|
|
Tree Islands |
Plant Monitoring |
Periphyton |
The C-111 pilot study spanned the months just before and after levee
removal (September 1997-April 1998). This short-term study gathered baseline
data on macrophyte production, water quality, and water levee.
Since C-111 canal water may contain elevated nutrient levels, changes in water column nutrient levels were expected to increase in areas adjacent to the levee removal zone. The western transect (see map) was established running south from the edge of the canal with 3 sampling stations: W1, W2, and W3.
Preliminary results
Water levels varied with canal water level, with the highest water levels recorded near the canal before and after levee removal. After levee removal, total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in the water column doubled at W1 but remained steady at W2. The lower TP and TN concentrations at W2 suggests that
nutrient uptake is occurring in the marsh between W1 and W2. Total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were higher at W2 before levee removal and higher at W1 after levee removal. These results suggest that the marsh was a carbon source before levee removal and a carbon sink after levee removal.
|
|
| |
|
|