Hydrologic Properties of Mangrove and Sawgrass Peat in Shark River Slough, Everglades, Florida

Authors

Nicole CordobaFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Geosciences

First Advisor's Name

Rene Price

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee chair

Second Advisor's Name

Leonard Scinto

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Third Advisor's Name

William Anderson

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Keywords

peat, everglades, hydrologic, hydrogeology, saltwater intrusion, peat properties, peat sediments, shark river slough, srs

Date of Defense

5-17-2022

Abstract

Peat sediments are the foundation of most wetlands, acting as a medium for water to flow through, governed by hydraulic conductivity, and as a potential source of nutrients. Shark River Slough is a known, main fresh waterway for Everglades National Park, distributing essential nutrients and freshwater into the wetland. Hydraulic conductivity was calculated through experimental (both in situ water and higher salinity water) falling head tests performed on mangrove and sawgrass peat cores. Nutrient concentrations were analyzed for the pore water released during hydrologic testing. Hydraulic conductivity values were higher in the sawgrass peat than the mangrove peat. No significant difference was found in hydraulic conductivity between in situ and higher salinity water. Total dissolved phosphorous concentrations were higher in mangrove peat porewater than in sawgrass peat porewater. Higher hydraulic conductivity in sawgrass peat allows water and nutrients to be transported more easily between surface water and groundwater.

Identifier

FIDC010810

Recommended Citation

Cordoba, Nicole, "Hydrologic Properties of Mangrove and Sawgrass Peat in Shark River Slough, Everglades, Florida" (2022). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5129.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/5129