NJDEP - Office of Science - Water Quality Research

Water Quality Research

Water quality research studies include forecasting algal blooms, bioassessment studies, ecological evaluations, nutrient concentrations in streams and Mercury deposition in aquatic systems.

Staff Expertise

Surface Water Quality

Tom Belton (609) 633-3866

Pesticides In Surface Water & Vulnerability Of
Surface Water To Contaminants

Judy Louis (609) 984-3889

Standards and Human Health

Gloria Post (609) 292-8497

Pollution Minimization Plans and PCB Source Trackdown in Camden City -
(August 2008)

A PCB source trackdown study was performed in Camden, New Jersey using the sewer collection system of a municipal utility authority (MUA). Sampling and analytical techniques were developed to identify PCB sources using innovative desktop, field and analytical methods including high resolution gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy; the quantitation of 124 separate PCB congeners for source signatures; the use of passive in-situ continuous extraction samplers (PISCES); and the use of electronic data interfaced with a GIS system to geographically isolate potential sources.

NJ Toxics Reduction Workplan for NY-NJ Harbor (NJTRWP)

Bioassessment Integration Study: Systems Ecology Evaluation of US EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocols in New Jersey (Macroinvertebrates, Periphyton, Fish, and Habitat) - March 2006 (5.79 MB - 226 pages)
The purpose of this project was to analyze existing fish, macroinvertebrate, and algal data to develop new methods for integrated stream bioassessment protocols. The goals of the project were divided into five main tasks with analyses focusing on data collected in New Jersey and adjacent states from sites in uplands physiographic regions (Piedmont, Ridge and Valley, Highlands)

Forecasting Algal blooms in Surface Water Systems with Artificial Neural Networks - March 2006
The original objectives of this study were: 1) to assess the feasibility of using artificial neural networks (ANNs) as a real-time tool or accurately forecasting cyanobacteria counts, more commonly knows as blue-green algae, in surface water systems; 2) through sensitivity analyses conducted with the ANNs, identify critical climate, hydrologic, and water quality factors (i.e. variables) that may influence algae levels; 3) assess the feasibility of using ANNs with formal optimization for optimizing water treatment processes for reducing algae levels; 4) assess and provide guidance for improving data collection/organization for the purpose of improving algae level forecasting capability with the ANN technology.

Research Project Summary
Full Report (2.87 MB - 211 pages)
Appendix (4.07 MB - 298 pages)

New Jersey Periphyton Bioassessment Development Projects Trophic Diatom Inference Models and Index Development for New Jersey Wadeable Streams (2000 - 2005) - The Academy of Natural Sciences (ANS) located in Philadelphia, PA entered into a contract with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) for the purpose of developing algal indicators of stream and river eutrophication.

Reports & Project Summaries

Office of Science
Dr. Gary A. Buchanan, Manager

Mailing Address:
Mail code 428-01, P.O. Box 420
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 0862

Office Location:
428 East State St., 1st floor
Trenton, NJ 08625

Phone: (609) 984-6070
Fax: (609) 292-7340

For Information regarding this site, please contact Terri Tucker.