15 research outputs found

    Benthic Microalgae and Nutrient Flux in Florida Bay, USA

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    The objective of this study was to address the relationship between benthic microalgal communities and the phosphate nutrient dynamics of Florida Bay sediments and how they relate to benthic and water column primary production. In situ phosphate (P) flux between the sediment and the water column was measured in three regions of Florida Bay. Differences in the ratio of inorganic to organic phosphate flux were found between the three regions in relation to the amount of phosphate measured in the water column. Based upon the average sediment flux in my study, more than 1600 metric tons of P would be supplied by the sediment per year in Florida Bay. Based upon my measurements, dissolved nutrient flux from the sediment can be an important contribution to pelagic phytoplankton blooms in Florida Bay, accounting for 6.5 - 41% of demand and TDN accounts for 100% of the N demand. My findings were similar to others for both benthic nutrient flux and benthic microalgal chlorophyll a concentration. Benthic microalgae in Florida Bay contribute 700 kg Chl a per day to the system. Mesocosm experiments demonstrated that benthic microalgae and water column phytoplankton can respond differently to changes in nutrient availability. The dissolved nutrient in least supply in the water column does not necessarily correspond to the limiting nutrient for benthic microalgae. ³³P acted as a tracer between sediment and water column dissolved P pools. The presence of benthic microalgae enhanced the transport of ³³P to the water column as compared to simple Fickian diffusion. This was supported by the positive flux of dissolved P from the sediment to the water column pools in control treatments with a living benthic microalgal layer. Primary production by benthic microalgae were measured using dissolved O2 evolution and PAM fluorometry. Primary production for BMA habitat in Florida Bay was between 400 and 800 tons of C per day, based upon O2 production and PAM fluorometry, respectively

    Integrating inland and coastal water quality data for actionable knowledge

    No full text
    Water quality measures for inland and coastal waters are available as discrete samples from professional and volunteer water quality monitoring programs and higher-frequency, near-continuous data from automated in situ sensors. Water quality parameters also are estimated from model outputs and remote sensing. The integration of these data, via data assimilation, can result in a more holistic characterization of these highly dynamic ecosystems, and consequently improve water resource management. It is becoming common to see combinations of these data applied to answer relevant scientific questions. Yet, methods for scaling water quality data across regions and beyond, to provide actionable knowledge for stakeholders, have emerged only recently, particularly with the availability of satellite data now providing global coverage at high spatial resolution. In this paper, data sources and existing data integration frameworks are reviewed to give an overview of the present status and identify the gaps in existing frameworks. We propose an integration framework to provide information to user communities through the the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) AquaWatch Initiative. This aims to develop and build the global capacity and utility of water quality data, products, and information to support equitable and inclusive access for water resource management, policy and decision making.</p

    The contributions of Indigenous People's earth observations to water quality monitoring

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    Indigenous Knowledge, observations and understandings of Earth processes are not sufficiently included in global Earth Observations. Drawing on the results obtained during a 3-day hackathon event, we present evidence, best practices and recommendations to water quality organizations seeking to engage and share information with Indigenous communities. The hackathon event revealed three key findings: First, Indigenous Peoples report precise and accurate observations of changes in various Earth systems, particularly the hydrological cycle. Second, this information can significantly enhance global Outreach and Engagement efforts, aiding in the understanding of hydrological cycle components, water quality, mapping water courses, and monitoring and mitigating the effects of climate change (i.e., floods, droughts, etc.). Third, enabling Indigenous Peoples to contribute their scientific knowledge and utilize Earth Observations is crucial for the protection of other vital components of the water cycle. We addressed two crucial questions: What opportunities exist to include Indigenous Knowledge into Earth Observations, and what are the main challenges in doing so

    Integrating inland and coastal water quality data for actionable knowledge

    No full text
    Water quality measures for inland and coastal waters are available as discrete samples from professional and volunteer water quality monitoring programs and higher-frequency, near-continuous data from automated in situ sensors. Water quality parameters also are estimated from model outputs and remote sensing. The integration of these data, via data assimilation, can result in a more holistic characterization of these highly dynamic ecosystems, and consequently improve water resource management. It is becoming common to see combinations of these data applied to answer relevant scientific questions. Yet, methods for scaling water quality data across regions and beyond, to provide actionable knowledge for stakeholders, have emerged only recently, particularly with the availability of satellite data now providing global coverage at high spatial resolution. In this paper, data sources and existing data integration frameworks are reviewed to give an overview of the present status and identify the gaps in existing frameworks. We propose an integration framework to provide information to user communities through the the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) AquaWatch Initiative. This aims to develop and build the global capacity and utility of water quality data, products, and information to support equitable and inclusive access for water resource management, policy and decision making.Additional co-authors: Anders Knudby, Camille Minaudo, Nima Pahlevan, Ils Reusen, Kevin C. Rose, John Schalles and Maria Tzortzio

    Innovative solutions for global water quality challenges: insights from a collaborative hackathon event

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    Addressing the global water quality challenges requires collaborative efforts, multidisciplinary approaches, and innovative solutions. Here we report on the success of a special collective intelligence “hackathon event,” organized by five United Nations agencies and the European Commission, with the aim of reinventing engagement with diverse experts and stakeholders to tackle real-world challenges in water quality monitoring and assessment. Participants from diverse backgrounds and regions convened to devise inventive solutions in four key challenge areas, including (1) transformation of water quality data into water stewardship action, (2) empowering citizen scientists to improve water quality, (3) incorporation of Indigenous communities and their water quality knowledge in global information systems, and (4) routine monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in water. The hackathon approach fosters collective intelligence in a safe, creative and collaborative environment, enabling participants to harness their collective knowledge, expertise and skills. Key outcomes were conceptualizing practical frameworks and tailored toolboxes for diverse water quality innovations to improve monitoring, empower communities, and support policy-making. Emphasis was placed on the purpose and value of interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex global challenges, showcasing synergies between technology, environmental science, and social engagement. Hackathons are catalysts for collaborative innovation which unlock future endeavors in harnessing collective intelligence to safeguard our most precious resource – water.JRC.D.2 - Ocean and Wate

    Florida\u27s Black Water Event

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    In January 2002, fishermen first noticed dark, discolored water in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico near Florida’s Marquesas Islands, which they called “black water.” The accumulated evidence suggests the dark water was caused by a series of algal blooms, from red tide to diatoms, which were supported by both marine and estuarine sources of nutrients. The passage of fewer fronts during the winter of 2001–2002, combined with local circulation patterns and heavy rainfall, contributed to the formation of this expansive bloom that persisted for many months

    Data_Sheet_1_Innovative solutions for global water quality challenges: insights from a collaborative hackathon event.docx

    No full text
    Addressing the global water quality challenges requires collaborative efforts, multidisciplinary approaches, and innovative solutions. Here we report on the success of a special collective intelligence “hackathon event,” organized by five United Nations agencies and the European Commission, with the aim of reinventing engagement with diverse experts and stakeholders to tackle real-world challenges in water quality monitoring and assessment. Participants from diverse backgrounds and regions convened to devise inventive solutions in four key challenge areas, including (1) transformation of water quality data into water stewardship action, (2) empowering citizen scientists to improve water quality, (3) incorporation of Indigenous communities and their water quality knowledge in global information systems, and (4) routine monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in water. The hackathon approach fosters collective intelligence in a safe, creative and collaborative environment, enabling participants to harness their collective knowledge, expertise and skills. Key outcomes were conceptualizing practical frameworks and tailored toolboxes for diverse water quality innovations to improve monitoring, empower communities, and support policy-making. Emphasis was placed on the purpose and value of interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex global challenges, showcasing synergies between technology, environmental science, and social engagement. Hackathons are catalysts for collaborative innovation which unlock future endeavors in harnessing collective intelligence to safeguard our most precious resource – water.</p

    Integrating Inland and Coastal Water Quality Data for Actionable Knowledge

    No full text
    Water quality measures for inland and coastal waters are available as discrete samples from professional and volunteer water quality monitoring programs and higher-frequency, near-continuous data from automated in situ sensors. Water quality parameters also are estimated from model outputs and remote sensing. The integration of these data, via data assimilation, can result in a more holistic characterization of these highly dynamic ecosystems, and consequently improve water resource management. It is becoming common to see combinations of these data applied to answer relevant scientific questions. Yet, methods for scaling water quality data across regions and beyond, to provide actionable knowledge for stakeholders, have emerged only recently, particularly with the availability of satellite data now providing global coverage at high spatial resolution. In this paper, data sources and existing data integration frameworks are reviewed to give an overview of the present status and identify the gaps in existing frameworks. We propose an integration framework to provide information to user communities through the the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) AquaWatch Initiative. This aims to develop and build the global capacity and utility of water quality data, products, and information to support equitable and inclusive access for water resource management, policy and decision making.APHY
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