The analysis focused on clarity and the amounts of oxygen, nitrogen, algae and salt in water samples taken last Spring and Summer. The Laboratory has been monitoring the harbor since 1987 in annual studies sponsored by the county. The Patuxent empties into the Chesapeake Bay about two nautical miles east of the harbor. Researchers were pleased to find the harbor water clearer in 1997 than in 1996. Clarity is an important indicator of harbor health because clean water allows sunlight to reach the harbor bottom, Wood said.
Sunlight is crucial to photosynthesis, which produces oxygen.
Of those, clarity and oxygen in Solomons Harbor had improved, she said. Summer seagrasses such as eel and widgeon grasses which were common 30 years ago have yet to reappear in the harbor, she said. Another sign of good health is declining algal growth. Algae levels in Solomons Harbor dipped in 1997, compared with 1996, the study found, although Wood said it is unclear why. Although things may be looking up for Solomons Harbor, researchers cautioned that the County needs to closely monitor the amount of nitrogen in the harbor.