Abstract:
The water quality data that Mote Marine Laboratory (MML) has been generating for Sarasota County, Florida, since 1998 was examined to assist in the determination of numeric nutrient criteria. An apparent step trend in the values of total phosphorus was noted and investigated for its origin and influence on the overall data set. The trend was clearly linked to method requirements that were imposed (and then subsequently revised) as part of the NELAP (National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program) requirements for MML to maintain our certification through the Florida Department of Health. This report is a summary and assessment of likely impacts on the data.
