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Potential Factors Controlling Benthic Algae in the Upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21

Fact Sheet 2023-3005
Prepared in cooperation with White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts, Colorado River Salinity Control Forum, Colorado River Water Conservation District
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20233005

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Abstract

Nuisance levels of benthic algae are becoming increasingly common in surface waters of the western United States and can compromise aesthetic quality, limit recreational activities, block water infrastructure, and negatively affect aquatic life. In cooperation with the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts, the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum, and the Colorado River Water Conservation District, the U.S. Geological Survey studied physical, chemical, and biological factors potentially controlling the occurrence of benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, from 2018 through 2021. Multiple approaches were used to assess nutrients and physical conditions in the upper White River Basin. A linear mixed-effects model was used to evaluate the relative effect of different factors on algal biomass across water-quality sites.

The frequency and severity of algal blooms in the upper White River Basin may be affected by long-term changes in nutrient availability and streamflow, specifically changes in the timing and magnitude of high and low streamflow. The effects of large peak streamflow, including movement of the streambed, may be the dominant control on the occurrence of algal blooms through years. Large, late, and long-lasting peak streamflow may limit algal blooms during the same year and into subsequent years. Without streambed disturbance, other factors such as nutrients and water temperature may have a larger effect on algal biomass.

Suggested Citation

Gidley, R.G., Day, N.K., 2023, Potential factors controlling benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2023–3005, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20233005.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Benthic Algae in the Upper White River Basin
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Potential factors controlling benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2023-3005
DOI 10.3133/fs20233005
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Colorado Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center
Description Report: 4 p.; Data Release: 3
Country United States
State Colorado
Other Geospatial Upper White River Basin
Online Only (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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