  was  in  the  ammonia-nitrogen  form,  and
indicates  the  importance of noripoint source contributions  from
the marsh in this region.

     Nitrogen limiting conditions were present at the STP and  in
Fox   Mill  Run.    All  othej:  stations,   including  freshwater
tributaries,  had  high  ratio  values  (Figure  19a)  indicating
phosphorus limiting conditions.  The same pattern was observed in
1979,  which would be expected since Chesapeake Bay is  generally
considered  to  be a phosphorus limited estuary,  and  sewage  is
typically, phosphorus rich.            \
                                                            i
     Values   .for  dissolved  inorganip  hitrogemorthophosphprus
were  calcuable in Fox Mill Run and WBS1 only (Figure  19b) .   y\t
the  other  stations,  orthophosphorus  was too  low  to  use  in
calculations.
                                             I       i      /
     There  was no longitudinal gradient for total organic carbort
concentrations  in the estuary (Figure 20).  'Stations ' were  not
significantly  different  from each other and averaged 4.0  mg/1.
Values  at  the sewage treatment plant were  high  (128.7  mg/lj<

Temporal and Diel Variations
     Similar  to the two proceeding intensive surveys^  dissolved
oxygen  showed  a distinct aiel periodicity.   Times  fof  iriaximum
oxygen  concentrations  occurred  in  th'e  late  afteirnopn  (1830
hours);  lowest  values  occurred  just'prior  to  suhris'e  (0430
hours).

     Silicates  exhibited  a  tidaliy  related  pattern  in   the
brackish area:   high values were associated With LWS.   Temporal
variations  in  several other nutrient concentrations  were  also
most  evident in the brackish region.   Maximum values fpr  total
Kjeldahl  nitrogen,  ammonia-nitrogeni  total organic carbon  and
total  phosphorus occurred at times of low water  slack;  minimum
values  were present at high water slack;   Station WIT  was  , the
only  exception:  higher  total  Kjeldahl  nitrogen  values  were
present at HWS.                                 '

     Chlorophyll-a  and  biochemical  oxygen  demand  showed   /io
temporal or diel variation in the estuary.  This was probably .due
to  the  fact that overall values were quite low at; this/time  of
year.                                  '                  '
                                         !        \              |
     Suspended .solids  were  similarly  low  during  the  spring
intensive,  especially downstream.  Stations in the brackish ar^a
(WBS1,  W5,  Pig Hill and Goshen),  however\ demonstrated a tidal

                                46

-------
                WARE RIVER SPRING INTENSIVE SURVEY 1981

                       TN : TP (ATOMIC WEIGHT)
 so
 -id -
•30
      /
X

X
X
>
      "a
    X
    x
    >
    /
    /
    w
    1
      ll
X
X
         li  ^i
                  /.
m
w
w
                 3
                 B
                   :   F   r
                      f.   2
                      1


                   STRT!OH
                   S   S   K
                   T   T   B
                   F   R   ฃ
                      1   1
                      C
B
S
a
s   s
T   T
R   R
4   9
                 H.r'GMT RE?=?E:SE:\TS :^HCUR AVERAGE VALUE
Figure 19ai,  Average TN:TP ratios,  1981 Intensive Survey.
                        47

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                 WARE RIVER SPRING INTENSIVE SURVEY 1981



                     DIN : P04    (ATOMIC WEIGHT)
9 -
8 -
n _
6 -


5 -
4 r.
•
'
3 -
.** -
1 -j
-
3







•



M

K V. k K K K W U
( 3 3 W 4 S F
T B T 6 C *
ฃ i

^
^
^
^^
^
^
!
2
F
M
2
















ฃ
/
^
^
/
|
^
^
S
T
R
3















/
/
f
f
'
S
\
f
S
T
F








'
A
S H S S &
T B S 1 T
R S 8 R R
11 49
0
                               ETfi'iO..
Figure  19b.   Average D1N:PO, ratios, 1981  Intensive Survey.




                              48

-------
            WARฃ SlVtP SPRING INTCNSiVC SURVEY  198* .

                  TOTAL QRGANIC CARBON MC/L
          3AR -:L:-:-"
Figure 20.   Average  TOG concentrations, 1981  Intensive Survey.
                                49

-------
relationship:  highest  concentrations occured  during  LWS,   low
values were present at HWS.        .
                                50

-------
          2,3   TREND ANALYSES: April 1979 - July 1981

     In  order  to determine the natural variations in  nutrients
and  related  elements in a system that is  not  overenriched,  a"
water  quality sampling program was initiated on the  Ware  River.
estuary in April 1979.  Semi-monthly highwater slack surveys were'
conducted during the first year;  monthly slack surveys with more
upstream  (tidal  marsh) stations were implemented in the  second
year*  (See Appendix A for a list of sampling dates and times and;
other  information,)  Seasonal  means,   standard  deviation  and
variance were calculated for each station.   Seasons were defined.
          *                                   • •  i            •
as:                                                              :•

     Season              Month                     Water Temp.   '•;.'

     Spring        April, May, June                 10 - 20 C    "
     Summer        July, August, September          20 - 30 C
     Fall          October, November, December      25 - 10 C
     Winter        January, February, March         < 10 C


     Results  (Were plotted against time to  concatenate  seasonal
trends.  Salient  findings  from  the  seasonal  slackwater  data
follows.  Note: no appreciable longitudinal temperature variation
was found between stations in the main stem of the estuary during
the 27 month  study;

Chlorophyll-ra                                                    ':

     Chlorophyll-a  exhibited a distinct spring peak in 1979  and
1980 in the main stem of the estuary (Figure 21), coincident with
rapid temperature rises' in the estuary (Figure 22).  Chlorophyll-;
a values of 25-35 ug/1 were observed which is several times the
annual  average of 9.5 ug/1.   Greatest concentrations at  this
time  were  found irt the bottom waters at the mouth and this  may
reflect  an annual long-range subsurface transport phenomenon  of
plankton  as observed in Chesapeake Bay for Prorocentrum  mariae-,
leboriae   (Tyler  and  Seliger,   1978).   Theapparent  spring
subsurface.chlorophyll maxima in the Ware River was followed by a
surface  bloom;  chlorophyll}-a  values  at  the  mouth  decreased
thereafter  with  depth until fall.  In addition  to  the  spring;
blooms, a secondary summer pulse (12-15 ug/1) was observed in the1
brackish waters,  illustrating the patchy and ephemeral nature of
plankton populations.                                            -..
\             '                i                                   _ ':
\    Phytoplankton  enumerations  into  major  groups  were  made
seasonally  at several statio'ns throughout the estuary to augment
chlorophyll-a  data.   Cell  'counts  showed  diatoms  to  be  the
dominant organism in the downstream stations throughout the year...


                                51

-------
                               CHLOROPHYLL CONCENTRATION
                                                         (UG/L)
ro
                    4
                    i


                    1
                    1


                    j
                       *   r
                       A  7!
                       / i  /"!
                 ;o.r. -J
  /1 /     i
i  '  I :  1    • i
                                  V,
u  -V     /
i   M
                                  S  t
                                                                                 F  M  A M.  J  J
                                                                                     -1981
                    Figure^21_.  Time-series-plot of chloroehylT-a coneentrations, Stations WLT, WBS1", STR4.

-------
                                       : -- CELSIUS
     4
     j
     j

'ฐ-1
     j
               1.2
               f ;
                V?
               '
              ?
         f,U
                   *>  i^
                        k
                                       R
                                        •fi:<
                                       f'
                                        :
                                             ,
                                                  ,
                                                    >
                                                    t
                                                                        t-l
      A  M J  J A  S    N    J.  F  M  A M    J  A S    N. D  J
                1979,
                                          1980
                                                                M AM J  J
                                                                   1981
               ..I'M ,:;                  	WlB      :•-.-•--:-:  WBS1
Figure 22.  Time series plot of  temperature, Stations WlB  and WRS1,
                                    53

-------
The classical spring chlorophyll-a peak in 1980 contained  mostly
diatoms,  primarily Rhizosoleriia and Nitzchia.  Diatoms continued
to dominate throughout the year,  however cell counts were I6w in
summer.   The downstream spring peak was followed by an  upstream
period  of  dinoflagellate dominance.   Times  of  dinoflagellate
blooms  were  associated with high chlorophyll-a values  and  low
nitrite-nitrate  nitrogen concentrations,  since nitrite-nitrogen
usually  is  an important source of nitrogen and  is  assimilated
rapidly by the bloom organisms.   This pattern has been  observed
previously in the Rhode River (Seliger, 1972).  Green flagellates
increased  in number during the summer months and by fall diatoms
were  present in the brackish region.   In the middle reaches  of
the  estuary,  phytoplankton populations appeared to  reflect:  an
intermediate assemblage; diatoms predominated throughout the year
except  during  the  summer,  wh^n green  flagellates  were  most
numerousi
           i                                       .
Biochemical Oxygen Demand                                    -

     Nitrogen-inhibited  carbonaceous biochemical  oxygen  demand
measures  the  amount  of  oxygen required  by  microrganisms  to
decompose aerbbically the carbonaceous fraction of organic matter
present in a water sample.   Total biochemical oxygen demand is a
measure of the oxygen needed to decompose carbonaceous as well as
nitrogenous fractions of organic matter.   As expected, total. BOD
exerted ajslightly higher demand than carbonaceous BOD,  although
the two were highly correlated (r=.9C, n=676).               !

     Both parameters showed much the same pattern as chlorophyll-
a throughout the Study period and,  in fact,  correlated slightly
(r=.72,  n=624 for BODS;  r=.69,  n=888 for BOD5I). Highest BOD
values  occurred in t-.he freshwater streams and tidal  tributaries
(STR6,  STR3,  FM2) .   Highest  estuarine oxygen demandi was found
during the spring in the bottom waters near the mouth (W1B), Peaks
were observe'-! throughout the estuary in the summer and  fall>  as
well  (Figure 23). '  Measurements ajpove 5 mg/1 are considered  by
some  to be indicative of slightly polluted waters  (Ott,  1978);
this  occurred  37  times in the Ware River out of  931  stations
sampled.  Values never rose above 8.0 mg/1.

Nutrients

     Nutrient concentrations are generally low in the Ware  Rivr
estuary especially when compared to the freshwater tributaries or
to larger,  more urbanized systems.  At no season or station were
anoxic conditions encountered in the estuary.  However, there was
a distinct longitudinal gradient piresent in the estuary:  percent
saturation  of  dissolved oxygen was significantly higher at  the
mouth thar. in the upstream reached.  The study average showed 90%
oxygen saturation present at W1B;  WBS1 had only 70%.  Lowest, and
highest  values were four>d during the summer months (Figure  24),
due  to large diurnal fluctuations caused by  photosynthesis  and
respiration.             !                                    •'.


