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LRHO
Research
Some of the recently completed research projects in the Natural
Resources Department include examining the influence of ecosystem
properties, land use patterns, human population density, and property
values on water quality by examining differences in water quality
among sub-basins. We are also addressing long-term changes
in water quality associated with changes in these watershed attributes
over time in the entire Lamprey River basin. Results to date
show a strong influence of population density on nitrate in stream
water, but no effect on phosphate or dissolved organic matter. Property
values also affect nitrate levels, with higher property value per
ha associated with higher nitrate concentration and flux. New
projects under way include measuring total nitrogen inputs and outputs
to the basin, in-stream changes in nitrogen along the main stem,
changes in nitrogen in the riparian zone of small tributaries and
examination of linkages between the quality of groundwater, surface
water and landscape characteristics. Initial results show that there
is a large amount of nitrogen retention in the Lamprey River basin
and that increased groundwater nitrate concentrations are associated
with increased population density.
Completed Projects
Current Projects
Ongoing Projects

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