Runoff and flocculation modify underwater light environment of the Hudson River Estuary

Abstract

Spectral quality of underwater irradiance was measured in the Hudson River Estuary at ten stations, which ranged from Albany to Battery Park, Manhattan. Incoming light is attenuated by a large, fluctuating load of terrigenous sediments and by phytoplankton. Photic depth ranged from only 0·6 m in late winter to 4·3 m in summer. All but the yellow and red wavelengths are eliminated near the surface. Much of the suspended material flocculates and settles within a day or more of standing in the laboratory. Floc patterns were also observed in the estuary from the air. Light transmission improves during the summer interval in direct proportion to the size of the algal crop, as measured by chlorophyll concentration. Circumstantial evidence indicates a self-clearing system which is based on co-flocculation of algae with clays and fine silts. The study suggests that a clearer estuary is possible when inputs of algal nutrients and suspended solids are managed.