Abstract
AbstractThis study measured 17 surface water quality (WQ) parameters in a 731 ha Conservation Effects Assessment Project watershed, Beasley Lake, in Mississippi, under varying flooding conditions from 2008 to 2022. To assess flooding impacts on lake WQ, data from before and after flood events were compared among three flood‐stage categories: minor flooding at 30.95 m mean sea level (MSL), 99.1 ha of the watershed inundated affecting 27.9 ha under conservation practices (CPs); moderate flooding at 32.17 m MSL, 235.1 ha of the watershed inundated affecting 69.2 ha under CPs; and major flooding at 32.78 m MSL, 331.8 ha of the watershed inundated affecting 87.0 ha under CPs. During minor flood events, only nitrite significantly increased (82%; p < 0.05) from pre‐ to post‐flood conditions. For moderate flood events, dissolved solids decreased 21%, whereas suspended solids increased 259%, and most nutrients increased from 33% to 199% (ammonium) except nitrate and N:P ratios. With major flooding, dissolved solids also decreased 22% and suspended solids increased 237%, with increased phosphorus from 25% to 164% (orthophosphate) and decreased N:P (36%). Correlation analysis showed greater flood duration (in days) and magnitude (as river stage) increased suspended solids and nutrient concentrations. Weaker relationships were observed with watershed and CP area inundation and WQ. Results will provide landowners and action agencies with predictive changes in WQ parameters based on flooding stage and potential impositions of effects through watershed areas that coincide with CPs.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call