Analysis of trends in water-quality data for water conservation area 3A, the Everglades, Florida

Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4142
Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service and the South Florida Water Management District
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Rainfall and water-quality data bases from the South Florida Water Management District were used to evaluate water quality trends at 10 locations near or in Water Conservation Area 3A in The Everglades. The Seasonal Kendall test was applied to specific conductance, orthophosphate-phosphorus, nitrate-nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and total nitrogen regression residuals for the period 1978-82. Residuals of orthophosphate and nitrate quadratic models, based on antecedent 7-day rainfall at inflow gate S-11B, were the only two constituent-structure pairs that showed apparent significant (p < 0.05) increases in constituent concentrations. Elimination of regression models with distinct residual patterns and data outlines resulted in 17 statistically significant station water quality combinations for trend analysis. No water quality trends were observed.

The 1979 Memorandum of Agreement outlining the water quality monitoring program between the Everglades National Park and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stressed collection four times a year at three stations, and extensive coverage of water quality properties. Trend analysis and other rigorous statistical evaluation programs are better suited to data monitoring programs that include more frequent sampling and that are organized in a water quality data management system. Pronounced areal differences in water quality suggest that a water quality monitoring system for Shark River Slough in Everglades National Park include collection locations near the source of inflow to Water Conservation Area 3A. (Author 's abstract)

Suggested Citation

Analysis of trends in water-quality data for water conservation area 3A, the Everglades, Florida; 1987; WRI; 87-4142; Mattraw, H. C., Jr.; Scheidt, D. J.; Federico, A. C.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Analysis of trends in water-quality data for water conservation area 3A, the Everglades, Florida
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 87-4142
DOI 10.3133/wri874142
Year Published 1987
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center
Description iv, 52 p.
Country United States
State Florida
Other Geospatial Everglades National Park, Water Conservation Area 3A
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details