Physicochemical Characterization of the Lake Worth Lagoon: Lessons Learned from an Extensive Water and Sediment Sampling Collection.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT)

Room: Room 4

Author(s)

Lesmes A. M. Jerez, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate and Lecturer
Florida International University, Florida, United States

Co-Author(s)

Leonard J. Scinto

Chair and Professor, Department of Earth and Environment
FIU Institute of Environment, Florida, United States
Oluwatosin Orimolade

Graduate Research Assistant
Florida International University, Florida, United States
Randall W. Parkinson

Research Associate Professor
Florida International University, Florida, United States
Piero Gardinali

Professor and Associate Director, Institute of Environment
Florida International University, Florida, United States
Milena Ceccopieri

Postdoctoral Associate
Florida International University, Florida, United States

Abstract Submission: Greater loads of anthropogenically-induced stormwater pollutants, including sediments and nutrients, has been transported by man-made canals from Lake Okeechobee to the Lake Worth Lagoon (LWL) in Palm Beach County, Florida. The ecosystem of this urban estuary has been extensively degraded; however, the quantification of pollutant loads to the LWL is still unknown. This investigation delineates the source of pollutant loading and assesses the efficacy of upgraded stormwater systems via an extensive sampling collection. Specifically, this study collects sediment and water under two distinct flow conditions from (i) Lake Okeechobee, (ii) four transects located adjacent to L-8 and S-5A headwaters, and (iii) L-8, S-5A, and C-51 canals. Samples are analyzed for a complete physicochemical characterization of nutrients and metals. Results from this sampling collection and analyses provide (i) lessons learned from an extensive sampling collection and (ii) the unique spatial (i.e., location) and temporal (i.e., flow regimes) signature of analyte ratios with the study domain. Finally, this investigation advances the knowledge of elucidating the connectivity between upstream land use and water runoff and the fate and transport of pollutants to the downstream coastal system.

Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) :