Phillipsdale Landing
Sondes remained deployed this week as there were safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of the dock. Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was good. Weather conditions included sporadic rain events, with 0.93 inches of precipitation recorded at T.F. Green. Blackstone River flow fluctuated as there were small but frequent rain events . Surface salinity averaged 4.6 ppt and ranged from 1.8 ppt to 12.5 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 15.6 ppt and ranged from 2.3 ppt to 28.7 ppt. Temperatures increased this week, averaging 9.3°C at the surface and ranging 6.1°C – 11.6°C. At the bottom, temperatures averaged 8.1°C and ranged 6.5°C – 10.4°C.
Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing remained above the hypoxia threshold of 2.9 mg/L throughout the week. Surface DO average 11.3 mg/L and ranged from 9.6 mg/L to 13.1 mg/L.. Bottom DO concentrations averaged 9.9 mg/L and ranged from 8.1 mg/L to 12.8 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings remained comparable from last week, averaging 2.3 ug/L at the surface and 15.1 ug/L at the bottom. Maximum chlorophyll at the surface reached 25.2 ug/L on the morning of March 27th. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. Also, please note that isolated portions of suspect chlorophyll data from March 26th to March 31st were excluded from the summary.
Bullock Reach
Bullock Reach sondes will be deployed later this spring for the 2023 monitoring season.