Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Koch, Marguerite

Abstract

Different physiochemical processes control phosphorus storage in subtropical versus temperate estuaries; however, few studies are available on sediment phosphorus storage from the subtropics. In this study, solid-phase phosphorus pools of northeastern Florida Bay's sediments were examined by sequential chemical extractions, separating phosphorus into exchangeable, iron-bound, calcium-bound, and residual organic fractions. Calcium-bound phosphorus was the dominant fraction, accounting for approximately 60% of the total phosphorus and 93% of the inorganic phosphorus. Residual organic phosphorus was the second dominant fraction, accounting for 37% of the total phosphorus. In contrast to calcium-bound and residual organic phosphorus, the concentration of iron-bound phosphorus was low, indicating a limited role of iron in long-term phosphorus storage. The fine-grained carbonate sediments of Florida Bay probably account for the large pool of calcium-bound phosphorus, while the proximity of the mangroves to the northeastern section of the Bay may account for the high residual organic pool of phosphorus.

Extent

75 p.

Comments

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2000.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Identifier

FADT15763

Format

pdf

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