Nonpoint Source Nutrient Pollution Study in Baffin Bay Texas, Phase 1

Summary

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) will develop a conceptual model of nutrient inputs to the bay and the groundwater and surface water inputs to the Laguna Salada. Baffin Bay, an area where harmful algal blooms are reoccurring and the level of porewater nutrients were very high in the 2016 study, will also be characterized. Two shoreline nested piezometers, a bay bottom push piezometer and monthly sampling will be used to quantify nutrient sources and input mechanisms, which will be used to develop a water and nutrient mass balance. The goal is to provide a greater understanding of nutrient sources to Texas estuaries.