This research documents submarine groundwater discharge along the shore of Biscayne Bay. Seepage meters and groundwater monitoring wells, between the outlets of Mowry and Military Canals, were used to quantify groundwater discharge, nutrient concentration and loading. Discharge is greatest 185 m offshore and then decreases to zero 400 m offshore. Total discharge is 20.6 m3 m-1 d-1. The location of discharge is controlled by distance from shore and sediment characteristics. Generally, nutrient concentrations were highest in groundwater flowing through seepage meters, followed in decreasing order; shallow groundwater, deep groundwater and surface water. The ratios of Mowry Canal nutrient loading and groundwater nutrient loading is 6:1, 7:1, and 14:1 for carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, respectively.
Groundwater nutrient loading calculations indicate a negative impact on the Biscayne Bay estuary. Managers should address the source of the elevated nutrient concentrations and determine effective ways to reduce the negative effects of groundwater discharge.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fiu.edu/oai:digitalcommons.fiu.edu:etd-3284 |
| Date | 28 October 1999 |
| Creators | Byrne, Michael James |
| Publisher | FIU Digital Commons |
| Source Sets | Florida International University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations |
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