Environmental Conditions in San Martin Lake: Effects of Eutrophication in an Estuary Associated with the Laguna Madre

Author

Wendy L. Rogers, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Hudson DeYoe

Second Advisor

Dr. Frank Dirrigl

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert K. Dearth

Abstract

San Martin Lake is a shallow water Estuary in the lower Laguna Madre off the Port of Brownsville Shipping channel. It is influenced both by incoming tides and waste water runoff both from local farms and the Brownsville water treatment plants. The resulting mixture of eutrophic water and incoming sea water creates the perfect mix for a potential algal bloom. This study looks at the nutrient levels and environmental conditions in the main basin of the estuary to establish baseline levels and to observe the rate of nutrient clearing being accomplished in this environment. As sport recreation in the area increases, changes the landscape of the estuary are occurring and, as the population of Brownsville increases the amount of nutrients being released into the estuarial system will continue to increase. It is believed that if not monitored and kept in check this will have detrimental effects on the area. This study looks at the conditions in the lake and attempts to predict what effects changes to the system may have in the future.

Comments

Copyright 2018 Wendy L Rogers. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/environmental-conditions-san-martin-lake-effects/docview/2123079421/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Rogers, Wendy L., "Environmental Conditions in San Martin Lake: Effects of Eutrophication in an Estuary Associated with the Laguna Madre" (2018). Theses and Dissertations. 390.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/390