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ECOLOGICAL CONDITION OF SOUTH FLORIDA ESTUARIES
Citation:
Macauley, J M., J K. Summers, V D. Engle, AND L C. Harwell. ECOLOGICAL CONDITION OF SOUTH FLORIDA ESTUARIES. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 75(3):253-269, (2002).
Description:
An assessment of the ecological condition of south Florida estuaries based on regional probabilistic monitoring was conducted during the summer of 1995. Samples and data were collected on water and sediment quality, benthos, and fish tissue contaminants. Elevated concentrations of metals and pesticides were measured in both sediments and fish tissue with some exceedances of guidance values. Bottom dissolved oxygen levels over 23-37% of the area were below state criteria. Using the probability-based monitoring design, useful information is provided to resource managers regarding estuarine condition on a regional scale.