Florida Coastal Everglades LTER

Environmental data from FCE LTER Caribbean Karstic Region (CKR) study in Yucatan, Belize and Jamaica during Years 2006, 2007 and 2008

At a Glance

Graph data

Authors: Evelyn Gaiser
Time period: 2006-12-09 to 2008-05-03
Package id: knb-lter-fce.1119.6
Dataset id: PHY_Lahee_001

How to cite:
Gaiser, E.. 2024. Environmental data from FCE LTER Caribbean Karstic Region (CKR) study in Yucatan, Belize and Jamaica during Years 2006, 2007 and 2008. Environmental Data Initiative. https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/bd556eaf31ba7b68543b282ef7565b39. Dataset accessed 2024-04-30.

Geographic Coverage

This data set contains the following files.

PHY_Lahee_001
Environmental data from FCE LTER Caribbean Karstic Region (CKR) study in Yucatan, Belize and Jamaica
Attribute table details Download

PHY_Lahee_001_site_coordinates
Sampling site coordinates
Attribute table details Download

View detailed metadata as: HTML Text XML

Detailed Metadata

Dataset Creator(s)
- Name: Dr. Evelyn Gaiser
- Position: Primary Investigator
- Organization: Florida Coastal Everglades LTER Program
- Address: 11200 S.W. 8th Street
  Miami, Florida 33199 USA
- Phone: 305-348-6145
- Email: gaisere@fiu.edu
- URL: http://serc.fiu.edu/periphyton/

Dataset Abstract
Several studies have shown that within the Florida Coastal Everglades, periphyton mat properties, (incuding biomass, nutrient and organic content, and community composition) vary predictably in response to water quality.The Florida Coastal Everglades (FCE) wetland system is very similar with respect to climate, geology, hydrology and vegetation, to wetlands found in Jamaica, the Yucatan region of Mexico and parts of Belize. This study was therefore conducted to ascertain (i) the level of similarity between the periphyton diatom communities from karstic wetland sites in Belize, Mexico, Jamaica and comparable sites within the FCE, (ii) the relationship between periphyton biomass, TP levels and diatom community composition at these sites, and (iii) the feasibility of employing diatoms as indicators of water quality at these sites, using models relating diatom community composition to water quality from comparable sites within the FCE. Multiple wetland sites in Jamaica, the Yucatan region of Mexico and parts of Belize were visited between 2006 and 2008, during wet and dry seasons. At each site physico-chemical data were collected along with periphyton samples. The periphyton samples were processed in accordance with standard methods to obtain biomass, organic content and TP measures, and to identify and enumerate diatom and soft algae species. Various aspects of the diatom communities were then compared to previously compiled data on diatom communities from various parts of the FCE. SIMI analysis was used to determine the level of similarity between the systems and Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling was used to identify relationships between diatom communities and water quality.

Geographic Coverage

Study Extent Description
This study was conducted within multiple calcareous, shallow, short-hydroperiod, Eleocharis-dominated wetlands displaying similar characteristics in three countries. The areas visited included the New River Lagoon in Lamanai Outpost, Indian Church, Belize, the Slip River, Black River Morass, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica and the Sian Ka'an national Park, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Each wetland area was visited on two occasions intended to represent wet and dry seasons. The Mexico sites were visited in December 2006 ( which is typically a dry period but experienced high rainfall during 2006 and so served as a wet season sampling session) and March 2008 (which is typically a wet period but experienced low rainfall during 2008 and so served as a dry season sampling session). The Belize sites were visited in May 2007 (which served as a dry season sampling session and November 2007 (which served as a wet season sampling session). The Jamaica sites were visited in December 2007 (which served as a dry season sampling session) and March 2008 (which served as a wet season sampling session).

Bounding Coordinates
BEL2-Eddie's Lagoon2-May 2007
N: 17.78, S: 17.78, E: -88.639, W: -88.639

