The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) spans approximately one-third of the east coast of Florida and faces numerous harmful algal blooms. The potentially toxic diatom, Pseudonitzschia, has been observed in many locations of the IRL. The goal of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the factors contributing to population dynamics of Pseudo-nitzschia in the southern IRL system. Bi-monthly surface water samples were collected for 18 months from five locations. Cell counts enumerated all microphytoplankton, and environmental data was collected at sampling sites throughout the study by the Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network. Six species of Pseudonitzschia were isolated and characterized through 18S Sanger sequencing and scanning electron microscopy, all showed toxicity. Surface water samples also showed domoic acid (DA) presence. We report the first known occurrence of Pseudo-nitzschia micropora in the IRL and the first known DA production from this taxon. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (MS)--Florida Atlantic University, 2021. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The relationship between water-level fluctuations and wading bird nest numbers and nesting location is well documented, yet species-specific reproductive responses of wading birds to environmental drivers and nesting habitat type is poorly understood. Here, I compared the reproductive responses of two ecologically similar species, Snowy Egret and Tricolored Heron, to foraging conditions influenced by water management and examined the effect of nestling island type on the reproductive success of three wading bird species. Reproductive responses to foraging conditions were broadly similar between Snowy Egrets and Tricolored Herons, however this study revealed specific-specific differences that could lead to different population dynamics in response to management over the long-term. I also found that these two species had lower productivity at spoil islands than marsh colonies, whereas Great Egret productivity did not vary by colony type. This study demonstrates the importance of establishing species-species relationships between productivity and environmental conditions / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Yes / In this paper, a simple folded loop antenna (FLA) for handsets with relatively wide- band impedance, designed and optimized using genetic algorithms (GA). The FLA dimensions were optimized and evaluated using GA in collaboration with NEC-2 source code. Configuration of optimal FLA with excellent VSWR covering entirely the required GSM1800 frequency bands was found within the maximum generation. A prototype antenna was tested to verify and validate the GA-optimized antenna structure. The measured data have shown good agreement with predicted ones. Moreover, the capabilities of GA are shown as an e±cient optimisation tool for selecting globally optimal parameters to be used in simulations with an electromagnetic antenna design code, seeking convergence to designated specifications.

Every year the average American throws out more and more garbage. In the next five years, it is projected to increase 20-25 percent. This garbage, termed solid waste, is stored, collected, hauled and disposed of in some manner. The objective of this report has been to evaluate the City of Kissimmee's one-man residential solid waste collection system. The study results indicated this generation rate of the City to be 3.28 pounds per person per day, or 29.1 pounds per home per pickup. The productivity equations developed from the City data did not compare well with the results of EPA. Also indicated in this report is the effect of the percent pickup factor in a solid waste collection system and its effect on system productivity.

Lake Eola, in downtown Orlando, was the subject of extensive research to determine the impact of stormwater runoff to the lake and possible management alternatives. The focus of this research was stormwater treatment by chemical coagulation followed by detention. Phosphorus was the main parameter targeted for removal. Various chemical parameters were also evaluated included: TSS, VSS, NVSS, COD, TKN, NH3, TOC, TP, Ca, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Pb. The chemical coagulants used for this research included: alum, ferric chloride, and lime. The study involved settling column tests for the various treatment methods to determine stormwater settling characteristics and pollutant removal rates by depth and time. Detention of the runoff in the column for 120 minutes resulted in average removal rates of 55% for TSS and 30% for TP. Both alum and ferric chloride coagulation followed by 60 minutes of settling resulted in average removal rates of over 90% for both TSS and TP. Lime coagulation followed by 60 minutes of settling resulted in over 50% removal for both TSS and TP. Regression analysis was used to develop equation relating pollutant removal with time and settling velocity. Isoconcentration lines were also developed to predict pollutant removal rates for specific parameters.

Zooplankton abundance, hydrilla biomass, and physicochemical parameters were sampled for one year in a small central Florida lake. Annually, rotifers comprised most of the species collected and were the most abundant zooplankton group. Hydrilla biomass was lowest during winter and spring while orthophosphate and phtoplankton concentrations were highest. Zooplankton densities were highest when hydrilla biomass was low. Small-bodied limnetic herbivores comprised most of the zooplankton during the spring. Zooplanton abundances were lowest during summer and fall and may have been either directly or indirectly related to the hydrilla growth. Factors, such as lower phytoplankton and dissolved oxygen concentrations, possible increased predation by fish, and substances that may have been secreted by the hydrilla may have had a negative effect on the lake's zooplankton density. Littoral zooplankton species were frequently collected from the lake when hydrilla biomass was high. Species diversity (─æ) was lowest during winter and spring and ranged from 1.69 to 2.11; species diversity peaked during the summer reaching 3.04.

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Contamination of recreational waters with fecal waste, indicated by the presence of enterococci, can have consequences for human and ecosystem health. The difficulty in determining the extent and origin of fecal pollution in dynamic estuarine systems is compounded by contributions from sources including septic tanks and agricultural runoff. This study investigated fecal pollution at five sites with variable hydrological conditions in the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon. The distribution and occurrence of enterococci was assessed using traditional cultivation. A human-associated microbial source tracking assay was validated and applied in these estuaries using qPCR. Results demonstrated a correlation between enterococci concentrations, rainfall, and salinity. The human-associated assay was sensitive and specific in the lab; however, human fecal pollution was not detected in the field even though samples contained high levels of enterococci. This study highlights the importance of expanding the range of water quality assessment. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection