Estuaries are highly productive, semi-enclosed aquatic ecosystems that are hotspots for biogeochemical transformation and exchange. Allochthonous and autochthonous inputs impact nutrient remineralization, microbial consumption, and particulate and dissolved organic matter flux to the coastal ocean. To investigate how the Quinnipiac River and its estuary were impacted by land use and precipitation over several years, ten locations between Wallingford and New Haven, Connecticut, USA were sampled. At each location abiotic measurements (temperature, pH, and salinity) and water samples were collected. Filtered water samples were analyzed for absorbance, fluorescence, and dissolved organic carbon concentrations. Particulate samples were analyzed for particulate organic carbon concentrations and base-extracted filters were measured for absorbance and fluorescence. Additionally select dissolved and particulate samples were analyzed for stable carbon isotopes (δ¹³C) and nitrate and nitrite concentrations. Preliminary results suggest enhanced primary production and carbon in the estuary that was reduced prior to the waters reaching Long Island Sound. Additionally, localized changes in pH and chemical composition were measured due to nearby construction and road work.

Primary Presenter: Joanna Kinsey, Quinnipiac University (joanna.kinsey@quinnipiac.edu)

Authors:

Claudia Ayala,   ()

Emma Casale,   ()

Lauren Malouin,   ()

Kevin Nyhuis,   ()

Joanna Kinsey, Quinnipiac University  (joanna.kinsey@quinnipiac.edu)