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| Submitter's Name |
Nelson Anderson |
| Session Name |
Poster Session - Springs & Rivers |
| Poster Number |
37 |
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| Author(s) |
Nelson Anderson, University of Florida (Presenting Author) |
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Matthew Cohen,
University of Florida |
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Robert Hensley, University of Florida |
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Lawrence Korhnak, University of Florida |
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High Resolution Lotic Limitation Assessment Through the Use of In-Situ Mesocosms |
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The determination of limiting nutrients in a lotic system normally requires a reach scale or ex-situ assessment. A reach scale experiment can find limitation for the system as a whole, but fails to discern fine scale spatial heterogeneity present due to differing types and densities of photosynthetic benthic coverages. Ex-situ experiments do not include field conditions, potentially giving an inaccurate representation. By using an in-situ mesocosm, solutes can be experimentally altered over a small portion of river bottom. By measuring GPP and biomass accretion in optically clear mesocosms, limitation can be determined for different species of benthic life over varying locations and conditions. . Here we present GPP and biomass responses of Sagittaria, algae, and bare substrate in Rainbow River, a major Florida karst spring fed river. Limitation was assessed on the basis of nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron additions, including all co-limitation possibilities. Results are expected to show iron limitation due to near absent surface water concentrations. This high resolution limitation data can be used to manage targeted nuisance species. |
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