Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Alkaline Phosphatase Activity And Phosphorus Limitation In Marine Macroalgae From The Florida Keys And The Bahamas, Christine M. Urnezis

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment and coastal eutrophication are a primary threat to the biological integrity of coral reef ecosystems. Macroalgal blooms are one symptom of eutrophication and provide useful 'bioindicators' of the nutrient dynamics associated with the eutrophication process. This study used marine macroalgae to monitor physiological processes associated with eutrophication by comparing the degree of phosphorus (P) limitation in reef and nearshore environments of the highly developed Florida Keys with the relatively pristine Bahamas by measuring enzymatic alkaline phosphatase activity (APA), tissue composition, and water column nutrient concentrations [total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP)]. Experimental nutrient enrichment studies were …