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Thesis
THE EFFECTS OF HUMAN AND CLIMATIC IMPACTS ON SEDIMIENT NITROGEN DYNAMICS IN ESCAMBIA BAY, FLORIDA
University of West Florida
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2006
Abstract
Potential nitrification rates and benthic flux measurements (NO2-+NO3-, NH4+, DIP, DSi, and SOC) were measured during the fall of 2005 at 12 different sites in Escambia Bay, Florida. Escambia Bay is a highly productive estuary whose major environmental problems include urban and agricultural runoff and point source discharges. A significant industrial spill occurred in 1969 when Monsanto Industrial Plant contaminated the bay with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are still present in the sediment over 40 years later. While PCB effects on marine life are well documented, much less is known of its effects on sediment nitrogen dynamics. Due to the sensitivity of nitrifying bacteria, PCBs were hypothesized to inhibit potential nitrification rates, but this study found no trend between PCB content and potential nitrification rates. In addition to anthropogenic effects, climatic impacts, such as two hurricanes, have affected the bay in recent years. Benthic fluxes from 2005 were compared to prestorm flux data and no significant long term storm effects were found. Potential nitrification rates from 2005 were compared to prestorm 2004 potential nitrification rates and significant differences were seen at the shallow site, but not at the deeper site.
Details
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF HUMAN AND CLIMATIC IMPACTS ON SEDIMIENT NITROGEN DYNAMICS IN ESCAMBIA BAY, FLORIDA
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Publisher
- University of West Florida
- Format
- text
- Identifiers
- 99380090743206600
- Academic Unit
- Biology
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida