Paleolimnological investigation of recent sediments from Lake Monroe, Florida, USA.

Authors

Bryan P. Carroll, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Geosciences

First Advisor's Name

William T. Anderson

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Leonard J. Scinto

Third Advisor's Name

Evelyn E. Gaiser

Fourth Advisor's Name

Rene M. Price

Date of Defense

7-26-2005

Abstract

Sediments recovered in October 2003 from Lake Monroe, a hypereutrophic lake in central Florida, have been sub-sampled and analyzed for δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, TC, TIC, TOC, and TN. A chronology of bulk sediment and nutrient accumulation was established by radiometric analyses (²¹⁰Pb, ¹³⁷Cs, and ¹⁴C), to aid in evaluating spatial and temporal patterns within the lake since development in the watershed began. A continuous 100- year sediment record from Lake Monroe shows significant changes in production, sedimentation, and nutrient abundance following land settlement in the mid 1800's. Sediment nutrient and isotopic analyses demonstrate an increasing trend in nutrients, δ-values, and sediment accumulation relative to pre-disturbance deposits. The sediment geochemical record suggests increased production, possible nutrient limitation, and shifts in primary producer communities through time. The data demonstrates that these historic increases are a direct result of watershed development, land use alterations, and increased nutrient loading within the basin.

Identifier

FI14052589

Recommended Citation

Carroll, Bryan P., "Paleolimnological investigation of recent sediments from Lake Monroe, Florida, USA." (2005). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2059.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2059