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
Recommended Citation
Mir-Gonzalez, Danielle Lara, "Groundwater nutrient availability controls on nearshore benthic community structure in Biscayne Bay, Florida" (2007). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3525.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3525
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