OCCURRENCES OF NUTRIENTS AND FECAL INDICATOR BACTERIA (FIB) TO NEARSHORE WATERS OF JAMAICA BAY, WESTERN LONG ISLAND SOUND, NEW YORK

Increase of both organic material and nutrients in estuaries due to urban anthropogenic causes, poses serious threats. The impact is manifested in enrichment of fecal indicator bacterial (FIB) activity, and increase in BOD leading to potential oxygen depletion, both in the water column and in the sediment. This is particularly relevant in the Jamaica Bay, ~73 sq. km wetland estuary environment bordered by Kings County and Queens County of New York City. Jamaica Bay receives large inputs of the nutrients in terms of nitrogen and phosphorous from several point sources including wastewater-treatment plants (WWTPs), combined sewer overflows/storm water (CSOs) during heavy precipitation, and subway dewatering practices. Nonpoint sources including leachate from landfills lining the shores, atmospheric deposition, and subsurface discharge of groundwater also deliver nutrients. Recent improvements in storm water retention infrastructure by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) are expected to reduce the loading of pathogenic bacteria such as fecal coliforms and enterococci. This study attempts to capture the broad spectrum of microbial contamination and nutrient concentrations both spatially and temporally, by periodically collecting samples from various mixing zones (high to low) and locations close to point sources in Jamaica Bay area. EPA approved IDEXX and Lachet brackish water methods have been used for water microbiology and nutrient analysis. Preliminary data from an adjacent area show high levels of pathogenic bacteria (mean fecal coliforms >10000 CFU/100 mL, mean E. Coli >1000 CFU/100 mL, mean enterococci 10s to 100s CFU/100 mL). The results provide relevant information to stakeholders for effective management of issues related to the area’s environmental sanitation, and to public health problems and ecosystem degradation that might occur if appropriate management practices are not adopted.

Funded by US Dept. of Education (USDOE) Grant titled "Enhancing African American Students' Talents."