Abstract: Phosphate in Bottom Sediments in Myakka and Peace River Estuaries, Charlotte Harbor, Florida

Scott R. Grace

An investigation of the relation of sediment characteristics to the concentration of phosphate in the bottom sediments of the Peace and Myakka River estuaries and upper Charlotte Harbor, Florida, provided quantitative information for evaluation of possible environmental impacts of the phosphate-mining operations in the Peace River basin (using the Myakka River, where no mining has occurred, as a control). Comparisons of the concentration coefficients of sediment concentrations in the two estuaries with other sediment variables obtained from 15 cores, 65 cm deep, indicate significant differences in the two estuaries. The data indicate that higher concentrations of silt- and clay-sized phosphate, finer grain sizes, and greater amounts of organic material occur in the Peace iver estuary. Also indicated is the lack of iron-phosphate relations that are typical in estuarine environments. It is concluded that the differences in the two estuaries are related more to the phosphate-mining operations than to possible natural causes.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90961©1978 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma