Research

Environmental Institute

Clement Taylor

Liza Jackson

Rachel, sampling

Biogeochemical Assessment of Storm Water Stream Restoration Projects

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) has been funded to complete reconstruction projects on two storm water streams (located at Liza Jackson Park in Fort Walton Beach, FL and Clement Taylor Park in Destin, FL) within the Choctawhatchee Basin. The purpose of the restoration project is to increase the curvature of the streams in an effort to decrease their speed, allowing for more natural filtration of the stream water prior to entering the main channel of the Choctawhatchee, thereby increasing water quality of the Choctawhatchee. We are investigating the impact these reconstruction projects will have on biogeochemical cycling in the area where these sites discharge.

Dissolved Organic Matter and Red Tides in the Choctawhatchee Estuary

Several of the bayous within the Choctawhatchee Estuary have experienced somewhat regular red tide episodes. We are investigating the cycling of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the Choctawhatchee, with a focus on how it relates to red tides. We are working with scientists from the Environmental Studies Department at the University of West Florida and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance on this project.