You are here:
ASSESSMENT OF NUTRIENT EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE INDICATORS IN LAKE MICHIGAN COASTAL RIVERINE WETLANDS
Citation:
Detenbeck, N E., T. M. Jicha, C M. Elonen, L E. Anderson, M F. Moffett, J A. Thompson, AND B H. Hill. ASSESSMENT OF NUTRIENT EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE INDICATORS IN LAKE MICHIGAN COASTAL RIVERINE WETLANDS. Presented at Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Lake Placid, NY, June 2002.
Description:
Given the inherent spatial and temporal variability of water quality, it is unlikely that analysis of nutrients from isolated water column samples will provide adequate support for development and application of nutrient criteria standards in wetlands. The US EPA National Nutrient Criteria Workgroup has proposed several indicators of nutrient exposure in wetlands based on analysis of surficial sediments and plant tissue, that potentially integrate exposure conditions over time and space. In association with a Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Project (REMAP) to assess biological condition of periphyton, plant, macroinvertebrate, and fish indicators of nutrient exposure in 34 Lake Michigan coastal riverine wetlands. Nutrient exposure ratios in plant tissues taken from three vegetation zones, and nutrient inputs and net retention as measured by upstream-downstream differences in the water column and sediment trap deposition mineralization potential in sediment cores, depth of periphyton and submerged aquatic vegetation growth, and plant and algal community composition. Signal-to-noise ratios and sensitivity of nutrient exposure and response indicators are being examined along a nutrient loading gradient for inflowing tributaries. This abstract does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.