Phosphorus (P) is by far the leading cause of most eutrophication in water systems. P can enter the environment through a variety of forms such as DNA/RNA, sediment/rocks (apatites), manure, and many other anthropogenic sources. For example, excessive amounts of horse manure in the C51 basin leads to high soil P concentrations. A high amount of P leaching into water sources then occurs, leading to eutrophic conditions and large algal blooms. Through nutrient analyses and phosphorus (P) speciation studies we can in turn determine how P moves through the ecosystems that feed the Everglades, Lake Worth Lagoon and adjacent water bodies. This research includes nutrient (P, N, Fe etc.) analyses of horse manure and bedding and the water and soils from and adjacent to canals that feed into the Palm Beach Canal (C51) as well as the Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) 1E and 1W. Not only will the various forms of phosphorus (DIP, DOP, POP, TP, SRP) be quantified through a modified Hedley Fractionation but the use of 31P-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) will detail the speciation (free ortho-phosphate, pyro-phosphate, poly phosphates, esters etc.). ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectrometry) will be used to determine total concentration for a variety of elements, notably metals. An in-depth study of the effect of metal cations (paramagnetic, diamagnetic, ferromagnetic) on 31P-NMR data is currently underway. Novel metal removal procedures for the cleanup of phosphorous containing samples without affecting the native P forms are planned. Additionally, phytoplankton and microphytobenthos will be collected from aquatic ecosystems and the communities assessed using pigment based chemotaxonomy using extracted photosynthetic and accessory pigments. Hopefully, the results of this dissertation research will aid in having stronger pollution prevention legislation enacted for restoring and protecting the Everglades. This may include locally monitored Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), new Best Management Practices (BMPs) and the-like.

Phosphorus speciation using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in order to trace phosphorus sources and movement in the northern Florida everglades and the C51 basin

254th National Meeting (2017)

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