Title

Landscape patterns of periphyton in the Florida Everglades

Authors

Evelyn E. Gaiser, Department of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
Paul V. McCormick, South Florida Water Management DistrictFollow
Scot E. Hagerthey, South Florida Water Management DistrictFollow
Andrew D. Gottlieb, South Florida Water Management DistrictFollow

Abstract

Periphyton is an abundant and ubiquitous feature of the Florida Everglades, often forming thick mats that blanket shallow sediments and submersed plants. They are considered to be primary ecosystem engineers in the Everglades by forming and stabilizing soils, controlling concentrations of nutrients and gases, and supplying food and structure for other organisms. Distribution patterns are related to underlying physicochemical gradients as well as those hydrologic changes imposed by water management. Because communities respond rapidly to environmental change, their use has been advocated to provide indication of system degradation or restoration. The authors review studies on the distribution of periphyton in the Everglades, highlighting major findings relevant to water management, and also areas where additional exploration is necessary.

Comments

Post Print Version.

Copyright © 2006 Taylor and Francis.

The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2010.531192

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program under Cooperative Agreements #DBI-0620409 and #DEB-9910514. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Recommended Citation

Gaiser, E.E., P. McCormick, S.E. Hagerthey. 2011. Landscape patterns of periphyton in the Florida Everglades. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology 41(S1): 92-120.