Relationship between Salinity and Algal Biomass on Coastal Waters of Georgia Julia Steele Faculty mentors: Samuel Mutiti, Kalina Manoylov, and Christine Mutiti Georgia College & State University
An increase in frequency and intensity of storms coupled with sea level rise will result in saltwater intrusion on the freshwater bodies on coastal and barrier islands. This change can cause significant stress and reduction in biodiversity of unique aquatic systems on islands. The goal of this project is to map the spatial distribution and correlations of salinity, nutrients, and chlorophyll-a on Sapelo Island, Georgia. Parameters were measured using probes while lab samples were analyzed using benchtop equipment. Phosphate concentration was as high as 1.18 mg/L. Green algae, diatoms, and cyanobacteria biomass ranged from 0 µg/L to 70 µg/L. While Spatial regression analysis showed that there was a 40% positive correlation among phosphate and diatom biomass. ArcGIS analysis showed geospatial correlations among salinity, phosphate and diatoms. Algal diversity decreased as the water became more saline. These preliminary results imply that climate change has the potential to adversely impact aquatic systems. Julia Steele is from Lawrenceville, Georgia and is currently studying environmental science and public health. She is awaiting job responses from federal agencies like the CDC and the EPA along with international nonprofit organizations.
