Data report, 31 August 1976: chemical and bacteriological sampling program, Houston ship channel

On 31 August 1976 a data collection exercise was executed in the Houston Ship Channel. This involved both chemical and biological sampling at selected locations along the Channel. Chemical analyses were performed for ammonia-, organic-, nitrate-, and nitrate-nitrogen. Population densities of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (Nitrosomonas group) and nitrite- oxidizing bacteria (Nitrobacter group) were estimated by the most-probable-number (MPN) method. Additionally, in situ hydrographic parameters were measured at each sampling location. The data obtained in this activity are presented in this report. This activity is one of several field investigations recently undertaken to investigate the nitrogen balance and circulation processes in the Houston Ship Channel. In May 1976, a preliminary chemical and bacteriological sampling effort, preparatory for the present work, was completed and reported in Doc. No. 7648. In june 1976 the DuPont effluent plume was tracked utilizing fluorescent dye. Results of this dye release experiment are reported in Doc. No. 7649. Further field activities include an extended dye release in the Houston Ship Channel and additional chemical/bacteriological runs, which will be reported separately.