Research Objectives

• ✓ Characterize seasonal variations in water quality parameters
• ✓ Assess sediment composition and contaminant distribution
• ✓ Identify pollution sources and transport mechanisms
• ✓ Develop predictive models for water quality management

Study Area

Study area map showing sampling locations around the Nueces/Corpus Christi Bay

Methodology

Water and sediment sampling across the Nueces/Corpus Christi Bay follows a rigorous protocol. All collection bottles and jars are pre‑cleaned by soaking in laboratory detergent, rinsing, soaking in a 10 % nitric acid solution and rinsing again with de‑ionised water. At each site, powder‑free gloves are worn, bottles are rinsed three times with site water, and three replicate water samples are collected by moving upstream to minimise disturbance of suspended sediments. Samples are transferred into amber glass jars with Teflon®‑lined lids, kept on ice and transported to the laboratory. Sediment samples are collected using a non‑reactive stainless‑steel scoop and stored in the same way. Analytical measurements are carried out using a YSI ProDSS meter for field pH, temperature, conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen; a V‑1200 spectrophotometer for ammonium and total phosphorus; ion chromatography for nitrate, nitrite and phosphate; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS) for heavy metals; vacuum filtration followed by oven‑drying for suspended sediment concentration; gas chromatography for pesticides; mechanical sieving and hydrometer methods for grain‑size distribution; and loss‑on‑ignition for organic carbon content. Sampling locations include Labonte Park, Nueces Bay, Sgt. J.D. Bock Park, Sugar Tree Apartments and Ennis Joslin Road.

Key Findings

Preliminary results reveal significant seasonal patterns: