Feeder Canal effects on Nutrient Levels in Florida's Intracoastal Waterway

Water Pollution is a serious issue in South Florida’s coastal waters with runoff being a major concern. Fertilizers are washed off lawns and golf courses and into storm drains and dumped into the intracoastal waters. This runoff causes change in water chemistry due to the high level of nutrients. This research examines the relationship between feeder canals and nutrient levels in South Florida’s intracoastal waterways. Water samples will be collected from two sites, one with many feeder canals and one with no feeder canals. Nutrient levels from these sites will be measured at three different tide levels, high tide, low tide and slack tide. A comparison of the results between sites and type of tide will be done to determine if the presence of feeder canals influences the levels of nutrients in the surrounding intracoastal waters.