BEL3-Eddie's Lagoon3-May 2007
N: 17.785, S: 17.785, E: -88.633, W: -88.633

BNC2-Nico's Creek2-May 2007
N: 17.735, S: 17.735, E: -88.646, W: -88.646

BNRL1-New River Lagoon1-May 2007
N: 17.738, S: 17.738, E: -88.654, W: -88.654

BNRL2-New River Lagoon2-May 2007
N: 17.755, S: 17.755, E: -88.641, W: -88.641

BDC3-Dawson's Creek3-November 2007
N: 17.759, S: 17.759, E: -88.641, W: -88.641

BDC4-Dawson's Creek4-November 2007
N: 17.751, S: 17.751, E: -88.641, W: -88.641

BNC3-Nico's Creek3-November 2007
N: 17.733, S: 17.733, E: -88.641, W: -88.641

BNC4-Nico's Creek4-November 2007
N: 17.73, S: 17.73, E: -88.626, W: -88.626

BBC1-Bomb Crater1-November 2007
N: 17.719, S: 17.719, E: -88.627, W: -88.627

BBC2-Bomb Crater2-November 2007
N: 17.715, S: 17.715, E: -88.627, W: -88.627

BEL4-Eddie's Lagoon4-November 2007
N: 17.784, S: 17.784, E: -88.634, W: -88.634

BEL5-Eddie's Lagoon5-November 2007
N: 17.779, S: 17.779, E: -88.633, W: -88.633

BCC1-Crab Catcher1-November 2007
N: 17.664, S: 17.664, E: -88.641, W: -88.641

BCC2-Crab Catcher2-November 2007
N: 17.661, S: 17.661, E: -88.643, W: -88.643

BCC3-Crab Catcher3-November 2007
N: 17.663, S: 17.663, E: -88.634, W: -88.634

BLM1-Limonal1-November 2007
N: 17.619, S: 17.619, E: -88.642, W: -88.642

JDIGI-1-Digicel Tower Marsh1-May 2008
N: 18.06, S: 18.06, E: -77.786, W: -77.786

JSL1-Slipe River1-May 2008
N: 18.064, S: 18.064, E: -77.783, W: -77.783

JSL10-Slipe River10-December 2007
N: 18.024, S: 18.024, E: -77.814, W: -77.814

JSL2-Slipe River2-May 2008
N: 18.026, S: 18.026, E: -77.814, W: -77.814

JSL3-Slipe River3-May 2008
N: 18.025, S: 18.025, E: -77.815, W: -77.815

JSL4-Slipe River4-May 2008
N: 18.026, S: 18.026, E: -77.81, W: -77.81

JSL5-Slipe River5-December 2007
N: 18.032, S: 18.032, E: -77.796, W: -77.796

JSL6-Slipe River6-December 2007
N: 18.032, S: 18.032, E: -77.796, W: -77.796

JSL7-Slipe River7-December 2007
N: 18.032, S: 18.032, E: -77.796, W: -77.796

JSL8-Slipe River8-December 2007
N: 18.025, S: 18.025, E: -77.813, W: -77.813

JSL9-Slipe River9-December 2007
N: 18.025, S: 18.025, E: -77.813, W: -77.813

YPETN-Peten North-December 2006
N: 19.801, S: 19.801, E: -87.692, W: -87.692

YPETS-Peten South-December 2006
N: 19.8, S: 19.8, E: -87.692, W: -87.692

YMARN-Marisma North Side-December 2006
N: 19.827, S: 19.827, E: -87.51, W: -87.51

YMARN-Marisma North Side-March 2008
N: 19.827, S: 19.827, E: -87.51, W: -87.51

YDAHS-Dahlbergia South-December 2006
N: 19.872, S: 19.872, E: -87.714, W: -87.714

YMAH17-Mahahual 17-December 2006
N: 18.972, S: 18.972, E: -87.96, W: -87.96

YMAH17-Mahahual 17-March 2008
N: 18.972, S: 18.972, E: -87.96, W: -87.96

YMAH47-Mahahual 47-December 2006
N: 18.787, S: 18.787, E: -87.75, W: -87.75

YMAH47-Mahahual 47-March 2008
N: 18.787, S: 18.787, E: -87.75, W: -87.75

Temporal Coverage
Start Date: 2006-12-09
End Date: 2008-05-03

Attributes
- Data Table: Environmental data from FCE LTER Caribbean Karstic Region (CKR) study in Yucatan, Belize and Jamaica
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Region
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Region
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Project Descriptor
  
  Storage Type:
  
  text
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  B= BELIZE
  Y= YUCATAN MEXICO
  J= JAMAICA
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Site_ID
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Site_ID
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Collection Site ID Number
  
  Storage Type:
  
  string
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  text
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Replicate
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Replicate
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  1 to 7 replicate samples were collected from each site
  
  Storage Type:
  
  ordinal
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  text
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Date
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Sample date
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Sampling Collection Date
  
  Storage Type:
  
  datetime
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Season
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  time
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  sampling season
  
  Storage Type:
  
  text
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  W= wet (based on rainfall pattern during sampling period)
  D= Dry (based on rainfall pattern during sampling period)
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Water_Depth
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Water depth
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Water depth at sample site (Water depth in cm at 3 locations not necessarily the replicate sites)
  
  Storage Type:
  
  data
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  Units: centimeter
  Precision: 1
  Number Type: real
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  -9999 (Value will never be recorded)
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Water_Conductivity
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Conductivity
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Water conductivity at sample site
  
  Storage Type:
  
  data
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  Units: microSiemensPerCentimeter
  Precision: 1
  Number Type: real
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  -9999 (Value will never be recorded)
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  pH
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  pH
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  pH at sample site
  
  Storage Type:
  
  data
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  Units: dimensionless
  Precision: 0.1
  Number Type: real
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  -9999.0 (Value will never be recorded)
- Data Table: Sampling site coordinates
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Full_site_name
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Full_site_name
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Full site name with month and year visited
  
  Storage Type:
  
  string
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  text
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Region
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Region
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Region
  
  Storage Type:
  
  string
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  B= Belize
  J= Jamaica
  Y= Yucatan
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Site_ID
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Site_ID
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Site ID
  
  Storage Type:
  
  string
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  text
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Date
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Date
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Sampling Collection Date
  
  Storage Type:
  
  dateTime
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Latitude
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Latitude
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Latitude in decimal degrees
  
  Storage Type:
  
  float
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  Units: degree
  Number Type: real
  
  Missing Value Code:
  
  Attribute Name:
  
  Longitude
  
  Attribute Label:
  
  Longitude
  
  Attribute Definition:
  
  Longitude in decimal degrees
  
  Storage Type:
  
  float
  
  Measurement Scale:
  
  Units: degree
  Number Type: real
  
  Missing Value Code:

Methods

Sampling Description
Eleocharis wetland areas were located within the region of interest and before sampling was conducted, water chemistry measurements, including pH, conductivity, salinity and temperature, were taken. At each Eleocharis wetland site, seven 1m2 areas were sampled using 1m2 throw traps. At each plot, a photograph was taken to record the surface view of the quadrat and the cover of periphyton on dominant substrates estimated. Periphyton was then cleared from plot, placed onto a seine net and sorted to remove animals, plants and marl. Periphyton only samples were then measured using perforated 2000 ml graduated cylinder which excluded water, and the periphyton biovolume was recorded. Submersed plants were then measured in the graduated cylinder to produce a total biovolume (Periphyton plus submersed plant) biovolume. A subsample of 120 ml (volume of urine cup) of periphyton only material was removed and placed in a sterile sample bag and placed in a cooler with ice for transport to the lab. When no observable periphyton mat was present, flocculent detritus was sampled non-quantitatively from the benthos and/or epiphytic fils were scraped from any macrophytes present. In the laboratory, each periphyton sample (in its sample bag) was weighed and a wet weight plus bag value recorded. The sample was then transferred to clean beaker, homogenized in a few ml distilled water (enough to fully moisten). The total volume of the homogenized sample was then measured in a graduated cylinder and this volume recorded as the Total Volume. The dried sample bag was then weighed and a bag weight recorded. From the homogenized Total volume, a 50 ml subsample was poured into a pre-weighed aluminum pan, dried in an oven for 24 hours and later removed and weighed to produce a Periphyton dry mass (DW). This sample was then placed in a muffle furnace for 3 hours and again weighed to produce an ash weight (AW). A 50 ml subsample was removed, placed in a labeled 120 ml cup and placed in an oven until dry. The dried contents were then ground and analyzed for nutrients (total phosphorus, total nitrogen, total carbon). A 1 ml subsample was removed and placed in a microvial for soft algae analysis. A 10 ml subsample was removed, put in vial and frozen until oxidized and analyzed for diatom analysis. A 1 ml subsample was removed and filtered through a GFF filter which was then analyzed for chlorophyll a.

Method Step

Description
Eleocharis wetland areas were located within the region of interest and before sampling was conducted, water chemistry measurements, including pH, conductivity, salinity and temperature, were taken. At each Eleocharis wetland site, seven 1m2 areas were sampled using 1m2 throw traps. At each plot, a photograph was taken to record the surface view of the quadrat and the cover of periphyton on dominant substrates estimated. Periphyton was then cleared from plot, placed onto a seine net and sorted to remove animals, plants and marl. Periphyton only samples were then measured using perforated 2000 ml graduated cylinder which excluded water, and the periphyton biovolume was recorded. Submersed plants were then measured in the graduated cylinder to produce a total biovolume (Periphyton plus submersed plant) biovolume. A subsample of 120 ml (volume of urine cup) of periphyton only material was removed and placed in a sterile sample bag and placed in a cooler with ice for transport to the lab. When no observable periphyton mat was present, flocculent detritus was sampled non-quantitatively from the benthos and/or epiphytic fils were scraped from any macrophytes present. In the laboratory, each periphyton sample (in its sample bag) was weighed and a wet weight plus bag value recorded. The sample was then transferred to clean beaker, homogenized in a few ml distilled water (enough to fully moisten). The total volume of the homogenized sample was then measured in a graduated cylinder and this volume recorded as the Total Volume. The dried sample bag was then weighed and a bag weight recorded. From the homogenized Total volume, a 50 ml subsample was poured into a pre-weighed aluminum pan, dried in an oven for 24 hours and later removed and weighed to produce a Periphyton dry mass (DW). This sample was then placed in a muffle furnace for 3 hours and again weighed to produce an ash weight (AW). A 50 ml subsample was removed, placed in a labeled 120 ml cup and placed in an oven until dry. The dried contents were then ground and analyzed for nutrients (total phosphorus, total nitrogen, total carbon). A 1 ml subsample was removed and placed in a microvial for soft algae analysis. A 10 ml subsample was removed, put in vial and frozen until oxidized and analyzed for diatom analysis. A 1 ml subsample was removed and filtered through a GFF filter which was then analyzed for chlorophyll a.

