Understanding Seasonal Shifts In The Chemistry of Nueces and Sabinal Rivers

Abstract

This study examines the characteristics of seasonal changes in surface water parameters for two rivers in south central Texas: the Nueces River and the Sabinal River. In the winter of 2024, the Nueces River exhibited lower temperatures and relatively lower conductivity, whereas the Sabinal River showed slightly higher conductivity despite lower temperatures. In the summer of 2024, the Nueces River showed a temperature rise, lowered pH but higher conductivity levels. In the fall of 2024, the Sabinal River demonstrated a noticeable increase in temperature and conductivity. The observed changes over seasons in surface water systems could indicate increased ion dissolution, potential runoff, possible dilution effects, anthropogenic influence and rock-water interactions