Historical News
Phytoplankton Sampling
Phytoplankton samples were collected on October 30, 2024 at Bullock’s Reach and analyzed in the laboratory shortly after collection. Weather conditions and Sonde data were not recorded on this day. The qualitative tow net sample had a moderate filtration time. The filtrate was slightly cloudy with some golden brown particulates. The analysis of the quantitative whole water sample revealed a total of 260,000 cells/L. The microflagellates were found at 100,000 cells/L. The most predominant phytoplankton genera were Chaetoceros spp. at 104,000 cells/L, Leptocylindrus spp. at 26,000 cells/L, and Skeletonema spp. at 18,000 cells/L. Proboscia alata, shown here in a 100x phase contrast micrograph, is a solitary or chain-forming diatom that can measure up to 1mm in length. They are identified by the presence of a proboscis with a truncated tip and offset claspers. These diatoms are an oceanic, temperate water species and are sometimes found near the coast.
Water Column Profiles
Water Column Profiles
Water column profiles were conducted at seven locations in the Providence and Seekonk River estuaries on July 3, 2024 using a Seabird Electronics profiler. In the five days leading up to the survey, 1.53 inches of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green. Sites ranged from weakly to moderately stratified this week.
Surface Mapping
Surface chlorophyll data were collected on November 7, 2024, while the R/V Monitor was underway collecting nutrient samples in the Providence and Seekonk River estuary. The average chlorophyll concentrations were categorized as good in all areas surveyed. Overall, chlorophyll ranged from 0.53 µg/L to 17.57 µg/L with an average of 2.89 µg/L. The chlorophyll concentrations from this date are presented in the map below using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation.
R/V Monitor's Blog
The Data Stream deployed on a chilly but otherwise beautiful November day. The team retrieved the Bullock’s Reach Sondes for the final time in the 2024 season. The buoy is scheduled to be removed from the water for the winter in early December. The picture below was taken while on route. In the distant background, accentuated by a rainbow, you can see the wind turbines from Johnson & Wales University and Narragansett Bay Commission’s Field’s Point Wastewater Treatment Facility.