Design of a Laboratory Microcosm for Evaluating Effects of Dredged Material Disposal on Marsh-Estuarine Ecosystems.
Abstract
The use of laboratory microcosms for evaluating environmental effects of dredged material disposal in salt marsh-estuarine systems was evaluated. A preliminary design was formulated consisting of three separate compartments - high marsh, tidal creek and creek bank marsh, and estuary. These compartments were interconnected with pumps controlled by a series of timers for simulating tidal cycles. Areas of the various compartments as well as tidal height and exchange were based on data obtained for Barataria Bay, a salt marsh estuary in southern Louisiana. Data on nutrient dynamics as well as productivity and respiration were obtained and compared with data for the prototype. Based on results of the initial experiment, improvements in microcosm design were made, and the approach was tested in an experiment designed to compare the nutrient flux and biological community metabolism of a natural salt marsh with a marsh developing on dredged material.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA058953
Entities
People
- J. M. Falco
- R. L. Eley
- R. M. Smart