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publications > paper > cascading ecological effects of low-level phosphorus enrichment in the Florida Everglades

Cascading Ecological Effects of Low-Level Phosphorus Enrichment in the Florida Everglades

Evelyn E. Gaiser,* Joel C. Trexler, Jennifer H. Richards, Daniel L. Childers, David Lee, Adrienne L. Edwards, Leonard J. Scinto, Krish Jayachandran, Gregory B. Noe, and Ronald D. Jones

E.E. Gaiser, D.L. Childers, L.J. Scinto, and K. Jayachandran, Southeast Environmental Research Center; E.E. Gaiser, J.C. Trexler, J.H. Richards, D.L. Childers, and D. Lee, Department of Biological Sciences; and K. Jayachandran, Department of Environmental Studies, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199. A.L. Edwards, Center for Biodiversity, Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, IL 61820. G.B. Noe, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA 20192. R.D. Jones, Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207. Received 26 May 2004. *Corresponding author (gaisere@fiu.edu).

Published in J. Environ. Qual. 34:717-723 (2005). ©ASA, CSSA, SSSA. 677 S. Segoe Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA. Posted here with permission.

A PDF version of this entire publication is available for download (7.6 MB) from the Water Resources of the United States website. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view this file.

Abstract

Few studies have examined long-term ecological effects of sustained low-level nutrient enhancement on wetland biota. To determine sustained effects of phosphorus (P) addition on Everglades marshes we added P at low levels (5, 15, and 30 µg L-1 above ambient) for 5 yr to triplicate 100-m flow-through channels in pristine marsh. A cascade of ecological responses occurred in similar sequence among treatments. Although the rate of change increased with dosing level, treatments converged to similar enriched endpoints, characterized most notably by a doubling of plant biomass and elimination of native, calcareous periphyton mats. The full sequence of biological changes occurred without an increase in water total P concentration, which remained near ambient levels until Year 5. This study indicates that Everglades marshes have a near-zero assimilative capacity for P without a state change, that ecosystem responses to enrichment accumulate over time, and that downstream P transport mainly occurs through biota rather than the water column.

satellite image showing location of the three experimental flumes; aerial photograph of one of the experimental flumes; and, photograph showing downstream view of one flume
Figure 1. (a) Satellite image showing location of the three experimental flumes in Shark River Slough in Everglades National Park, Florida. (b) Aerial photograph of one of the experimental flumes, showing the four treatment channels before the initiation of dosing in 1997. (c) Downstream view of one flume, showing initial 10-m header box where P is added and flow measurements are taken. [larger version]

Related information:

SOFIA Project: Effect of Water Flow on Transport of Solutes, Suspended Particles, and Particle-Associated Nutrients in the Everglades Ridge and Slough Landscape


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