Ammonium

The map below shows status and trends at four stations in the Lower Patuxent River for ammonium (NH₄⁺) and phosphorus (PO₄^-3) fluxes (observed data).

Ammonium (NH₄⁺)

The current status (average of 1996-1998 data) of ammonium fluxes at the four SONE stations in the Patuxent River is illustrated above.  Ideally, we want to see low NH₄⁺ fluxes. With low NH₄⁺, very little nutrients are available for phytoplankton to use to increase their numbers and biomass. Among the four SONE stations in the Patuxent River, two had NH₄⁺ fluxes in the fair range, and two were in the poor range. It should be noted that high river flow years, such as 1996, have a strong influence on ammonium fluxes (fluxes increase). Understanding this, the opposite could be true as well; low river flow years, such as 1999, could decrease ammonium fluxes. Ammonium is part of the nitrification process that helps restore estuarine systems.

	"Good” areas are not necessarily of the quality needed by living resources. *Status is relative to other similar areas in the Bay. **Trends are significant at p < 0.01.

For more information, please contact Renee Karrh at (410) 260-8628.

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