Biocomplexity- Incubation Activity: Exploration of Feedback Mechanisms Influencing contaminant Flux and the Ecology of the Lower Mississippi River System

Tulane University, New Orleans LA

Investigators

Abstract

0084052 George A multi-disciplinary team of scientists has been assembled to study the complex issues governing the effects of human activity and climatic fluctuations on the interrelationships between contaminants and biota in the Lower Mississippi River. Workshops and discussions will be conducted examining the river and its entire watershed, defining all natural forces and anthropogenic activities as "subsystems" whose various elements account for the observable condition of the "whole." This project centers around a 3-million record database of water quality information for the Lower Mississippi River, and incorporates a new approach to comprehensive compilation of data from heterogeneous sources, using integrated batch analysis techniques and an associated geographic information system to evaluate data quality, comparability, and water quality trends. Project activities will provide the framework for a comprehensive effort to develop a predictive model of the interrelated system elements and their endpoint effects on the water quality and ecology of the Lower Mississippi River.