Influence of changing water sources and mineral chemistry on the everglades ecosystem

Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Human influences during the previous century increased mineral inputs to the Florida Everglades by changing the sources and chemistry of surface inflows. Biogeochemical responses to this enrichment include changes in the availability of key limiting nutrients such as P, the potential for increased turnover of nutrient pools due to accelerated plant decomposition, and increased rates of mercury methylation associated with sulfate enrichment. Mineral enrichment has also been linked to the loss of sensitive macrophyte species, although dominant Everglades species appear tolerant of a broad range of mineral chemistry. Shifts in periphyton community composition and function provide an especially sensitive indicator of mineral enrichment. Understanding the influence of mineral chemistry on Everglades processes and biota may improve predictions of ecosystem responses to ongoing hydrologic restoration efforts and provide guidelines for protecting remaining mineral-poor areas of this peatland.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Influence of changing water sources and mineral chemistry on the everglades ecosystem
Series title Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology
DOI 10.1080/10643389.2010.530921
Volume 41
Issue SUPPL. 1
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis Online
Description 36 p.
First page 28
Last page 63
Country United States
State Florida
Other Geospatial Everglades
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details