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Thesis
SEASONAL VARIATION OF GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE AND GROUNDWATER NUTRIENT INPUTS OF WESTERN ESCAMBIA BAY, FLORIDA
University of West Florida
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2013
Abstract
Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is an important pathway for water and nutrient inputs to coastal ecosystems. However, since scientific interest in quantification of SGD only became popular in recent decades, much research is needed for accurate estimations both regionally and globally. Radon-222 and Lee-style seepage meters were used to determine Western Escambia Bay, Florida, SGD rates. A groundwater rate of 157 cm d-1 in summer and 46 cm d-1 in winter was needed to support excess radon-222 concentrations, while seepage meters measured rates of 1.62 cm d-1 for summer and 2.25 cm d-1 for winter. Radon-222 rates were likely influenced by shifting of the groundwater-seawater interface and selection of groundwater end member, while seepage meter rates appeared to be tidally influenced. Groundwater and porewater samples were taken via piezometers and analyzed for concentrations of nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen flux averaged 6.3 mmol m-2 d-1 for radon-222 and 0.22 mmol m-2 d-1 for seepage meters. Dissolved inorganic phosphorus flux averaged 0.23 mmol m-2 d-1 for radon-222 and 0.01 mmol m-2 d-1 for seepage meters. Nutrient fluxes were similar to Escambia River inputs, illustrating the potential importance of SGD in the biochemistry of Escambia Bay.
Details
- Title
- SEASONAL VARIATION OF GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE AND GROUNDWATER NUTRIENT INPUTS OF WESTERN ESCAMBIA BAY, FLORIDA
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Publisher
- University of West Florida
- Format
- text
- Identifiers
- 99380090758506600
- Academic Unit
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida