Post Hurricane Algal Die-Offs Cause Low Dissolved Oxygen Conditions at Some Continuous Monitors

Extreme rains during and following Hurricane Isabel produced possible nutrient runoff that fueled algal blooms several days later. Decomposition of these blooms resulted in decreases in dissolved oxygen at many of our continuous monitoring stations. Data from continuous monitors at Whitehurst on the Magothy River, Ben Oaks on the Severn, and Elliot Island on Fishing Bay show these trends at varying time scales and intensities (See Below).

Whitehurst on the Magothy River

Ben Oaks on the Severn River

Elliot Island on Fishing Bay