Trends in Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Secchi Depth, and Dissolved Oxygen in Chesapeake Bay, 1984 to 1992
- Published:
- August 1, 1994
- Originator:
- Chesapeake Bay Program
The Chesapeake Bay Program is a Federal-State partnership working to restore Chesapeake Bay. One of its primary goals is to improve water quality and habitat conditions for living resources. The CBP began monitoring water and habitat quality in 1984 and continues to sample the main stem and tributaries for their physical and chemical makeup. Nutrient enrichment is a major water quality problem in Chesapeake Bay. Nutrients fuel phytoplankton growth, which has an adverse (reduction) effect on dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. Low DO levels threaten the existence of Chesapeake Bay's aquatic animals.