Nutrients and Algae in the Upper Bulkley River watershed 1997-2000

This study focused on the diffuse sources of nutrients and the trophic status of the Upper Bulkley River. Monthly water chemistry monitoring of the Upper Bulkley and tributaries was conducted between November 1997 and March 2000, and the end of growing season accumulation of benthic algae, or periphyton, was measured at nine sites in September 1999. A summary of the results indicated the Upper Bulkley watershed has elevated background phosphorous concentrations due to the presence of phosphorous-rich soils that contribute unusually high total and soluble phosphorous concentrations to watercourses, exacerbated by sedimentation sources related to mining, forestry, and agriculture. As a result, thick accumulations of benthic algae are seen at some sites in the lower watershed, accompanied by a shift in community composition toward mesotrophic or eutrophic taxa.

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Contributing Organization

fisheries-and-oceans-canada-pacific-region

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Pacific Region

The Fisheries and Oceans Pacific Region includes the province of British Columbia and the transboundary northern rivers of the Yukon. It encompasses more than 27,000 kilometres of coastline and 105 river systems. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is...

Additional Info

Field Value
Author Remington, D. and B. Donas
Maintainer Fisheries and Oceans Canada Pacific Region
Last Updated July 21, 2022, 22:19 (UTC)
Created September 12, 2018, 20:32 (UTC)
publication_yr 2000