Heavy rains causing repeated river flood intrusions into Florida’s freshwater springs are changing the function of the clear natural resource. Recently published findings from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers Paul Donsky and Matt Cohen reveal that these intrusions can cause flow reversal worsening already present problems.
The intrusions force dark, murky river water back into the normally clear springs that push fresh water out. The reversed flow results in cloudy conditions that, when coupled with other problems like low oxygen levels and declining submerged aquatic vegetation, can exacerbate algae blooms that have long been blamed primarily on nitrate levels.
Read more about New Research Reveals Repeated Flooding Is Altering a Key Florida Natural Resource.
