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Stormwater impact to the freshwater Savannas Preserve marsh, Florida, USA

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Abstract

This study evaluated the water quality effects of both untreated and state-of-the-art treated stormwater on a Florida freshwater oligotrophic marsh macroinvertebrate assemblage during 1995–96. Twenty sampling sites were distributed throughout the length of the Savannas State Preserve freshwater marsh. Sites received runoff from natural upland areas or one of two major subdivisions that utilize the Preserve for stormwater disposal. Multivariate and other statistical tests were used to elucidate differences in the macroinvertebrate assemblage, and to identify specific water quality variables that correlated with these differences. Areas of the Preserve that received both treated and untreated stormwater were shown to possess macroinvertebrate assemblages that differed from those of natural areas, with the greatest differences being observed in association with untreated stormwater. Areas that received untreated stormwater had higher levels of pH, phosphorus, and hardness, and lower levels of dissolved oxygen; while only elevated pH and hardness were documented in areas that received treated stormwater. Several species were identified as important factors driving observed macroinvertebrate differences, and the abundances of these species were related to their environmental requirements. Several violations of State water quality and aquatic life rules were documented. On the basis of these results, a multi-agency task force has been convened to address the stormwater pollution.

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Authors
  1. Gregory A. Graves
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  2. Douglas G. Strom
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  3. Bill E. Robson
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Graves, G.A., Strom, D.G. & Robson, B.E. Stormwater impact to the freshwater Savannas Preserve marsh, Florida, USA. Hydrobiologia 379, 111–122 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003413228671

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