January 07, 2009
This page last modified:
July 16, 2001
Seagrass Ecology
Salinity Fluctuation Experiments on Plants
Florida Bay Project Profile - 3
Question: What effect will controlled changes in salinity timing and distribution have on aquatic plants collected from Florida Bay?
Experiment: A mesocosm facility (a controlled environment) consisting of large flow-through tanks has been built at the Everglades National Park Ranger Station on Key Largo. Fresh water is supplied to the tanks by water stored and treated in a renovated swimming pool next to the Ranger Station facility. Salt water is drawn from a groundwater well located adjacent to the tanks. Mixing of the waters is being done manually until the project is budgeted for computer automation. Aquatic plants are being placed into the tanks and subjected to the various salinity cycles, as observed in the field, and are being monitored for patterns of growth and survival.
Findings To Date: Minor improvements in flow control are being investigated, as well as water quality control. The fresh water supply has high levels of chloramines and therefore needs dechlorination treatment. The saltwater supply needs a system for nutrient removal because the high sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorous, and dissolved organic carbon levels found in the groundwater can hinder the experiments by enhancing high algal growth.
Status: The flow-through tank system has been built. Collections of aquatic plants from Florida Bay began in the spring of 1998 and the first experiments are underway.
Restoration Impacts: The findings from this research will be added to a multi-species aquatic plant vs. salinity fluctuation computer simulation model. This model will enable the water management districts to predict flowrate impacts on downstream salinities and aquatic communities in northern Florida Bay.
Funding Source: South Florida Water Management District
Other Related Profiles:
The Florida Bay Education Project is an archived site. For more information go to NOAA's South Florida Ecosystem Education Project at www.aoml.noaa.gov/sfp/outreach.shtml.