Research Article: Quality of Halodule wrightii growing near marinas

Abstract

Researchers are just beginning to discover the importance of seagrasses, such as Halodule wrightii, to coastal ecosystems, but unfortunately seagrasses are being eliminated because of human manipulations. In the current study three locations of seagrass beds in Tampa Bay were studied: seagrass beds next to Tampa Bayside Marina, outside the marina, and a control group from Ft. DeSoto. The marina sites are disturbed by boating activities, which do not occur at Ft. DeSoto. It is hypothesized that the seagrasses next to the marina will have lower chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid pigment concentrations as well as lower seagrass densities than at Ft. DeSoto because of boating disturbance and possible gasoline in the water. Although water analysis did not detect the presence of gasoline compounds in the water, seagrass density was significantly greater at Ft. DeSoto than the other two sites. Seagrass samples from each site were dissolved in Dimethylformamide to determine their photosynthetic qualities. From spectrophotometer readings at 480, 510, 646, and 664 nm the total chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid concentrations were determined. All tests supported the hypothesis that the seagrass beds had greater amounts of chlorophyll a, b, and seagrass density, but carotenoids did not have significant difference among the three sites. This research is the first step to a project monitoring the health of H. wrightii at Tampa Bayside Marina that is being transplanted.