Water Quality Modeling of Freshwater Diversions in the Pontchartrain Estuary

A 1-D tidal, salinity and water quality model that analyzes the general effects freshwater diversions have on the water quality of the Pontchartrain Estuary over a 17-year period is presented here. Using the modeled live algae concentrations in conjunction with the algal bloom probability model results produces an accurate prediction of algal bloom occurrences between 1990 and 2006. The model predicts that the addition of freshwater diversions into Maurepas swamp and increases to flow in the Bonnet Carré Spillway may cause more intense and frequent algal blooms to occur around the Pontchartrain Estuary. The model also predicts that high nutrient input events that occur earlier in the year (January/February) will not likely have algal blooms associated with them. When nutrient input events (even small events) occur in the late spring or early summer, algal blooms have a high probability of occurring when the salinity, temperature and light levels are sufficient.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Year

2008

Author dc:creator

• Roblin, Rachel

Contributors dc:contributor

• McCorquodale, J.A.
• Barbe, Donald
• Cothren, Gianna

• Lake Pontchartrain
• water quality modeling
• algal blooms
• freshwater diversions
• Bonnet Carré Spillway

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/693

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.uno.edu:td-1693