                                 54                           •'

-------
        BiOLOGiCAL OXYGEN  DEMAND
                                             —   NITROGEN  INHIBITED  (MG/L)
Ul
en
                a
                        i \
                        : i
                        I \
                    K   : I-
          :.05 J

         C SC-
             i.
             <
                                            /'A
                                                  \\
                    \y

                    V

                                                                     V
-A- M  J  J A  S  0-  N D  J  F  M A ~M  J  J

            1979                         1980
                                                            S  0  N  D-  J  T M  :A-  M  J  J

                                                                               1981
                                    LfSf'I::-. MS' I'J'I
            Figure 23.  Time-series plot of carbonaceouss-biochemical .oxygen-demand,  Stations Wit and WBSI,

-------
                DISSOLVED OXYGEN
—  PeRCE-NT-SATURATION
U1
Ol
i (
4
i !!
' * / !
1 A * M
•• * ! I
i ' i /\ / ,
H l- Ml /
3 ( i //\\ 1 J;
i * i ?/ * rป.
- '. ; (.• -. ; ••(
i i , \ f •. *?.
i 1-Ui '• i;
3 •' : ' 'Jj I • ;
5 ;| •*-•• ! i | !
i li . •• 1 I .
J * < : i ; l
"3 '• '
1 M ' I i
\ II!
1 : :'
— 1 i
! P
] U
4 • 1
t l •
J !•'
< 't
: ii
.* :•
I. •. / • j
/ \. ? .:•.''•
M A , ^ • /' _--' /. \
> "1 ^^r \i i \ / \ / ? /••,
' f 	 Ml / \ / \ • •' ^ •' s
: ' • I M ' > ; • / V
' ' / Hป M / v- / / ^
!./Ai/ M >.|\/rv' -^
V/ V i.W l//.v\ ".'
/ ^ ii^ii- / v/
/ i : i i i_j \;
r •• '' ;. • x
/ i! i
;'V' ! /
1 -* ?> l /
'*; i /
;; j ;
••li
i *
! '
" ' •
$ if
                  AMJJASONDJ. FM  AM   JJASONDJFMAM   JJ
                             1979                        1980                       1981
                                         LfCfNC:      W1B ~	


             Figure 24.  Time-series plot of dissolved oxygerr percent saturation at W1B and WBS-1-.

-------
     Tota'l  phosphorus  (TP) and dissolved  orthophosphorus  (OP)
showed  maximum  values during the summer months and declined  in
the winter ,   Highest concentrations were found in Fox Mill Run.
In  the  marsh  region,  total phosphorus values  were  generally
indicative  of normal enrichment levels,  however during the  low
flow  months  (July  and August)  of  the  study,  concentrations
averaged  >0.13 mg/1,  which has been considered a high level  of
enrichment   (Neilson,   1980;   Ketchum,   1969)  (Figure   25).
Downstream  station averages were highest in the summer"  as  well
(.02   "t^i im9/l)f   with  bottom  waters  containing   greater
concentration?  than  surface  waters.   Downstream  values,  were
moderate throughout the rest of the year.

     Sili'catos  were  measured biweekly beginning  in  September,
197!j), ! therefore  only  23  months of  data  will  be  presented.
Highest  concentrations were found in the freshwater streams  and
values generally decreased with distance toward the Bay.   Silica
is .considered to be a semi-conservative nutrient and there was a
weak,  negative  correlation  with salinity  (r=  -0.64?  ri=744).
Distinct'  seasonal  patterns  were  observed:   peak  values  for
silicates  in  estuary were recorded in the  summer  months;   low
concentrations  were seen in the winter until early  spring  (see
Figure  26).  Freshwater streams and tidal tributaries registered
highest   values   in  the  summer  and   fall   months}   -lowest
concentrations were present in the winter and spring.   Increased
concentrations  from baseflow or runoff must account for elevated
summer  levels.   Freshwater  dilution,  and  diatom  uptake  may
explain1 the lower concentrations present in the  estuary  during
the winter and spring.

     Organic  nitrogen values consistently comprised the  largest
fraction  of  the  total measurable nitrogen in the  Ware  River.*
Highest  values for organic nitrogen and ammonia-nitrogen  (thus,
t)ie  highest  total  Kjedahl  nitrogen values)  occurred  in  the
summer; at that time amounts of organic nitrogen greater than 1.1
mg/1  were recorded at several places in the estuary during  each
slackwater  survey.   Higher  concentrations of organic  nitrogen
were  present in the estuary than in the freshwater  streams  and
largest  overall concentrations were found at BS6 in the brackish
area proximal to the turbidity maximum.

     fhe seasonal pattern for nitrite+nitrate nitrogen levels  in
the Ware River estuary showed highest values to occur in November
through   April,   or  during  cold  temperature  and  high  flow
conditions,  and decline during the sunmer months (Figue  27a-b).
The   seasonal  fluctuation  was  most  likely  attributable   to
increased nitrate following the fall crop harvest,  enriching the
ground  water recharged by the fall rains,  since baseflow at the
land sites was! elevated at this time.  Also more nitrate-nitrogen
is remoyed from the water by growing algae in summer than winter.
In the tidal and freshwater tributaries,  (Figure 27c-d) elevated
concentrations occurred j during the summer months. Nitrite+nitrate
nitrogen  concentrations  in the tributaries  were  generally  an
order  of  magnitude  greater than in the estuarine  waters . year
round.   Concentrations  decreased toward the  Bay,  however  the

                                57

-------
  mg/1
                                                              I I
                                                              t •
                                                             i  I
                                                             I  I
                                                             I  !
                                                             ,  •
                                                             i  <
                                                             I  "
                                  •-.I
                                  .•. >
                      .-frff-- A.  jr..:.->> A51*1 y, ป.
                                      r
     AMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFM-AMJJ
              1
        1980
1981
                       NOTE:   22JUL81 values have  been
                                   divided by 10.
.  •:•  <-WlB
                                                        A- i---.-:STR3
Figure.  25.  Time-series )plot  of total  phosphorus,  Stations
             W|B, WBS1, and STR3.
                                    58

-------
           CONCENTRATION Oh  DISSOLVED SILICA        (MG/L)
                                                            /    \'
                            *--=  /\/.     ;          •    \    I    -\     f
                 \              \ / v.      /          \   i   ;   •  \     /    /
                  k               •  '   '   i           \   v  /      i     '    '
                  \              \;       •                N      •    /    /
                  \              \.'   .-    /            \            \   /    /

                   \A           "      /                         \/    /
                    •>• \                  •             i              < *

                    • \  /•              ;             ',             v    /

                      v  \    A  ,••'              k
   AMJJA  SONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJ

             1979                        1980                        1981
                              OTRijOH   ป.-ป-.. ii'jil    ^.-ป W'.b




Figure 26.  Time-series plot of dissolved silica  at WBS1 and W1B.

-------
              0.50 -j
                            NITROGEN          CONCENTRATIONS            (MG/L)

                                      Station WIT
                              .
                                                                 K    / \
                                                                 i \   /  \
                                                                 i  \  /   \
                                                                 i  v    \
                                                                 ;         \
                   1       f   !   \                     '• \          :         \
                   ]      • v  •                         I          /          \
                   ]      .'  \  '•   \   \                 < :          /


                                 1 :\               I '   :;,    .'            \
       ••—5—<• Ammonia-Nitrogen
                   A  M  J  J -A  SO   N  D   J-  F  M   A  M  J  J  A  S  0  N  D .J; F M  A  H  J  J
                               1979            '              1980                         1981
                    Figure 27a.   Time-series plot of--nitrogen specie concentrations, Station WIT.

-------
              NITROGEN         CONCENTRATIONS

                           Station WBS1
                                                               (MG/L)
-.
     i
.-K J i
    i I
    1 \
    j I
0


2.7U


O.SC
   1  I/'
                                    A.  *  '
                                         I'
                                                              y * - * •> Organic Nitrogen
                                                                ?>-3--D Nitrite + Nitrate N
                                                                ซ—s—o Ammonia-Nitrogen
    AM  JJASONDJFMA  MJJASONDJFMAM   JJ
               1979                          1980                         1981
   Figure 27b.  .Time-series plot of nitrogen specie concentrations, Station WBS1,

-------
ro
                 '"]
                 .00 -I
                    1
                ,,, j
                              NITROGEN         CONCENTRATIONS

                                       S tatron-STR4—
            (MG/L)
i!
                                                                       I
                                                                       (  i ^_.^-* Orgartic Nitrogen-
                                                                       I  I t-3-?>-c Nltrl-t^-^-- Nitrate Nitrogen
                                                                       j  I -7—.—o Ammonia-Nitrogen
o
f.
0

0
3
0


C


c
0
•" -
.70 J
.50 -

.'>0 -
.40 -
.30 -


.20


.10 -
.00 -


A
i \ J

1 x ' \ \ r~~ UI\
l| \^'< ,'^ e. • ^wf v
{ ' \ ' * r~\/'\ j %..a

i i ' * ' i e t-"-ii-ซ-r''"^>4 ^
* ?* ' S ' Ss V rt- -B^l

' ' ^ '\r% ^ '' '" "' fe''1



                        M  JJ   ASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJ
                                 1979                        1980                         1981
                  Figure*27c.  Time-series plot of nitrogen specie concentrations at Station STR4^

-------
                         NITROGEN
                          CONCENTRATIONS
(MG/L)
                                    Station STR11
oป
co
           G -70
           C .DC
 — *.._ป  Organic Nitrogen

 rS^:-?'  Nitrite + Nitrate Nitrogen

 .-._ .-.. .1  Ammonia-Nitrogen
M     . A   S  O N  D  J  7  M  A  M
                                                                    X)  N  D  J  F  M  A  M-  J
                  Figure 2-7d.  Time-series plot of-nitrogen specie concentrations,

-------
correlation  with salinity was poor which indicates the advective
dispersion is only one of the factors controlling nitrite-nitrate
nitrogen levels.

     Monitoring for nitrite-nitrogen  began in April 1980; thus a
16  month  record is available.   Concentrations  were  generally
below c-atection limit in the estuary throughout the year.  Of 527
samples  collected,  57  were above the detection limit  of  0,01
mg/1.   Highest  values were present in the tidal and  freshwater
streams.
                i.i
     Both  dissolved and total ammonia-nitrogen were  highest  in
the brackish regions of the estuary,  especially in Fox Mill Run.
Concentrations  peaked  during  low flow,  and  warm  temperature
months (Figure 27a-d}.;       |

     Total  nitrogen  to total phosphorus  ratios  indicated  the
estiiajry  to be generally phosphorus-limiting throughout the year.
There  were exceptions,  however.   Nitrogen-limiting  conditions
would  occur  occasionally  during  the  summer  months  in   the
downstream,  Bay-dominated waters; the freshwater streams and the
more  Brackish  regions  of tihe estuary  had  similar  exceptions
during the spring.   Most notably,  FM2 was the only station that
was always nitrogen- limited 'year round;  Similar conditions were
present upstream at STR3, although during the first year of study
(prior  to  records at FM2); i which was also a "wet"  year,  STR3
became phosphorus-limited on two occasions
           i
Suspended Solids
   ';     '
   ',  Suspended  solids  data showed no  overall  seasonal  trend.
Peak  vaJ aes  appeared  to be more closely associated  with  rain
events or increased base flow conditions as/measured at the  USGS
gaging  station  on  Beaverdam  Swamp,  than  with  the  seasons.
Elevated  concentrations  at  \such times may be  due  to  greater
nutrient  inputs  from  increased particulate  matter,  a  factor
favoring phytoplankton bloom conditions.
    1   ,                      \
     Greatest concentrations of suspended solids were present  in
the  tidal  marsh waters on anlannual basis,  and decreased  with
distance  downstream.  Lowest  annual values we::e  found  in  the
surface'waters near the mouth (WIT, W2T, W3T).
     '\                         \
     Suspended  solids were generally twice as high in the  marsh
region as in the freshwater stream sites:  this probably reflects
greater  chlorophyll-a  levels present in the marshvthan  in  the
stream stations (See Figures 21 and 28).         '

     Because of the low concentrations present in the top waters,
it  appears that the Ware River subestuary may act as a  sediment
trap  and thus ^Ls not exporting suspended solids into  Chesapeake
Bay.            •'                  '          '     '


                                64

-------
                              TOTAL  FILTERABLE  SOLIDS
CTl
tn
                                                        (MG/L)
ONDJF  MAMJJ

A  M    J
                              A  S  0 N  DJ  FM A  M  J  J

                              1979                         1980
                                                WIT
                    Figure 28.  Time-series plot of total filterable solids at WIT, -WBSL,: and STR4.

-------
                      2.4  SPRING  SURVEY  1981

        During   the   spring   seasons  of  1979   and   i960,   distinct
 increases  in chlorophyll-a  concentrations  were  noted  in  the  Ware
 River   estuary.   Chlorophyll-a levels of 25-35  ug/1 were observed
 which   is   several  times  the annual  average   of  9.5   ug/1*    The
 blooms   were    concomitant  with   sharp   increases   in  water
•temperature.

     A   spring  sampling survey was designed  in  early  1981 to   see
 if  a   chlorophyll-a  maximum would once  again  occur.    Frequent
 sampling   was   planned so as not to  randomly "hit or   miss"  such
 ephemeral   phenomena;  sampling   was (to   commence before  water
 temperatures warmed  to 10 C since most  biological activity o'ccurs
 thereafter.

     On March   6,  water  temperatures were recorded at 6.5  C
 (Figure 29).  Two stations  in the upper estuary were1  selected  and
 outfitted   for  continuous monitoring using automatic  samplers  4t
 that  time.   Composite   samples (200-mi aliquots of  water  drawn
 every   30-45  minutes)  were collected  three  times   weekly   and
 analyzed    for   a  suite  of nutrient  parameters (temperature,
 salinity,   dissolved  oxygen, suspended   solids, chior'ophyll-a,
 pheophytin,  silica,  orthophosphate filtered,  total phosphorus,
 dissolved  and total  Kjeldahl nftrogen,  filtered ammonia  nitrogen,
 filtered    nitrate-nitrogen  and   filtered   nitrite-nitrogen).
 Phytoplankton   enumerations  and identifications   were  conducted
 simultaneously.   This sampling  schedule continued for 3  months,
 lasting unitl June  5, 1981.

 physical Processes

     The   mean   salinity  of station Goshen  (rivermile  5.Q)   was
 20.9% during  the period  and station  Pig Hill (rivermile  6.3').   was
 14.6%    (see  Figure  30).    Temperature   was  not significantly
 different  between the two stations  and  rose  20  degrees C in the  3
 month.period, from  6.5 C  to 26 C.                .           •   .

    Biochemical Processes

     Dissolved    oxygen   (expressed  as percent   saturation   of
 dissolved   oxygen)   was  significantly higher at Goshen  ,ihan   Pig
 Hill and became supersaturated on occasion,   particularly at'   the
 time when  chlorophyll-a  levels were  at  a'maximum  (Figure 31,   May
 15-25). Supersaturated   oxygen  conditions were riot rioted'.at   Pig
 Hill,   although  both stations followed a1  similar patter^ during
 the period.                              I
                                 66

-------
X.
i
p
71
                               n • •  r
                          i if •   r 1 i"; ' ;
                                                              *r-.
                                              -  --. •/.  !,';',(: EN    +  -*~ +  F'G  HILL


     FJguri: 29.  Time-series temperature plot during  1981 Spring Survey.



                                         67

-------
                                      SALINITY
00
L. f- """
21-'
•
.
"5 O
i- ' J ~
'

i'J-'
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               I.FV.! '•::;•   '•.TF-v!Otl      ./.-.v  *  '.;Or.,HEN    -(•--ป--ป-  Fit HILL.




Figure 30.  Tlme-sories  plot qf salinity  concentrations during  1981  Spring Survey.
                                      68

-------
  1---.CH
   130-
   •, 10-
r

F

r

L
N
T
    JO-'
                         pISSOLVrD OXYGHN (Pf.RCrNT SATURATION)
                          V
                                   i\
                                    i
                                        i
           I1

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                                     • 'I'.
                                     • I:
                    i.rcIN';                 i :.- A- r;rjrjHEN    + *-*•  P'r..: HILL
         Figure 31.  Time-series  plot of dissolved oxygon percent saturation duping 1981
                    Spring  Survey.
                                        69

-------
     As  might  be expected,  Pig Hill had  significantly  higher
nutrient   concentrations  than  Goshen  for  total   phosphorus,
Kjeldahl   nitrogen (both total and dissolved  forms),  silicates
and  suspended solids.   Combined with the knowledge that  oxygen
levels  were greater at Goshen than Pig Hill this tends to  imply
that  the  marsh region of the estuary was acting as a source  of
nutrients and that overall nutrient concentrations declined  with
distance  downstream.  Once again dilution of nutrient-rich marsh
waters  by  tidally driven Bay waters  in  determining  estuarine
water quality wad evidenced.
            I     '       ,'  •'
     Total  nitrogen  levels  were roughly the same  at  the  two
stations  (Figure  32a. and b) and slightly increased  during  the
study  period.   Particulate  and  organic-nitrogen  predominated
throughout the period.  There was not a significant difference in
dissolved   inorganic  and  organic  nitrogen  between  stations,
however  significantly greater amounts of  ammonia-nitrogen  were
present  at Pig Hill than Goshen.   Nitrate-nitrogen was  present
until mid- April and declined thereafter.  Overall total nitrogen
seemed to increase during the period at both stations.
                      i|
     There  was  a  significant  diference  in  total  phosphorus
between  the 2 sites.   Very little orthophosphorus was  detected
during ' the study,  (Figure 33a and b) therefore the majority  of
measurable  total  phosphorus was in the organic and  particulate
traction;  Similar to nitrogen, concentrations tended to slightly
increase with time.      |

TN-.TP ratios
       l

     Orthophosphates  were   generally below detection  limit  at
both stations throughout the study period therefore atomic ratios
for  dissolved,  inorganic.nitrogen:dissolved inorganic  phosphate
were  not calcuable.  TN:TP ratios could be calculated,  and both
stations  had high ratio values (over 16) which tends to indicate
that the system was phosphorus limiting.   Overall,  TN:TP ratios
were lower   at Pig Hill( than Goshen,  (Figure 34) and values  at
both stations appeared to slightly increase with time.
\      x                  \
     Chlorophyll-a values were very similar at the two sites  and
rose  gradually from a low of less than 2 ug/1 during the period.
Cpncentratibns peaked on 22 May 1981 (Figure 35) and returned  to
a\ more typical value of 10(ug/1 thereafter.  Although values are
subject to much temporal and spatial variation,  the 1981  spring
chlorophyll-a  values  appeared to differ from the  two  previous
year's valuer: il both quantity, quality and time of year:

Spring  1979:  High  values were only present at  the  downstream
     stations  (>  35  ug/1  in  April).  Elevated  concentrations
     durated through the next 2 slackwater surveys.  No bloom was
     measured in the brackish area until June (27 ug/1).
           v                            \
Spring 1980:  Bloom conditions were present all over the  estuary
     by March 19tln (> 30 ug/1),  Similar to the previous spring,
     elevated  concentrations were found at successive samplings.


                                70

-------
                     NITROGEN sprcirs
                            ONs GOSHEN
  mg/1

     S -
                    NH3F
NO:
Flf-uro 32a,   Time-series hiKtogram of nitrogen specie concentrations
             at  Goshen during 1981 Spring Survey.
                     71

-------
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 Figure  32b.  Time-series  histogram of nitrogen specie concentrations
             at PiR Hill  during 1981 Spring  Survey.
                              72

-------
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APRIL MAY JUNE
              PRTHOPHOS.
33a.   Time-series histpgrar. of phosphorus specie  concentration
     at (.osnen, 1981  Spring  Survey.

                 73

-------
                 PHOSPHORUS SPF.CirS
                    SIP1 !ON = n& HILL
me/1
  C.I
  0 :j -\
          M


                       F"
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 15      1      15
MARCH    APRIL
                                 ]f
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                                  41

                               MAY
                                 .
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               ^:^1  ORTHOPHOS       LTl^-J :'r-^  '

   Figure 33b.  Time-series histogram of  phosphorus specie
               concentrations at Pig Hill, 1981  Spring Survey

                              74

-------
          NITROGEN  : PHOSPHORUS ATOMIC RATIOS
  55
  50
  40
   35
   3D
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 15      1      15     1     15
         APRIL        MAY
                                            JUNE
                       A -f.-.-T GOGH
Figure 34.   Time-series plot of TN:TP  ratios during 1981 Spring Survey.

                          75

-------
ug/1
                    CHLOROPHYLL A
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         15       1      15       1      15       1
      MARCH     APRIL           MAY         JUNE
. i  . . l
         r i p r • t . ป i
          j • H ' , .; 1 1
.v A -,'  COWMEN
P!G  HILL  '.•
 Figure 35.  Time-series  plot  of chlorophyll-a concentrations
             during 1981  Spring Survey.
                       76

-------
                                                    L-.  ..
                                                    i

     peak values appeared to durate longest in the brackish area/
     especially at FM2 and BS8.

Spring 1981:  Chlorophyll--a values remained low, and did not rise
     above  10.0  ug/1 in the estuary until May  26th.   At  that
     time,  highest values were at W5 (15.0  ug/1).   Thereafter,
     values were greatest in FM2 and BS9.

Phytoplankton Quality

     Green  flagellates  (ChloreJla) were the  dominate  organism
when  the chlorophyll-a maximum occurred in the spring  6f  1991.
in previous springs,  diatoms had been the dominant organism, .It
should  be  noted  that diatoms were  persistant  throughout  the
period  in  1981 and were next in brder of frequency fpllow'ed  by
cryptomonads  (Figure 36a-b).   Dissolved silica was  not  highly
correlated  with  either diatom cell counts or  salinity  (Figure
37).  Silicate  concentrations  at 'Cosheri were elevated prior  to
peak  diatom counts and remained somewhat low  thereafter,  which
suggests uptake by plankton.        \

Rainfall:

     Rain  and  freshwater flow as measured;at  the  USGS  gaging
station  on Beaverdam Swamp were below average during tlie  spring
survey  (Figure 39).  Rainfall of one-half inch or more tende'd to
produce   increased  suspended  solids  (but  decreased  nutrient-
levels) in the study area.  The response was most dramatic at Pig
Hill  (Figure 38).   Similarly,  drops in salinity following  0.5
inch rains could be seen best at Pig Hill.

     The  1981  Spring  Survey compared with the  overall  spring
trend  data  of  1979 and  1980  as  follows:  temperatures  were
slightly  lower,  salinity  and  percent  dissolved  oxygen  were
somewhat higher than the preceeding 2 springs.

     Chlorophyll-a,   silica,   suspended   solids,   and   total
phosphorus  concentrations were somewhat lower in  1981,  whereas
total   Kjeldahl  nitrogen   (both  total  and  dissolved  forms),
ammonia-nitrogen   and  nitrite+nitrate  nitrogen  were  slightly
higher.    interestingly   enough,   the  spring  1981   standard
deviations  were similar if not slightly higher than the  1979-80
spring  periods  even though automatic samplers,  which  tend  to
eliminate  variability  in collection techniques,  were  used  to
collect the data.  Higher variation may have resulted from l) the
lowering of detection limits during the second year of study  and
2)   the  fact  that  the  automatic  samplers  composited  water
throughout the tidal cycle,  as opposed to sampling at  highwater
slack  only.
                                77

-------
               PHYTOPLANKTON CULL COUNTS
                      STRTION-GOGHEN
cells/ml
   • n (•• pp
  •i J •_> \j \j —
  o n p r • p _
  3 ซJ ซJ •-' sJ
             "
 15
MARCH

i      is
APRIL

                                M
                                N
                                P>
                                         M lili

                                         15
                                     ..1
                                   MAY
JUNE
                DIATOMS'
                                                   CRYPTC'
                              CI.-JEL.TJ
   Figure  36a.  Phytoplankton cell counts at Coshen  during  1981
               Spring Survey.

       U'i.i;. Fi.ACf.'ii. •:•:,?  oo,r^';'j WLR*; DIVIDED BY  100
                          78

-------
               PHYTOPLANKTON CF.LL COUNTS
                     STnTION:FIG  HILL
cells/ml

  6GCUO  -
  40GGG -
  30CCO -
          H
APRIL
                                 1      15
                                   MAY
                            i
                           JUNE
                        Dnri
               DIATOMS
                                      CRYPTO
                                         Nf'LG
     Figure  '"fib.  Phytopl.-mkton cell counts at Pig Hill during
                 19fll Spring Survey.


       i,:'Lf!J :'l.A(-;;!.ATE r'Oc'JTS \VERF DIV.DED f^ 100

                     ON ro :;.AY :93i
                            79

-------
                                  DISSOLVrD SILICA
: .71-:-
     1

   •'""-?' 1
     q
    ••]

               a •
    '"I	
                 i  v  :• fir   r y p. V 1 MM
                 U I -^ I J . *   ป/ • I  i ., I J
                                           fjf--'
-*--•+—?- PIC/HILL
  Figure 37.   Time-series plot of dissolved  silica concentrations during  1981  Spring.


                                     80

-------
                              TOTAL SUSPtNDrO  SOLIDS
40--
35-
30-
c. J -
                          K:n^r,-
                !.•.:•.<   cu-11-?;;       A  .-•, -.--.  C/D^CEN    + +—t- PIG HILL
  Figure 38.   Time-neries plot of total  suspended soldis during 1981  Spring Survey.
                                  81

-------
        2.4.1   TWO DAY vs. ONE MONTH SAMPLING INTERVALS      >.

     •How  representative  are data collected once a mpnth in  the
Ware River?  By calculating monthly averages' for spring composite
samples a comparison was made'between data collected every 2 days
(although composited during the period) vs.  data collected  once
per  monthi   Comparisons  were made at both stations for  the  3
month period and e\re summarized in Table 3.                '    <.

     Interestingly  enqugh,   the  variation  between   automatic
sampler  dat^ collection and slackwater grab-sampling methods was
less  than  the  seasonal variation.   Exceptions  to  this  were
suspended solids,  and chlorophyll-a  concentrations.   Suspended
solids showed the greatest discrepancy; in all case the automatic
samplers  obtained higher values than the slackwater grabs.  This
may  be oue to the fact mentioned above,  that composite  samples.
contained water collected over the entire tidal cycle as  opposed
to grabs obtained at (high) slackwater only.   Chlorophyll-a data
varied less than suspended solids;  however, chlorophyll-a varied
in  both directions,  'therefore it is inconclusive, whether either
technique    overestimates   or   underestimates    phytoplankton
populations,  or whether the difference represents • environmental
or  diurnal variations.

     Overall,  composite values tended to be slightly higher than
grab sample values for other parameters as well (Table  3).  Such
discrepancies can be attributed to either spatial differences, or
the  effects  of sampling throughout the tidal  cycle.   Synoptic
sampling, in  the Ware River during Intensive surveys  has  shown
very  little  variation  laterally  and  longitudinally  in   the
estuary;  however temporal differences exist, especiallly  in .the
upstream   area.   Therefore,  it is.presumed that differences in
values  are attributable to .diurnal factors such as tidal  cycles
more so than spatial variations.                  .            .
                                82

-------
Table 3.    Comparison of Monthly Averaged Composite
           Sample Values vs. Monthly Slackwater Values
GOSHEN
Parameter


S.S.
Chi. '
Si.
TP
TKN
NH3F '
N02N03

S.S.
Chi.
Si.
TP
TKN
NH3F
N02N03

S.S.
Chi.
Si.
TP
TKN
NH3F
N02N03
Auto
Sampler •

12.0
1.0
.36
.04
.46
.03
.03

12.2
3.32
.71
.05
..61
.04
.02

16.2
11.9
.81
.08
.81
.01
0
Slack


1.75
1.35
.28
.02
.39
.01
.01

4*25
2.9
.63
.03
.56
0
0

9.5
13.6
.94
.08
.80
0
0
A

MARCH
+ 10.25
> 35
+ .08
+ .02
+ .07
+ ,02
+ .02
APRIL
+ 7.25
+ .42
+ .08
+ . .02
+ .05
+ .04
+ .02
MAY
+ 6.7
- 1.7
.13
-
+ .01
+ .01
-
Auto
Sampler

23.5
2.3
.99
.06
.62
.08
.04

19.9
4.1
1.49
.07
.8f
.07
.03

20.9
10.4
1.13 ..
.09
. .87
.02
.00
PIG HILL
Slack


11.25
' 6.35
1.2
.04
.53
.08
• X06'

6.0
2.8
1.25
.04
.68
0.0
0,0

16.5
9.9
1.2
.09
.89
0 (
6

A


+ 12.25
- 4)05
r?|
4- .02
+ .09
-
- - .02
\ i.i.

+ 13.9,
t I-3
+ .24
+ .03
+ .16
+ .07
+ .03

+ 4.1
+ .5
- .07
-
.02
+ .02
-
                         83

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     2.5    ASSESSMENT OF STORMWATER IMPACTS IN THE ESTUARY

     A   survey  was conducted in the spring of 1980  to  provide
information  on estuarine response to organic pulse loads  caused
by  runoff.   A  series  of nine high water  slack  surveys  were
conducted over a 20-day period (April 25 - May 14, 1980) to study
a  major  rain event.   Following a nine-day dry spell  (previous
spring  dry spells lasted for only 3 days,  see  Figure  39),  an
average  of  8 cm (3 inches) of rain fell in the  watershed  over
several  days,  just after(the spring application of agricultural
fertilizers.   Nineteen  nutrient  parameters  were  selected  to
detect  enrichment;  discrete  water  samples were  taken  at  11
estuarine  and  4 freshwater stream sites.   These  results  were
compared  against annual trends which had been  obtained  through
semimonthly  slackwater sampling during both wet and dry  weather
conditions,

!     Extremely low nutrient concentrations for  silicates,  total
and  orthophosphates,  suspended solids,,  organic  nitrogen,  and
litrate+hitrite  nitrogen | were  found  in  the  estuarine  mouth
waters. . Moderate nutrient enrichment levels were generally found
upstream. Statistical comparisons between stations using Duncan's
Multiple  Range Test (see Section 2.1.4 for a description of  the
':est) showed the mouth and j headwater stations to be different (a=
6,05)  in mean nutrient concentrations for 11.of the 19  analyzed
parameters.  Based on thisjdistinction and the fact that salinity
consistantily  varied by 5 T 7 ppt,  the river was divided into  2
groups;  reflecting  brackish (upstream) and downstream stations.
These  two  groups  were also compared with  the  two  freshwater
tributary stations in order to assess the estuarine responses  to
organic  pulse  loads resulting from  runoff.
     An   initial  dissolved  oxygen  sag  was  observed  at  the
brackish  stations following the first day of rain  (Figure  40).
Dissolved oxygen concentrations ranged from 4-5 mg/1 representing
a \ decrease in oxygen of about 2.2 mg/1  from the seasonal mean of
6.8 /mg/1.   Rimer  (1973)\noted that in  the  Neuse  River,  NC,
stormwater ruroff generally depressed oxygen concentrations below
the antecedent level by about 1 mg/1,  and that oxygen depression
lasted  for  less than a day!   Two closely spaced  storms  could
cause  af   decrease- in dissolved oxygen  of greater  than  3  mg/1.
Patterns  in the Wars generally were similar •,  but  the sag period
lasted longer,  with maximum sag occurring 24 hours following the
last rainfall  .  Concentrations below 4  mg/1 were measured in the
marsh aroa (BS2,  BS6);  on May 30 and May 14, oxygen values less
than  4.0 my/1 were present throughout the brackish  region  (W5,
^FMl,  WBSl,-pS2, BS6). Dissolved oxygen curves fluctuated due to
the  numerous  and  often  consecutive days of  rain  during  the
survey.   This, plus the intermitten-t sampling limit the analysis
of this data set.

                                84

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                    Df.'.tV MEAU DISCHARGE kfvl ปw) RAINFAi.'. (m.|.



                     USGS GAGING STATION. f-EAVERPAM SWAMP
Figure 39.   Rainfall end  baseflow during the  study  period.
                              85

-------
                        AIk.* MtAN t>tSCHฃRGC icn! end HAWAII Im.l.

                        USCS CAGING 51*1 OS. BLAVED2AW
                         DAILT ItW MSCHปR5[ ATiu RAINFALL
                       US6S GAGING STATION,  DEA'.tF3AT *A",P
                      US6S 6A5!flt STATiON, BฃA'/ER3ซ1 SKAT1P
Figure 39  (contifiued).   Rainfall and  baseflow during  the
                                study  period.
                            86

-------
CO
                    •z.
                    o
                    cr
                    CO
                    •z.
                    UJ
                    u
                    or.
                    UJ
                    o.
                    UJ
                    X
                    o
                    Q
                    UJ
                    O
                    CO
                    CO
                    a
I 10-

100-

 90-

 80-

 70:

 60-

 50-

 40-

 30-

 20-
                               1	
                                                 rO.9

                                                 -0.8

                                                 -0,7

                                                 -06
                                          BRACKISH
                              V
                                             -0.2

                                             -O.I

                                            --0.0
                             25APR
                             1980
            27
29
I MAY   3
1980
                                                    II     13
                                                                                                   to
                                                                                                   UJ
                                                         o
                                                         2
                                                 -0.5    ~
                                                       -  _i
                                                         _)
                                                   >.4    <
                                                         z
                                                     DATE
        FIGURE 40.  Relationship  between dissolved osygen  percent saturation and. rainf all.... Bar  eraphs.  ...
       •   :   -'•    ''reflect  storm events in inches .of -rainfall.   Circles represent sampling dates.  'Note
                    initial  DO sag within 24 hours of first  ra-infall.  Maximum DO sag in the  estuary
                    occurred on May 10th.

-------
     Chlorophyll-a  values were highest at the brackish  stations
24 hr after the rain began (30.6 ug/1).  With continuing rainfall
and increased flow,  chlorophyll-a values decreased, probably due
to dilution,  but remained well above the seasonal average of 4.5
ug/1.   Chlorophyll-a  values downstream did not show a  response
until 15 days later.

     Increases   in   nitrate+nitrite   nitrogen   concentrations
following the rain event were not detected at any site within the
estuary (<0.01 mg/1 for all stations).   Loftus, t et.  al, (1972)
reported similar values in the Rhode River and suggested that the
turnover  time for available nitrogen and/or the uptake  rat;e  of
the  phytoplankton  must  be extremely rapid to explain  the  }.ow
inorganic nitrogen  levels..   Notably,  however,  nitrate+nitrite
nitrogen,   total  Kjeldahl  nitrogen,   total  phosphorus1,   ฃrid
chlorophyll-a  values exceeded seasonal averages in the tributary
stations.

     Freshwater   influence  on  the  downstream  stations   were
minimal:  salinity  varied  1.5 ppt during the 20  days,  whereas
upstream  station  salinities were lowest 4  days(  following  the
rainfall  and  averaged 4.4 ppt below'seasonal averages  at  that
time.   Additionally,  extreme stratification of jthe water column
occurred at the upstream stations (WFM1,  WBS1,  BS2, and BS6) on
May  2-6;  an  average salinity difference of 4 ppt was  recorded
between  top  and  bottom  samples  (average  depth  '=  1.2   m) .
Stratification  was  observed  at W3 following the  last  day  of
rainfall  (May  2),  where a salinity difference of 1.3  ppt  was
recorded.    This   implies  that  during  periods  of  increased
freshwater  flow,  a  two  layer circulation  system  may  exist.
However  the  stratification  is not  ubiquitous  throughout  the
estuary.

     in summary,  preliminary results indicate that the  severity
of  impacts  on the estuarine Ware River 'following a major  storm
event  are slight,  although they may present short  term  stress
upon the system.   Generally,  nutrient concentrations within the
estuary  did not increase significantly above prestorm conditions
for  the 20 days of the rain survey.   Deviations  from  seasonal
mean  values were slight,  especially at the downstream stations.
Larger changes, however, were measured upstream, where low oxygen
concentrations (<5 mg/1) were found following the first 1.5 cm of
rainfall.                           '                    -

     From   this   it  can  be  concluded  that   although   high
concentrations  of  nutrients may be present  in  the'  freshwater
tributaries,  the  loadings  are rarely detected ;Ln ihe  estuary.
These  results may be explained by several hydrographic  features
of the Ware River basin. '  First,  slow stream fldshing tide's, as
determined  from a dry weather time-of-travel dye study, /^suggest
that  suspended solids and nutrients associated with  pair/ticulate
matter  entering  the streams from runoff may settle  ouฃ  before
entering  the estuary.   Secondly,  there is a larger  ratio  of
receiving  (estuarine)  water to drainage area when  compared  to

                                88

-------
other larger coastal plain basins.

     Finally;  the  effect  of  nutrient  loadings  may  be  most
pronounced  in the estuary when water temperatures are  greatest.
Higher  temperatures  not  only tend to increase the  release  of
phosphorus from the bed sediments, but such temperatures are also
associated      with     increased      biological      ectivity.
                                89

-------
            2.6   WET vs. DRY HIGHWATER SLACK SURVEYS      C

     The   Ware   River  estuary  generally  has   low   nutrient
concentrations.  There are exceptions, however, especially during
the  summer  months |.n the brackish regions were nutrient  levels
can become quite high.                                     ;

     Baseline  slackwater nutrient concentrations  were  compared
agaijist surveys conducted during periods of elevated flow,  based
on data from the gaging station located on Beaverdam Swamp. .; Such
comparisons    may  '  indicate   whether    increased    nutrient
concentrations  are due to inputs from rain and NPS pollution  or
to  the.release of nutrients from the sediments or other factors.
    1     i  '        '
     Several slackwater surveys were selectively defined as . "WET"
or  "&RY",  based  on  level  of  saltwater  intrusion  and  mean
discharge  data on the slackwater date (see Table 4).   Note that
salinities at W5,  WFM1 and WBS1 averaged less than 12 pot during
"WET" slacks,  but were greater than 12 ppt during "DRY"  slacks.

     The; average annual percent d-issplved oxygen saturation  fdr
the  3, brsckish stations = 7*9%.  "WET" slack  saturation  values
generally  fell, below 70% (Figure 41).   An exception to this was
March  19,  1980,  at which time the major  spring  phytoplan,kton
bloom  was evident thereby increasing the oxygen concentration in
the water since sampling occurred around noon.   On September  7,
1979,   following  Hurricane  David,   percent  dissolve^  oxygen
saturation  fell  to  an unusual low of  57.4%;  April  30,  1980
(during the major stormwater survey,  refer to Section 5.1).  also
had especially low values,  or 56%.  Average values for "WET" and
"DRY"  periods were 71% and 77% .respectively.   Saturation trends
were generally similar downstream as well,  although values  were
slightly lower.

     Chlorophyll-a data showed seasonal spring peaks and as  such
did  not  acutely  relate to rainfall.   The  impacts  of  runoff
appeared  to produce an uneven chlorophyll-a response  throughout
the  estuary  which  is to be expected since plankton  growth  is
likely to lag behiqd rainfall events.

     Slackwater  runs  were conducted before and after  Hurricane
David,  a  heavy fall storm in 1979 producing 12.7 cm (5  in)  of
rain.   On  September
1979,  suspended solids values in  the
brackish   region  averaged  14.7  mg/1.   Following  the  storm,
suspended  solids, in the same area more than  doubled,  averaging
38.3  mg/1  (Figure  42).   Stations W4 and W5  had  the  highest
concentration  of:  suspended solids on that date (71.0  and  63.0
mg/1   respectively).    It   appears   that   suspended   solids
concentration  in  the  estuary,  may  be  dependent  upon,  storm
                                   . \                '        /*


                                90

-------
Table A.  Comparison of Average Salinity and  Daily  Discharge Between
                      "Wet" and "Dry"  Slackwater  Surveys.
    DRY  SLACKS
USGS gaging station
Beaverdam Swamp
WET SLACKS
USGS gage sta.
Bvdm. Swamp
date
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
••Dec .
-May
June
27,
1*.
22,
A,
18,
12-,
12 ป
1979
1979
-1979
1979
1979
1980
1-980;
average salinity Daily
atW5, WFM1, WBS1 discharge
(cfs)
12
15
13
1A
L2
U
1A
.1
.0
.6
.2
.6
A
.7
3
2
8
13
9
-11
10
.3
.1
.2
.0
.-6
.0
.0
average salinity Dai]
date at W5, WFM1, WBS1 disch;
(cfs
May 1,
May 15
June 6
Sept.
1979
, 197.9
, 1979
7, 1979
r.ov. 20, 1379
March
April
9, 1980
30, 1980
10.
5.
9.
ป.
11.
10.
8.
6
1
A
0
2
2
9
9.8
16.0
12...0
33.0
15.0
13.0
20.0

-------
1C
ro
        iUO-


        130
         50-
DISSOLVED OXtGEN PERCENT SATURATION
                                                                                a BOTTOM
                                                                                • TOP
                                                                                o BRACKISH
                                                                                A STREAM
                 M
       A     S
        1979
N
                                                                                      •i-
M      A
  1980
                                                               •J	*•
M
     FIGURE  41.  Dissolved oxygen percent  saturation at estuarine and freshwater  stream stations,  April  1979 - June 1980.
                Large arrows indicate "Wet"  highwater slack survey-.; small arrows represent "Dry" highwater slack
                surveys-

-------
                                                                               ซ BOTTOM.
                                                                               • TOP

                                                                               o BRACKISH
                                    SUSPENDED SOLIDS
                                                                                           M
                                                                                1980
FIGURE L-)   Suspended solids concentrations at estuarine and freshwater stream sites,  April 1979 - June 1980.
            Large arrows indicate "Wet" highwater slack surveys; small arrows represent "Dry1 highwater slack
            surveys.

-------
intensity since there was no obvious relation to  discharge,  nor
to season.          .

     Total  phosphate,   which  is  oftentimes  associated   with
suspended  solids,  was  highest  in the streams  and  showed  ho
obvious  relation  to  discharge.  Orthophosphates were  also  of
greatest  concentration in the freshwater  tributaries,  but  did
appear to show a direct response to rain (Figure 43)^ rathetp than
increase  due to rainfall,  levels would drop reflecting dilution
from increased baseflow.                      '

     Levels   of  nitrite+nitrate  nitrogen  were  an  tirder   of
magnitude  greater  in  the freshwater tributaries  than  in  the
brackish regions.   Values were often less than 0.01 mg/1  (below
detection    limit)   towards   the   mouth   of   the   'estuary'.
Nitrite+nitrate nitrogen concentrations showed a direct  Response
to  storms  of  >1.3 cm (0.5 in) total rainfall withit)  72  hours
(Figure  44),  although stormwater responses were not evident  in
the brackish area during the winter and early spring  months,  or?
times  of saturated soils and maximum runoff (dilution) per cm of
rain.                                         .                  '
                                                     /'
     Biological  oxygen demand in the bradkish  region  generally
increased  in  response  to rainfall  coincident  with  increased
inorganic   nitrogen  and  phosphorus  inputs  to  the   estua,ryj,
Responses  were  not discernable downstream for  this  parameterr


     Rainfall  and runoff may exert impacts upon receiving waters
which are independent from seasonal tendencies through  increased
nutrient  loading  to  the estuary.   The  extenj;,  duration  and
severity of NFS pollution may vary'greatly dependent upon  amount
and  intensity  of  rainfall and time of  year  (temperature  and
vegetation  influences).   Generally responses in the estuary are
short-lived;   the  increased  nutrient  loadings  are  offset  by
dilution  upon  entering  the  broad  reaches  of  the   estuary.


     Results  from  the trend data also  suggest  that  increased
nutrient  concentrations in the sprang and fall are probably  due
to runoff contributions,  and inputs in the form of marsh debris.
During  the  summer,  or times of' low' flow and high  temperature,
nutrient  cycling  and  release fron\ the  sediments  may  be  the
primary  factor  controlling  nutrient  levels  in  the  estuary.
                                                          v  /
                                94

-------
U1
    r-i  .18 4-
      LU
Q-
g
-t—
SI
o
      ce
      o
      Q
      UJ.

      o
      to
      to
         12
       o.oo-
                   U   I
                                               DISSOLVED  ORTHOPHOSPHATE
                                        r
                                                  •\
4-
                                                                                    y
      FIGURE 43.   Dissolved orthophosphate concentrations at estuarine and freshwater  stream stations,
                  April  1079  — June'1980.  Large arrows indicate "Wet" highwater  slack surveys; small
                  arrows represent "Dry" highwater slack surveys.'

-------
to
                   .35  --
                   .30 -
              LU
              ID
              O
              c:
              LU
              I-
              <
              cr
              LU
              c;
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.15 -
                 0.00
                                      t  o
                                      •
        e • e • • •

       H	1	1	
                                          h-
+•
                                                         -I	1—t-
H	1-
                           1  3  5  7  9 11  13  15 17 19 21 23 75  27  29 3133 35 37 39 41 43


                                                     RAINFALL
        FIGURE  44.   Relationship of nitrite'+nitrate nitrogen ..concentration to rainfa.ll,..

       '• "'".'..-.'"-   "'in.  the upper"estuafy-.'

-------
                       2*.^   OTHER TOPICS

     Several  topics  which  haซjje been  investigated  did   not  fall
into any of the preceeding \6aitegories.   These  include  discussion
of    the   transition    zone   ancj    the    turbidity     maximum'.


                  ;   2.7.1   TRANSITION  ZONE

     When  the  W,are project Was  initiated,   little
data was available for the design of the field  program,    It
telt  necessary   to  differentiate  between   the   two   freshwater
tributaries,  but  shallow mu,d  flats made  it difficult  to proceed
upriver much beyond Warehouse Landing.   Therefore,   the  two 'mos.i
upriver   stations  in   the  'estuary   were  located  in   the   two
tributaries just  upriver of  the confluence.   Atf  that time it was
anticipated  that  the salinity at these stations would   be'  very
low,  since they  are about two-third's  of tHe way  upriver froih the
mouth  to the limit of tidal influence.    Field data  have ^how'r.
that this is not  the case.   In addition,  nutrient  coricentra^'ipns
at  these  locations were found to be  higher than  in   the lower
estuary.   Therefore  it was  decided that  this   region  merited
further attention.

     The reaches  of the  tributaries between  Warehouse Landing and
the upper limit of tidal oscillations  includb extensive   marshes.
Several preliminary surveys  into  the marsh or oligohaline (0  to  5
ppt).   region  revealed   large  fluctuations in   the   degree !of
saltwater  intrusion  and  high levels of  total  phosphorus   and'
dissolved silicates.

     On April 17, 1980 two stations (BS2 and BS6, see Appendix A-
1)  in the marshes of Beaverdam.Swamp  were occupied from 0900 to
1300,  or  frcra about two hour's befoe  high water  slack  until   two
hours after HWS.   Boats were' anchored at  the stations,.hand-held
current  meters   (Byrne  and  Boon,  1973) were employed  and water
samples were collected for dissolved nutrient analyses.   Velocity
readings,  staff  height,  dissolved   oxygen and  salinity  were
measured every li minutes; nutrients were  sampled hourly.      '

     The  survey  revealed several interesting features.    Maximum
currents  observed  at   BS2  'a/id BS6 were  0.31  and' 0.44 m/sec
respectively,  and  occurred approximately 45 minutes   after   HWS
(Figure  4.5).   The velocity yas higher  at BS6  presumably becaiue
the channel is narrower  and  deeper.  Temperature's rose  from .9.5  G
(0900 hours) to 13.0- C during the1 study.

     Dissolved  oxygen   ranged  from a  morning Iciw of 6.6  to  . d.6
mg/1  just  before  noon at  BS2,  and  7.2  to 8.9  mg/1   at  BS6.

                                97

-------
UD
00
              o
              LU
              CO
              cc
                   •5-H
                  .4—1
Q   -3
LU
ID
Q.
CO
                  -2 -
                  .1 H
                 0.0
                 FLOOD
                                   ._0.,
                                          ,
                       0900
                         1000
                                                  .o
                                                                           ^  -.BS-6

                                                                           -  BS2
iroo
                                                                             1200
                                                                                  1300
                                                                                                r
                                                        TIKE  (hours)
        FIGURE 45.  Current speeds (m sec" ) at stations-  ES2. and .-BS6,  April :16,  1980.

-------
Salinity ranged from 11.5 to 12.0 ppt (top-bottom) at HWS to half
those values (5.2 - 6.3 ppt) two hours later at BS2; representing
a  salinity  variation of 6.3 ppt.   Station BS6 varied from  8.5
(both  top  and bottom) at HWS to 0.4 ppt during  the  same  time
period.   This  showed a strong salinity gradient present in  the
marsh:  fluctuations  in the mainstem of the estuary over similat
time  periods  were about 4 ppt in the brackish region  $nd  less
than  2 ppt near the mouth.

     Concentrations   of   suspended   so)ids,    silicates   and
nitrite+nitrate nitrogen were high in the oligohaline reaches  of
the   Ware   River,   as  shown  in  Figures   46t48.    Nutrient
concentrations were lowest at high water slack,  indicating  that
these waters are enriched relative to the Bay-derived waters near
the  mouth.  The elevated nutrient levels may be'asssociated with'
groundwater  and surface runoff or they may represent  an  export
from the marsh.                                         '
                         ...      i
     Chlorophyll-a  values  similarly were greater in  the  mejrsh
than at VJBSl.  Total phosphorus values decreased from BS6 to BS2>
perhaps  as a result of adsorption ancl settling.   Mote  baseline
information  is  needed  on the marsh area  before  export/import
L.L>nc.LUsions can oe drawn.   wonetneiess,  in tne harrow  marsnes,
nutrient:  ieveis  riuctuate more rapidฑy ana to a  larger  extent
tnan  in  tne proader snanow reacnes at WBbi anq WM*II  near  tne
conriuence.  Because  times or maximum currents occur7 witnm less
tnan an nour oetore and atter HWS,  it becomes imperative to stay
ciose to siacK time tor sucn studies,  ir tnat is tne/oasis  u'pop
wn.icn aaca is to oe intercompareci.
                                99

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                  70-
                                                              -1.6
                -? 60-
                        0 SUSPENDED SOLIDS-"

                        • SILICA
                                                              -1.5
 o
. o
                co. 5.0-
                o
                co


                2
                Q
                C.

                CO
               CO
                  30-
              HWS
                 N  •'  /

                   ^L   '
                                                   \
                  20.
                       09^0
idoo
ll'OO
12*00
13\)0
                                                            .  ll.l
                                                        TIME (hours)
         FIGURE 46.  Concentrations of suspended solids and  silica at station -BS2, April 16,  1980.

-------
 a
 UJ
      50
 CO
 a
 ^    40  -

 o
 CO
      35  -
                  SUSPENDED SOLIDS
              \
                   V-

               HWS
                                                                     h
 n_
. in
 to
30 -     o TOP

         A BOTTOM


    """ 6960 --•;••••-
                         rood
                  SILIGA
     1.7
     1.6
     1.5 t*
     1.4  -
^    1'3'
00             r TOP

              A BOTTOM
     1.2  ~


           0900
                                  HWS
                                i2i'b6"
             1300'
                        1000
                  1100
1200
                                                         —T—"

                                                          1300
FIGURES  47  and 48.
Concentrations of  suspended solids and  silica at

station  BS6, April 16, 19RO.   Top and  bottom

samples were  taken.
                                  101

-------
                                      MAXIMUM

     Alot  or  attention  is given  to  tne  saitwater/treshwatet
inter race  region  in  an estuary since many dissolved  forms  ot
nutrients tend to tJ.6ccu.Late upon encountering saltwater, whether
due  to  physical mixing phenomena or  chemical  Reaction.   This
creates  an  environment  which  is generally high  in  tUrbidity,
nutrient  rich,  and  tends to contain higher  concentrations  ot
organic  matter than those'present in either tre^n or salt water,
         .  i         '                 ",                          '
     Such  turbidity  maxima have been observed  in  estuaries  of
varying size,  shape,  and dynamic cnaracter; both well-mixed  artd
stratified (Nichols,  iy/2). As  a part ot the second year plan to
emphasize  study  in  the upstreajn areas,  an  initial  trip   was
scheduled into the tidal reaches pf'Beaverdam swamp to  determine
.it a turbidity maximum might be  present.   On November 3, 1980, a
clear  day  with good water column visibility,   a  Turner  Design
flow-through  tiuorometer  was   used to get a  rough  mea'sure  of
turbidity in situ.   Sampling was planned around low water slack..
Monitoring began upstream ot wesi (salinity: 18.8% ppt')' and ended
downstream  ot  BS&  (0.3 ppt),  when background  recordings   had
returned  to  the baseline.                            •          '

     Results showed turbidity to increase steadily with  distance
upstream  and  peaked  at approximately  r'ivermiie  7*5,  with  a
recording five times background  level.

     Chemical  and  physical  dat^; tend to lend  support  to   the
presence  ot a turbid ity maximum as well:  station &S6.^ cqntained
the highest mean suspended, solids concentration  oฃ any station in
the  saltwater  region  (X=2b.5  mg/1).  Concentrations tended  t,6
increase with distance upstream  but then declined, similar to  the
fluocometric tindings.  Chiorophyli-a concentrations followed  the
same  trend as suspended solids  (Table '5).

     Salinity  was  unusually hi9h at BS6 (1U.8  ppt),  not  what
would be considered indicitive ot a turbidity  maximum*   However
previous  work  (see Section 2.7.1) showed a Strong  longitudinal
salinity gradient present in the marsh. Concentrations were, found
to  change as much as 3-4 ppt per km in the marsh  region  during
LWS  (Intensive Surveys 1980,  1981).   Stations BS6 and BS8   are
roughly  4  km apart therefore the turbidity maximum  could  ve'ry
likely  occur at some place between the 2 stations and presumably
shifts with season and fresh water flow*
                                102

-------
TABLE 5.  Chemical Evidence for a Turbidity Maximum.
              I                A         A         4k

Station       Rivermile      SS       Chl-a      Sal
  WBS1           5.9        21.0      12.6      18.8
                    '           •               .    .

   BS2           6.4        24.7      12.4      13.6



   BS6           6.8       ' 28.5      17.3      10.8



   BS8           9.0        13.8      12.9       0.3
                    i   •                /
                           103

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                     t.i.i     ONGOING  STUDIES.

     One  of   the   primary   goals  ot   the   Ware   River  Intensive
Watershed   Study   has  Deen  to observe the  impacts  of  s.tormwate.r
runott  on  estuarine water  quality.   Another important aspect  of.
the  problem   is bacterial  fluctuations  due to runoff  since   the
Ware  River estuary includes several  productive  shellfish   areas.
A  portion  o.f  the shellfish waters are   cpndemmed   for   direct
harvesting  because of  the  wastewater discharge   from  Gloucester
Court House.   A small  study is being  conducted to define both the.
dry  weatiher   and   wet  weather distributions  of  bacteriological
indicators  in  the  upper portions of the  Ware River estuary.   The
work is b;eing  conducted simultaneously with an ongoing project in
the   Ware  River   dealing   with   fecal  coliform  and  pathogen
(Salmonella งฃ.)   survival.  The  combined results  will   assis.t
managers  of shellfish  resources by documenting  the temporal   arid
spatia1!  extent  ot bacterial .contamination  due  to  wastewater
discharges  and  stormwater  runoff during  dry  and  wet  weather
conditions.    The  studies will also provide valuable   information
fbr use in  mathematical modeling of stormwater runoff.

Methodology                   '

     Study, ,s:(.tes  consist   of   four " locations    previously
characterized  with respect to nutrient: and physical  parameters
during  the first  two  years of the watershed  study.    Two  sites.
have been   located in  the tributaries,  FM2 and  BS8,   which drain
the  upper  reaches of  the Ware River  basin.  The other two  sites
are  located ca.   0.7  and 2 miles  downstream from the confluences
of the  tributaries (Stations W5 and W4) .                      . ':

     up to  tive surveys will be conducted  to establish background
trends  in estuarine water quality  at  each  site during periods  of
dry  weather,  i.e. no rain  on  each of  three  preceding  days.
Surface water  (0.5 m in depth) will be sampled daily  during slacH
water   before  flood   for  three consecutive   days   (weather.
permitting).   Water  samples will be.analyzed using  a  .five-tube
most- probable-number   technique   according  to  the   Medium  A-l
procedure,  .modified  to  include  a resuscitation  step .for  the
recovery ot debilitated fecal conforms. The modified A-l  test as
approved    by  the'  National  Shellfish  Sanitation  Program  was
selected  because   it  allows for a rapid enumeration   (within  24
.hours)  ot fecal colitorms.  (Also, a  maximum of five  storm events
resulting in raintall  of 0.5 in.   or  greater will be  monitored as
explained above to describe'"the wet weather  response.
                             i                  '                k
     in addition to bacteriological  investigations,  samples will
.be   analyzed  for  various { nutrien*- and   physical   parameters i
"Specifically,  dissolved oxygen, salinity,  temperature, suspended

                                 104                             •':

-------
solids, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen (measured as organic
nitrogen,  ammonia-nitrogen and hitrite+nitrate nitrogen) will be
analyzed.

     Data  will be analyzed,  interpreted and submitted in report
form to both State Water Board and Bureau of Shellfish Sanitation
upon completion.                         .
                                105

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American Public Health Association,  1975.   Standard Methods for
     the       Examination  of Water and  Wastewater.   14th  ed.
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Byrne,  R.  J.  and J,  D. Boon, III, 1973.  An inexpensive, fast
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Clark,  L.  J. ,  V. tuide, and T. H. Pheiffer, 1974.  Summary an.d
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i     J                "   •  •        i             • .
Correll,  D.  L. ,  T. L. Wu, E. S. Friebele, and J, Miklas, 1977.
     jsjutrient       discharge  from  Rhode River  watersheds  and
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     America:   A Workshop', to      Compare  Results.   Ches.  Bay
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Daly, i M. A. and A. C. Mathieson, 1981.  Nutrient fluxes within a
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Edwards;  R. W. and H. L. J.iRolley, 1965.  Oxygen consumption of
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Eleuterius,  C. 'K., 1976.  .Mississippi Sound temporal and spatial
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Flemer,  D,,  A.> D. H. Hamilton, C. W. Keefe, and J. A. Mihursky,,
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     /                          '                '
Gambrell,  R.  P., J. W. Gilliam, and S. B. Weed, Nl975.  ^Nitrogen
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     Env. Qual.  4.: 317-323.     '      .

Grizzard,  T.  J.,  and F. X. Brown, 1979.  Noripoint sources.  J.
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                 ! •      \  ' .  .    ^

         W. S. , 1979.  Npri'poi'nt s'ouire pollution control strategy.
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                                J 06

-------
Haas,  L. W,, 1977.  The Effect of the spring-neap tidal cycle on
     the  vertical  salinity structure of  the  James,  York . and
     RappahanrtOck Rivers,  Virginia, UiS.Ai Estuarine and Coastal
     Mar. Sci. '5:485-496.

Harms,  Li  L. and E. V. Southerland, 1975.  A case study on non-
     point  source  pollution  in  Virginia.    Bull  88,   Water
     Resources  Research Center,  Va.  Polytechnic Institute : and
     State Univ;., Blacksbiirg, Va.             ..              ;,

Hobbie,  J.  E.,  1970.  Phosphorus concentrations in the Pamlico
     River  estuary  of  North  Carlina.   Rept.  No.  33,  W
-------
Neilson,  B.  J.f  1980.   A  .report  on the effects of  nutrient
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     N.J.                 .           ..'.••,.

Nichols,  M.  M.,  1972.   Sediments  of th-e James River Estuary,
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     pp 169-211.          .    .                      .:.....;

Nixon,  S.  W.,  i960.   Remineralization and nutrient cycling in
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     in Estuaries.  The Humana      press, Inc., Clifton, N\.J..
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~           '             -                         .         '
Ott,  W.  R., 197b.  Environmental Indices:  Theory and Practice;'
     Ann Arbor Science, Ann Arbor, Mich.                         '
fomeroy, L. R. , L. R. Shentbn, RJ D. H. Jones, and R. J. Re imolci ,
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     Nutrients   and  Eutrophic^tion:    The  Limiting   Nutrient
     Controversy.    Special  Symposia,   VOl.  1,  Am.  S.oc.  6ฃ
     Limnology and Oceanography, Lawrence, Ks.

pritchard, D. W. , 1969.  Dispersion and flushing of pollutants in.
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                                                               \ •
Rimer,   A.   E. ,   J.  A.  Nissen  and  D.  E.  Reynolds,  1979.
     Characterization  arid      impact of stormwater ruhoff  from
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     264,

Rosenbaum,  A.  and B,  J.  Neilson,   1977;  Watexr quality in  the
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     point, Va .                                                  '

Seliger,  H.  H.,  1972.   Phytoplanhton production,  growth   and
     dissipation in Chesapeake Bay^  Progress Rept. 15 Dec 1971 •*
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     Studies, Smithsonian Inst., Edgew.ater, Md.

Sokal, R. R. and F. J. Rohlt, 1969.  Biometry.  W. H. Freeman  and
     Company, San Franciso;  776pp.

Stanley, D. W. and J. K. Hobble, 1977.  Nitrogen recycling in  the
     Chowan  River.  Rept.  No.  121,  Water  Resourced   Research
     Institute, Univ. of      Nortn Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.'

Strickland,  J.  D.  H.  and T.  R.  Parsons,  1972.  .A Practical
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Swank,  W.  T. ,  and J. E. Douglass, 1977..  Nutr'en't budgets from


                                108

-------
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i                \          i     .
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                                 109

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                     AP&ENDIX A


                                                     *f'
N|aihber                                          '      ''Page

Arl  Description of Slackwatef Sampling Stations	fL.lll

Aj:2  Description of 1979 Intensive Survey Stations...;..114

A-3  Ware RiVer Slackwater Survey Dates and Times.......115

A-4  Description of Events Sampled at Each Station...... 117

A-5  Map of Bathymetric, Tide Gage and Current
     Meter Locations	 118

A-6  Ware River Bathymetric' Information. .	; . . . . .119
                          110

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TABLE A-l.  DESCRIPTION OF .SLACKWATER SAMPLING STATIONS   .


A fortnightly high slackwater sampling program on the Ware River.estuary
was initiated on April li, 1979 and continued until May 14, 1980 when
the frequency was reduced to once per month.  The purpose of these same
slack surveys was to delineate seasonal trends in water quality.' During
the surveys grab samples were taken at 16 distinct locations, including
four freshwater stream sites and twelve stations in the estuary.  A brief
description of the sampling sites follows.  Numbers in parentheses
indicate how sample bottles were labelled.

ESTUARINE STATIONS                             .. ..      ' ,   _.  .
                                               Water Depth   River
Station     Latitude          Longitude        a,t MHW        Mile

Wl          37 21' 20"        7,6 24' f.2"       8.5 th         0.00
     Located 50* off north side of black and white channelj marker "M2J.11.
     Average depth is 8 metres.; Samples are taken one metre from the
     surface (WIT) and one .Tieter from the bottom (W1B') .
                                i
W2.          37 22' 09"        76 26' 21'.'       5.Pm     '    ]L4

     Located 50' off north sj.de of green marker ,"3".  Average, depth' is
     5 metres.  Samples are taken one metre from the surface  (W2T) and
     one metre from, the bottom• (W2B)..

W3          37 22' 08"        76 27' 21"       5.0m         2.4

     At the intersection of two lines:  .      (W3T  and VJ.3B')
     1) Line up 2 pines on Windmill  Poi.nt, also passing  through white
     house at month of Wilson Creek.
     2)  Red marker "6", duck blind, Jarvis Point  going  to landward
     end of pier.