References:
Hasle, G R , G A Fryxell. 25842. Diatoms: Cleaning and mounting for light and electron microscopy. Transactions of the American Microscopical Society, 89(4): 469-474.

Solaranzo, L , J H Sharp. 29280. Determination of total dissolved phosphorus and particulate phosphorus in natural waters.. Limnology and Oceanography, 25: 754-758.

Welschmeyer, N A 34501. Fluorometric analysis of chlorophyll a in the presence of chlorophyll b and pheopigments. Limnology and Oceanography, 39(8): 1985-1992.

Instrumentation
Portable pH/Conductivity/Temperature meter, Waterproof digital camera, Portable GPS, Biohomogenizer, Hand held blender, Fume hood Hot plate, oven, muffle furnace, Gilman fluorometer, Spectrophotometer, Carbon and Nitrogen analyzer (TC/TN, Perkin Elmer 2400 CHNSO)

Distribution and Intellectual Rights
Online distribution
https://pasta.lternet.edu/package/data/eml/knb-lter-fce/1119/6/73548e44ab3c725b6cbbe01a3b02a715
Data Submission Date: 2009-09-02

Intellectual Rights
This information is released under the Creative Commons license - Attribution - CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The consumer of these data ("Data User" herein) is required to cite it appropriately in any publication that results from its use. The Data User should realize that these data may be actively used by others for ongoing research and that coordination may be necessary to prevent duplicate publication. The Data User is urged to contact the authors of these data if any questions about methodology or results occur. Where appropriate, the Data User is encouraged to consider collaboration or co-authorship with the authors. The Data User should realize that misinterpretation of data may occur if used out of context of the original study. While substantial efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of data and associated documentation, complete accuracy of data sets cannot be guaranteed. All data are made available "as is." The Data User should be aware, however, that data are updated periodically and it is the responsibility of the Data User to check for new versions of the data. The data authors and the repository where these data were obtained shall not be liable for damages resulting from any use or misinterpretation of the data. Thank you.

Keywords
primary production, organic matter, inorganic nutrients, FCE, Florida Coastal Everglades LTER, ecological research, long-term monitoring, periphyton, water, diatoms, wetlands, pH, communities, conductivity, plants, biomass, total phosphorus, water quality, organic content, Belize, Jamaica, Yucatan, Everglades National Park, karstic wetlands

Dataset Contact
- Name: Evelyn Gaiser
- Position: Primary Investigator
- Organization: Southeast Environmental Research Center
- Address: Florida International University
  University Park
  Miami, FL 33199 USA
- Phone: 305-348-6145
- Email: gaisere@fiu.edu
- URL: http://serc.fiu.edu/periphyton/
- Position: Information Manager
- Organization: Florida Coastal Everglades LTER
- Address: Florida International University
  11200 SW 8th Street, OE 148
  Miami, FL 33199 USA
- Email: fcelter@fiu.edu
- URL: https://fcelter.fiu.edu

Data Table and Format
Data Table: Environmental data from FCE LTER Caribbean Karstic Region (CKR) study in Yucatan, Belize and Jamaica

Entity Name:

PHY_Lahee_001

Entity Description:

Environmental data from FCE LTER Caribbean Karstic Region (CKR) study in Yucatan, Belize and Jamaica

Object Name:

PHY_Lahee_001.csv

Number of Header Lines:

1

Attribute Orientation:

column

Field Delimiter:

,

Number of Records:

242

Data Table: Sampling site coordinates

Entity Name:

PHY_Lahee_001_site_coordinates

Entity Description:

Sampling site coordinates

Object Name:

PHY_Lahee_001_site_coordinates.csv

Number of Header Lines:

1

Attribute Orientation:

column

Field Delimiter:

,

Number of Records:

37

Metadata Provider
- Organization: Florida Coastal Everglades LTER
- Address: Florida International University
  11200 SW 8th Street, OE 148
  Miami, FL 33199 USA
- Phone: 305-348-6054
- Email: fcelter@fiu.edu
- URL: https://fcelter.fiu.edu

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Metadata

Environmental data from FCE LTER Caribbean Karstic Region (CKR) study in Yucatan, Belize and Jamaica during Years 2006, 2007 and 2008

At a Glance

Detailed Metadata