A summary of water quality characteristics at selected habitat


Richardson, L. A. H., and T. L. Clemment.  1993.  A summary of
water quality characteristics at selected habitat sites in
Navigation Pool 8 of the Mississippi River from July 17, 1988, to
December 31, 1990.  Report by the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources, Onalaska, Wisconsin, for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Environmental Management Technical Center, Onalaska,
Wisconsin, June 1993.  EMTC 93-S009.  21 pp.  (NTIS #PB94-108255)


ABSTRACT

The Wisconsin Resource Trend Analysis station is responsible for
monitoring water quality parameters on Pool 8.  These parameters
include dissolved oxygen (DO), water temperature, turbidity,
specific conductance, water velocity, and Secchi disk
transparency.  Twenty-two sites are sampled within five habitat
types.  This report summarizes annual trends in surface samples
for all sampling periods by habitat types and pool reaches.  
Results in 1990 showed above-normal precipitation and slightly
higher air temperatures.  Average surface DO and water
temperature followed similar trends in all habitat types.
Turbidity was commonly higher throughout 1990 compared to
previous years and as a result Secchi disk transparency was
generally lower.  Specific conductance was also higher than in
previous years, especially between weeks 22-35 (May 27-September
1).  Water velocities tended to be higher and displayed greater
fluctuations.  The Root River, a tributary of Pool 8, appeared to
have a significant impact on water quality in the lower pool.


KEYWORDS

Pool 8, Upper Mississippi River, water quality