W4          37 23' 16"        76 21,' 28"       5.0 m         3.7

     Located 15' off south side of green marker "9".  Average depth
     is 5 metres.  All samples taken at mid-depth  (*M ) •.
                                   i        '    i

W5          37 23' 46"        76 28' 45"       2m          5.0

     Located. 15' off south side of red marker. "12''.  Average  depth
     is 2 metres.  All samples taken at mid-depth  (W5).

WWC 1       37 21'. 55"        76 28' 15"    .2m,          3^

     Located in the center of Wilson's C-eek  channel, slightly upstream
     from third day marksr, siting off pier on point of  land on left and
     and house on point of land on right.  Average depth is 2 metres.
     All samples taken at mid-depth  (WWC1).

WWC 2       37 21' 50"        76 28' 45"       2m          3.6 .

     Located at confluence of the 2|tributaries in Wilson's Creekj siting
     off pier on left and point of jand on right.  Average depth is
     2.metres.  All. samples are taken at mid-depth (WWC2) .

                                Ill

-------
TABLE A-l  (Continued)
                                               Water Depth   River
Station     Latitude          Longitude        at MHW        Mile

WFM t       37 24' 04"        76 29' 35"       1.2 m         5.6

     Located in center of stream, siting off northernmost point on
     Perrin Point and southern tip of Warehouse Landing.  Average      :
     depth is 1.2 metres.  All samples are taken at mid-depth. {JFttl) .   r

WBS 1       37 24' 37"        76 20' 30"       .1.2 m         5.9       .'
     Located in center of stream, siting off third cusp upstream from  ;.'
     Warehouse Landing q'n left arid off second point of land on right.
     All samples taken at mid-depth (WBS1).

 BS 2       37 24' 50"        7629' 35"       1.5m         6.35
     Located at mouth of marsh creek about 50' north of point which    ;
     divides wide section of Ware River with tidal flats from the narrow
     marsh creek.  All samples taken at mid-depth and in the middle    .;.
    . of the channel (WBS2)>
                                                             6.8
 BS1  6  '      37  24'  48"         76 29'  50"        3.m

    Located in the straight  section  o'f  the marsh  creek approximately
    one  half mile  upstream of WBS  2. All  samples taken at  mid-depth
   : and  mid-channel (WBS 6).                                   .       .-

 BS.  8        37  24'50"          76 30'  45"        0.6m        9.0

    Located at the head  of the marsh creek where  it becomes hardwood  .
    swamp.   All  samples  taken at mid-depth and mid-channel  (WBS8).

.FM  2     "   37  24* 10"         76 30'  30"        1m          7.4
      i                                   ,
    Located 3400'  downstrean from  Route  17 directly underneath power '
    I'tnes  that stretch from  Deacon's Neck  across  Fox Mill Run.
    All  samples  taken  at  mid-depth and mid-channel (WFM2).

-------
TABLE A-i.  (Continued)




NONPOINT SOURCE AND FRESHWATER STREAM STATIONS



Station     Latitutde         Longitude



STR 1       37 22' 16"        76 30'  50"



NFS 2       37 23' 40"        76 29'  40"



STR 3       37 24' 32"        ?6 31'  06"



STR 4       37 24' 52"        76 31'  08"



NPS 5       37 24' 30"        76 29'  10"
                                   i

STR 6       37 25' 38"        76.29*  48''


NPS 7       37 2V 52"        76 33*  25"


NPS 8  '     37 26' 50"        76 35'  30"


STR 9    .   37 25' 30"        76 31'  45"



STR 10      37 24' 35"        76 :u'  55"



STR 11      37 28' 14"        76.33'  48"
                                113

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TABLE A-2,  DESCRIPTION OF 1979 INTENSIVE SURVEY STATIONS


     During the intensive survey of August 1A-15, 1979 all slackviater
stations were occupied.  Additional s' ations described below, were
manned along the transects in the broader reaches of the estuary
(also see Figure A-l) {  •


Station           Latitude            Longitude         Water Depth at MHW

WIN              37 ?!' 46" .         76 2V 37"               2.0m
                           i
(Northern shoreline).  Located at intersection of one line passing
through Ware Neck Point and j channel marker "M21", and another line
passing through the two duck blinds along the shore.  Average depth
is 3.2 metres.  Samples are taken at mid-depth.
                           i
W1S           .   37 21' 00";          76 25' 10"               3.2 m. .

(Southern shoreline) -  Located 400 yards off shoreline, facing middle
inlet (of three) which appears as a small, sandy beach area, and on
line with Ware River Point and a channel marker on the SE horizon.
Average depth is 2 metres.  All samples are taken at mid-depth.
                           i
W2N              37 22' \y          76 25' W  .             3.5 m

(Northern shoreline).  Sampler taken 200  yards off first dock to the
west of the inlet where ttie Ware River Y.':ht Club is located, and along
a line with the green "3" channel marker.-  All samples are taken at
         ; average depth is 3 metres.        '
W2S             37 21' 57"           76 26' 29"               3.0m

                             i                 '
(Southern shoreline) .  Located at intersection of transect line passing
from the white house on the northern shore, through green "3" channel
marker, ending at the clear beach area at the edge of the stand of trees
on the shouthern shore, and on line with the du"k blinds due west of
the transect.  Average depth is 3.5 metres'.  All samples are taken at
mid-depth.


W3N    •   .    .  37 22' 26"       .    76 27' 17"               1.7 m

Located in between 2 duck blinds found along the tansect between
station W3 and the small island in mid-river.  Sample 50  yards off the
north side of the southern blind.  Average depth is 1.7 metres.  All
samples taken at mill-depth.                       '
                                114

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TABLE A-3.   WARE  RIVER SLACKWATER SURVEY  DATES'                     V


Sampling dates and  times for  hlg'hwater slack surveys are listed below.
         •'.n
         Juf
         Aujunt
         :. -.vrr.-jcr
         !-'obru.'iry   1'
         Ma re IT

         April
11
25
nl'
i r>
06
1 0
2"
1!
?.'.••
0?
1 '.
• r
jr
C'-
•''.7
1.5
15
07
j.V
':>'
ป V*
i"
0(-
19
01
16
25
28
30
02
f-4
Ofi-
; f.'
! '•
1979
1979
1 979
1 V'~9
1979
3979
iฐ79
1979
1979
i 079
3 ')* 9
i *70
is; s .
i~-79
j?79
l'?79
1979
\l&
\r>l
I '•• ^ 9
1980
1-9SO
1980
1 ?80
1980 "
I9!?0 . R
1 980 R
!9FO
! 98 0 P
! ')SO R
DSd
• nan o
* 9 S ^l H
nooo - i':30'
n.v.o - ' :1?0
i 1 llu •• ./. !*
U15 ••
OtVo -
•OPf -
i r?o -
3 Ci-.iO -
I -l •; ', _
vv'5 --
'. "."^^
:'•" Vl -
•^./O -.
! r^.'; -
0930 -
- f • ^
^ ^ k — *"^
) - ":'. -

"': ; . ' -^ .
^'00*
!.c,;i.5*
-1 3'?*
2 j 5*
2'0ปT*
i •'' r>*
ilo*
•'•bo*
'- ;>n*
>':•?*
'•15*
."•SCte
9i.Sv
?;r*
•t :' -• .
.-\3-c
• ;-;:2 • ;?:'^
1052 - !230
HID - 1250 '
1110 - 1230
0835 - n20
0923 - IliO
0530 - 1-3C*
0915 - HG'O*
0915 - 1200*
1010 - ; :v>'-
1115 - !2'iO*
1320 - Ii3o*
:-515 - 0730'-
?7i5 - 05 5 C-
       R  iit- ••T,v:atcM'  '.:r.;.'u'.:c Survey
       •;  l):r ' i'j,h.t S<:\-in.ns Time
                                  lib
                                                              0915  -  30-5*

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Table A-3 (continued).
Ware River Slackwater Survey Data
Sample
June
July
July
July
July
July
August
September
October
November
December
Januaty
Febuary
March
March
March
March
April
May
June
July
12
7
9
10
14
31
20
23
22
13
11
26
25
24
25
•26
31
22
26
23
22
date
1980
1980
1980 Summer intensive
1980
1980
1980
1980
1980
1980
1980
1980
1981
1981
1981
1981 Spring Intensive
1981
1981
1981
1981
1981
1981
                                                          Sample time

                                                          0845 - 11345*

                                                          0440 r, 0715*
                                                          0935

                                                          1200

                                                          1645

                                                          0745

                                                          .0830
                                                            /
                                                          1/00

                                                          1045

                                                          1245

                                                          1200

                                                          1030
1225*

1330*

1S45*

1030*

1030*

1230

1250

1430

1340

1215
                                                          1600' +• 1830

                                                          1000 V- 1130

                                                          1430 - }600*

                                                          1330 - 1515*

                                                          1420 * 1540*
                                     116

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    Table A-4.   Description of Events Sampled at Each Station'.





  Station                                 Event Sampled

    tois                                   ii

    Wl,                                    II, SI, Rl,

    WIN                                   II

    W2N                                   II

    W2                                    II, Si,     12      S2

    W2S                                   II

    W3    .                                II. SI, Rl      13, S2

    W3N                            .11

    W4                       .             II, SI. Rl. 12, 13, S2

    W5.                                   II,' SI, Rl, 12, 13, S2

    WWC1                    .             II, SI

    WWC2                      '           il. Si, Rl, 12, 13, S2

    WFTiL                                 II, SI, Rl, 12, 13, S2
                                          /    •
    WBS1                                 ,'IIV SI, Rl, 12, 13, S2

    WBS2             ,                            Rl
     i

    WBS6    .                                     Rl, 12

                                   .                   12, 13, S2

                                                      12, 13, S2
Key;

Si" Highwater Slack surveys,  1st year    \
II- 1st Mritensive survey, August 14-15,  1979
Rl- 1st Raihevent, Aprils-May,  1980         x
S2" Highwater Slack surveys,  2nd year
12- 2nd Intensive, July 9-10,  1980
13= 3rd Intensive} March 25-26, 1981
                            117

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FIGURE A-& "are River stations (•),  and locations of bathymetric  transects  (—),
           tide gauges (•),  and current meters (*), 1979-1981.
                                 118

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A-6.    WARE RIVER BATHYMETRIC INFORMATION
Transect
Wl
W2
W2 . 5
W3
wci
WC2
WC 3
W3 . 5
W4
W4 . 5
W5
WFM1
WFM1.5
WBS0.5
WBS1
Area at
MTL (M2)
8304.11
8096.98
49,76.63
3466.67
344.75
257.19
163. :05
2996135
1236.38
988.74
635.94
123.38
138.86
351.17
214.62
Riverm
0.0
1.4
1.9
2.4
3.2
3.6
3.9
3.2
3. '7
• ' • LA
5.0
5.6
5.7
5.6
5.9
                   119

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