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Total PhosphorusTotal phosphorus is a measure of several constituents, such as inorganic phosphate, and organic and particulate phosphorus. The concentration of this indicator is a measure of a range of phosphorus conditions that either either support (lower concentrations) or degrade (higher concentrations) a healthy ecosystem.
Maryland Coastal Bays - Indicator Details:
Threshold Map
Editable Vector Version (SVG)
High Resolution Raster Version (JPG)
Station Data Download (Excel)
This map illustrates the overall total phosphorus (TP) scores for each of the six reporting regions. In 2009, Sinepuxent, Chincoteague, and Assawoman Bays had good and Isle of Wight and Newport Bays had moderate TP concentrations, indicating that this nutrient likely has a relatively small effect on the water quality in these reporting regions. However, St. Martin River had higher TP concentrations, suggesting that TP in this region is likely responsible for some water quality impairment.
The percentage that the total phosphorus concentrations occurred in the various threshold categories during the year was determined.
Data Map
Editable Vector Version (SVG) High Resolution Raster Version (JPG) Station Data Download (Excel)
This map shows the median total phosphorus (TP) concentrations for all stations in 2009. In 2009, Sinepuxent Bay had good and Assawoman Bay had moderate TP concentrations, indicating that this nutrient likely has a relatively small effect on the water quality in these reporting regions. However, other reporting regions had higher TP concentrations, suggesting that TP in these regions is likely responsible for some water quality impairment.
Total phosphorus (TP) samples were collected at 80 stations, bimonthly to monthly over the entire year. Data from each sampling station was used to calculate an attainment score based on multiple health-based thresholds. TP scores for each sampling station were then averaged by reporting region and mapped.
Ranking
Comparison of Bay Health Index scores for 2009 (
) compared to (
)| Score (%) | |
| 0 20 40 60 80 100 |
| Sinepuxent Bay | |
| Assawoman Bay | |
| Chincoteague Bay | |
| Overall Coastal Bays | |
| Isle of Wight Bay | |
| Newport Bay | |
| St. Martin River |
This figure ranks each region from best to worst for total phosphorus. The Sinepuxent Bay region had the best TP score, followed by Assawoman Bay, and the remainder were somewhat variable (i.e., scores ranging from 36 to 63).
Excel SpreadsheetThreshold Levels
| Score | Thresholds (mg L-1) |
| 100 | <0.025 |
| 80 | 0.025–<0.037 |
| 60 | 0.037–<0.043 |
| 40 | 0.043–<0.1 |
| 20 | 0.1–<0.15 |
| ≥0.15 |