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Water quality trends in Texas estuaries
Kalman Bugica1, Blair Sterba-Boatwright2, Michael S Wetz1
1Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|January 21, 2020
Summary
Texas estuaries show signs of degradation due to population growth and reduced freshwater inflow. Key areas like Galveston Bay exhibit eutrophication, while others face increased salinity and decreased pH, impacting water quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Quality Management
- Estuarine Ecology
Background:
- Texas coastal watersheds face rapid human population growth.
- Comprehensive assessments of Texas estuary water quality trends are lacking.
- Estuarine health is crucial for coastal ecosystems and human activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive assessment of water quality trends in Texas estuaries.
- To identify regional "hot spots" of water quality change.
- To inform future management and conservation efforts for Texas estuaries.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical estuarine water quality data.
- Identification of water quality parameters and trends.
- Correlation of trends with watershed characteristics (urbanization, agriculture, freshwater inflow).
Main Results:
- Galveston Bay and Oso Bay exhibit symptoms of eutrophication, linked to urbanized watersheds.
- Baffin Bay-Upper Laguna Madre complex shows eutrophication symptoms, associated with agricultural watersheds.
- Increasing salinity and decreasing pH (due to reduced carbonate minerals) observed in central Texas coast estuaries, linked to decreased freshwater inflow.
Conclusions:
- Specific Texas estuaries are experiencing significant water quality degradation.
- Urbanization, agricultural intensity, and reduced freshwater inflow are key drivers of estuarine changes.
- Findings enable targeted studies and management strategies for vulnerable Texas estuaries.
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