Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Proceedings, Presentations, Speeches, Lectures

Event Name/Location

Proceedings of the 8th International Coral Reef Symposum

Presentation Date

1997

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Keywords

Skeleton, Algal bloom, Barium, Geochemical tracer, ICRS8

Description

Benthic algal blooms (e.g., Codium isthmocladum) have become increasingly common on reefs and hardgrounds of Southeast Florida. The contribution from possible responsible nutrient sources, including natural upwelling and local pollution, has not been quantified. In an attempt to differentiate each potential source, lattice-bound barium concentrations in the skeletons of two common Southeast Florida stony coral species (Montastraea faveolata and Solenastrea bournoni) were measured by isotope dilution inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). Specimens were collected offshore between 26˚01'-57'N at shallow (10m) and deep (20m) reefs. X-rays of skeletal slabs revealed annual density bands which guided annual and subannual chemical sampling over 20 years. Selected specimens were analyzed for oxygen and carbon isotope content to gauge water temperature and salinity. Results demonstrate historical Ba levels in corals and variability among species, seasons, years, and sites.

Comments

Full conference proceedings can be found at http://www.reefbase.org

Additional Comments

Proceedings of the 8th International Coral Reef Symposium Vol. 2. 1725-1730 pp.

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