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THE USE OF STABLE ISOTOPES TO ASSESS POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ALGAL BLOOMS ON SEAGRASS AND MACROALGAE COMMUNITIES IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON, FLORIDA

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Date Issued:
2014
Abstract/Description:
Algal blooms have caused significant losses in seagrass and macroalgae in the Indian River Lagoon, FL. To gain an understanding of these effects, samples of Gracilaria sp., Halodule wrightii, pinfish, and white mullet were taken throughout October and November of 2013. Samples from 2001 of Gracilaria sp., Halodule wrightii, Syringodium filiforme, Thalassia testudinum, pinfish, spotted seatrout, and white mullet were also obtained. Stable isotope data were obtained from these samples and compared by year and species. Halodule wrightii and pinfish had a significantly larger 2013 delta C13 values. Halodule wrightii also displayed lower total %C and total %N averages for 2013 when compared to 2001 data. These results may indicate a link between Halodule wrightii and pinfish, with pinfish consuming organisms that use Halodule wrightii as their source of nutrients. The location of collections also seemed to play a role in stable isotope values, as indicated by samples of Halodule wrightii.
Title: THE USE OF STABLE ISOTOPES TO ASSESS POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ALGAL BLOOMS ON SEAGRASS AND MACROALGAE COMMUNITIES IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON, FLORIDA.
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Name(s): Azcona, Alexandra, Author
Worthy, Graham, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2014
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Algal blooms have caused significant losses in seagrass and macroalgae in the Indian River Lagoon, FL. To gain an understanding of these effects, samples of Gracilaria sp., Halodule wrightii, pinfish, and white mullet were taken throughout October and November of 2013. Samples from 2001 of Gracilaria sp., Halodule wrightii, Syringodium filiforme, Thalassia testudinum, pinfish, spotted seatrout, and white mullet were also obtained. Stable isotope data were obtained from these samples and compared by year and species. Halodule wrightii and pinfish had a significantly larger 2013 delta C13 values. Halodule wrightii also displayed lower total %C and total %N averages for 2013 when compared to 2001 data. These results may indicate a link between Halodule wrightii and pinfish, with pinfish consuming organisms that use Halodule wrightii as their source of nutrients. The location of collections also seemed to play a role in stable isotope values, as indicated by samples of Halodule wrightii.
Identifier: CFH0004552 (IID), ucf:45200 (fedora)
Note(s): 2014-05-01
B.S.
Sciences, Dept. of Biology
Bachelors
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Indian River Lagoon
seagrass
macroalgae
algal blooms
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004552
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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