Abstract:

This dataset contains field and lab data collected across all estuarine water bodies along the Texas coast. The temporal range of the data coverage is from 1969-04-17 to 2020-12-10. Total number of sampling sites is 381, with a monthly sampling frequency. This submission also includes a MatLab script to extract water quality information from data files of individual stations found on the website of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality https://www80.tceq.texas.gov/SwqmisPublic/index.htm.

Suggested Citation:

Hu, Xinping. 2023. Water column physical and biogeochemical data in Texas estuaries from 1969-04-17 to 2020-12-10. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/6pdpe3ra

Publications:

Hu, X., & Yin, H. (2025). Physical and Biogeochemical Conditions and Trends in Texas Estuaries. In Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries (pp. 205–220). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-70882-4_8

Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries: A Regional-Scale Review, Synthesis, and Recommendations. (2025). In P. A. Montagna & A. R. Douglas (Eds.), Estuaries of the World. Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-70882-4

Purpose:

This dataset was obtained for the purpose of examining multidecadal changes in estuarine physical and chemical conditions as a result of freshwater inflow changes in the context of climate change.

Data Parameters and Units:

Date (MM/DD/YYYY), Station ID, latitude (decimal degrees), longitude (decimal degrees), Depth (m), Salinity (pt), Temperature (˚C), DO (mg/L), Alkalinity (mg-CaCO3/L), pH, TOC (mg-C/L), Station Name.

Methods:

Depth, DO, salinity, pH, and temperature were measured using Hydrolab or YSI multisondes. Alkalinity was determined by acid base titration (hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, Method ID SM2320 B, ASTM D-1067-92), and TOC was measured by oxidation and infrared detection of oxidation produced carbon dioxide (Method ID: SM5310 B Combustion-Infrared, SM5310 C Persulfate-Ultraviolet Oxidation, SM5310 D Wet Oxidant).

Instruments:

Hydrolab and YSI multisondes.

Individual Files: