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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).
Dissolved Inorganic Phosphorus (PO4-3 or DIP)
The current status (average of 1996-1998 data) of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP)
fluxes at the four SONE stations in the Patuxent River is illustrated above. Ideally, we
want to see low DIP fluxes. With low DIP, very little nutrients are available for
phytoplankton to use to increase their numbers and biomass. Among the four SONE stations
in the Patuxent River, one station (Broomes Island [BRIS]) had phosphorus fluxes in the
fair range and two stations (Buena Vista [BUVA] and Marsh Point [MRPT]), were in the poor
range. St. Leonard Creek (STLC), the station furthest down stream, was in the good range.
It should be noted that high river flow years, such as 1996, have a strong influence on
DIP fluxes (fluxes increase). Understanding this, the opposite could be true as well; low
river flow years, such as 1999, could decrease DIP fluxes (fluxes should decrease).
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