Project

Impacts of Iron on Eutrophic Nutrients in Two Florida Waterbodies

Full Title: Analyzing the Impacts of Iron on Eutrophic Nutrient Availability in Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie River Estuary
Late 20th-century research highlighted nitrogen and phosphorus’s influence on algal growth, shaping modern environmental management strategies. Despite efforts to manage nutrient runoff, Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Estuary continue to experience increasing phosphorus levels, with sedimentary iron likely playing a significant role in phosphorus trapping, highlighting the need for further investigation into sediment iron-phosphorus interactions and their impact on algal bloom formation.
Lead Investigator: Owen Silvera Osilvera2017@fau.edu Dr. Jordan Beckler Assistant Research Professor jbeckler@fau.edu
Project Team: Geochemistry and Geochemical sending lab
Award Amount: $24,999
Year Funded: 2023
Award Period: 2/1/23 – 1/31/24
Project Abstract:

Work of the late 20th century showed the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on algal growth and has since influenced environmental management to limit N&P delivery into aquatic systems. The phosphorus inventory of Lake Okeechobee (LO) has exponentially increased due to urbanization, despite nutrient runoff management approaches (e.g., TMDLs) in the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades system. Likewise, the connected St. Lucie Estuary (SLE) is showing signs of nitrogen limitation as a byproduct of phosphorus loading. Data streams show that sediments are evidently trapping phosphate in the SLE during sediment resuspension. Iron (Fe) is particularly concentrated in LO and SLE and is likely the source of phosphate scavenging. Although, sediment iron concentration evidently varies based on flow and rainfall in the Kissimmee River Drainage Basin. Meanwhile, feammox, a novel microbial process of ferric iron (Fe3+) coupled ammonium oxidation is apparent in LO. Thus, dry season (winter) iron depletion may result in enhanced benthic N-remineralization, contributing to N accumulation in the water column. The project proposes experiments investigating the significance of sediment Fe-P scavenging and Fe-N interactions, regarding yearly N & P fluctuations that contribute to algal bloom formation.

More To Explore

Promoting Coastal Resilience, Adaptation, and Equity in Florida

This proposal outlines a collaborative effort between Florida Sea Grant (FSG) and the University of Florida’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies to develop a statewide resiliency initiative called “Disaster Resilient Florida,” aimed at addressing coastal climate change challenges with a focus on underserved communities. The initiative will advance awareness, planning, and preparation for the impacts of coastal climate change on affordable housing in Florida, through capacity building, educational opportunities, partnership expansion, and support for marginalized communities.
View Project

Green Infrastructure Assessment for Climate Adaptation

The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) faces biodiversity threats and water quality challenges exacerbated by climate change, prompting the initiation of the Regional Resiliency Action Plan (RRAP) to address these issues through green infrastructure in Brevard and Volusia counties. The RRAP outlines objectives for prioritizing green infrastructure and promoting habitat connectivity, with ongoing efforts focusing on comprehensive land cover assessments, optimization modeling, and community engagement to support resilience planning and ecological restoration in Brevard County, aligning with Florida Sea Grant priorities and Stetson University’s mission for environmental resilience.
View Project

Enhancing Spatial Justice in Jacksonville’s Neighborhood Revitalization

The project addresses inequities in Jacksonville’s urban core by centering the needs of underserved communities and integrating community-designed spatial justice principles into infrastructure planning through participatory action research. Drawing on critical scholarship and recognizing the intersection of justice and infrastructure, particularly in the face of climate change, the project aims to understand and address root causes of spatial injustice, promoting social progress and environmental resilience through community-driven research and advocacy.
View Project
Florida Sea Grant Logo (2023 Stacked White)
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Florida Sea Grant College Program
2306 Mowry Road, Bldg. 164 | P.O. Box 110400 | Gainesville, FL 32611 | Tel: (352) 392-5870
© 2024 Florida Sea Grant. All Rights Reserved.

Report technical problems with this site to fsg@ifas.ufl.edu.
News
Events