 | | | Ongoing studies and technical information are available on the following specific subjects. |
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Seagrass in the Estuary
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| | Distribution of seagrasses in the Loxahatchee River during 2003-2004 (click photo to enlarge). |
Seagrasses are recognized as one of the most important habitats within the Loxahatchee River estuary and the Indian River Lagoon. Seagrasses play a critical role in providing sediment stabilization, nutrient cycling, detridal food sources, and nursery grounds for many recreational and commercially important fisheries. The main objective of this study is to document the density, distribution and species composition of seagrasses found within the Loxahatchee River and the southernmost portion of the Indian River Lagoon. The goal is to establish a baseline for environmental management efforts, such as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program. To request more information contact . |
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Project RiverKeeper
| | | The District created Project RiverKeeper in 1973 to focus on aquatic research and water quality within the Loxahatchee River watershed. Through project RiverKeeper, we monitor biological, chemical and physical trends in water quality, which allows us to quickly identify and eliminate pollution sources and access the general health of the river. To request more information contact today's river quality » |
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Continuous Monitoring of Water Quality
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| | Datsonde sampling locations (click photo to enlarge). |
Since 2004, the Loxahatchee River District has been using automated instrumentation (aka datasondes) to continuously monitor water quality in key locations throughout the Loxahatchee River. Presently, monitoring equipment is located at the following locations: Station 25 (south Indian River Lagoon), North Bay (NB; central embayment seagrass bed), Pennock Point (PP; central embayment seagrass bed), the mouth of Kitching Creek (KC; one at the surface and one at the bottom), and station #69 (start of the Wild and Scenic River reach). At each monitoring location, the datasonde monitors and records water temperature, salinity, and depth every 15 minutes. To request more information contact . |
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Benthic Macroinvertebrates
| | | Benthic macroinvertebrates are small animals that inhabit the substram or bottom materials of the waters found within the Loxahatchee River and Jupiter Inlet. These organisms can be used as biological indicators of environmental stress. Macroinvertebraates are limited in mobility and therefore tend to reflect the local environmental conditions. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the macroinvertebrates found within the Loxahatchee River and to establish an extensive database. The study started in 1992 and is on-going. To request more information contact . |
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Storm Water Monitoring
| | | Automated water samplers are used to document nutrient loading to the system following storm events. These autosamplers begin monitoring water quality based on the occurrence of a storm event, and collect water samples every four hours. These samples are returned to the WildPine Ecological Laboratory and processed for the following water quality parameters: turbidity, color, ortho-P, total phosphorus, total suspended solids, alkalinity, total kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia and nitrate/nitrite. To request more information contact . |
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Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network
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The Loxahatchee River Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network is a group of citizen volunteers who collect water samples at specific sites along the Loxahatchee River and Intracoastal Waterway. This information assists agencies involved in regulating the river with data for determining long-term, seasonal and temporal trends in water quality. Volunteers are trained and equipped with monitoring kits for weekly sampling at their designated stations. Parameters recorded include salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and clarity. Volunteers collect their data and submit it on a monthly basis to the WildPine Lab for compiling and analysis. To request more information contact . more » |
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Research
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