Dock Sampling

The dock sampling was set up in an effort to monitor daily changes in phytoplankton concentration in the Damariscotta River. A water sample from the River is taken 2-5 mornings a week and analyzed for chlorophyll concentration using a Turner Designs fluorometer. We have been able to observe both the spring and fall phytoplankton blooms in the Damariscotta River.

Below is a graph of the chlorophyll concentration off the dock here at the Darling Center since July 11, 2002 (see next graph down for 2006 plot):
 

Below is a graph of the chlorophyll concentration off the dock here at the Darling Center since January 1, 2006:

The amount of light that is available at the surface of the river is an important part of phytoplankton bloom cycles.  We have a sensor which logs the photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) 3m above the water level on the river.

Below is a graph of the integrated light each day since we began taking this data (2/8/02):

Links to 2006 monthly PAR plots:

January '06, February '06, March '06, April '06, May '06, June '06, July '06, August '06

Links to 2005 monthly PAR plots:

January '05, February '05, March '05, April '05, May '05, June '05, July '05, August '05, September '05, October '05, November '05, December '05