Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Biology

First Advisor's Name

James W. Fourqurean

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Jennifer H. Richards

Third Advisor's Name

John F. Meeder

Fourth Advisor's Name

Joseph N. Boyer

Date of Defense

5-23-2007

Abstract

Most studies have focused on nutrient inputs from rivers, atmosphere, and nonpoint runoff. One often overlooked source of nutrient loading is submarine groundwater discharge. For this reason, a 207 site survey and four transects were established to document spatial distribution of macrophytes, quantify potential groundwater discharge and associated nutrient concentrations, estimate water column nutrient concentrations, and relate nutrient availability to seagrass stoichiometry. A significant decline in Thalassia testudinum and an associated increase in Halodule wrightii were significantly correlated with decreased salinity and increased ammonium and total phosphorus concentrations from surface and groundwater. Total phosphorus loading from groundwater was estimated to be 2.55 metric tons y-1 in the Black Point area, almost half the phosphorus load to all of southern Biscayne Bay from the canals. These findings indicate that nutrients in groundwater are important in determining seagrass community structure and spatial distribution in the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay.

Identifier

FI15102791

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Included in

Biology Commons

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