Thrust Areas Ecosystem Water Institute Classification Level
Water, Land Use and Ecosystems Water and Climate Water and Society Water Resources Sustainability Springs Wetlands Watersheds Aquifers Lakes Coastal Zone  Water Institute Classification 1  Water Institute Classification 2  Water Institute Classification 3  Water Institute Classification 4
     

Florida as a laboratory for global urbanization, sea level rise, and future health risks of drinking water sources.
Goals and Objectives
 
Sea-level rise (SLR) resulting from climate change is expected to increase saltwater intrusion and subsequent contamination of fresh groundwater. In the past the major concern with this contamination was chloride (Cl–) and sodium ions, which are the major constituents of saltwater and cause unpalatable taste. An overlooked process during saltwater intrusion is the co-transport of bromide ion (Br–) with Cl–. Although Br– is present in saltwater at much lower concentrations than Cl–, Br– can form toxic disinfection byproducts (DBPs) during water treatment whereas Cl– and total dissolved solids (TDS) are predominantly an aesthetic concern. Accordingly, the objective of this research is to quantify the impact of SLR on the potential to alter groundwater chemistry and increase the formation of brominated DBPs during water treatment. The research project is underway by pursuing four specific aims: 1. Model saltwater intrusion in a coastal aquifer for one hydrogeologic region in Florida under different projections of SLR; 2. Quantify the variability in the ratio of bromide-to-chloride (Br–/Cl–) in a coastal aquifer in Florida under different spatial and temporal scales; 3. Model the formation of bromine-containing DBPs formed during drinking water treatment for varying degrees of saltwater intrusion; 4. Develop an applied science adaptation framework by identifying current coastal drinking water supply management practices and policies, the changes needed based on the new information about DBPs, and the barriers and opportunities for adaptation.
 
 
Available Outputs
Title: Abstract and Overview of the planned project
Authors: Boyer, T.H., E. Ged, L. Motz, J. Kurki-Fox, P. Chadik, J. Martin, K. Frank, P. Palomino
Project Lead
Boyer, Treavor H
 
Project Participants
Boyer, Treavor H
Frank, Kathryn I
Martin, Jonathan Bowman
 
 
EcoSystem:
Coastal Zones
 
WIClassLevel: 
Level 1: WI Affiliated Faculty Project
 
ThrustArea: 
Water Resources Sustainability
 
Sponsor
UF DIV OF SPONSORED RES OPPORTUNITY FUND
 
Grant Award Dates
5/1/2012 to 9/30/2014