Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications
Document Type
Poster
Publication Title
Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase
Abstract
The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) is a shallow, well mixed estuary on the East Coast of Florida. Presently, the IRL is suffering eutrophication due to a cycle of harmful algal blooms (HABs) that deplete the water column of oxygen (2,5). Deposition of organic matter from HABs in the sediment leads to reduced sedimentary oxygen, continuing to support the cycle of eutrophication through benthic-pelagic coupling (1,5). Anaerobic sedimentary conditions can increase concentrations of ammonium and sulfide, leading to seagrass loss (3,4,6,7,10). Bioturbation by infauna can extend the oxic layer of sediments, promoting aerobic processes and helping to remove nitrogen and sulfur from the sediments (8,9), interrupting the eutrophication feedback loop. This study investigates how sediment bioturbation by the polychaetae Pectinaria gouldii will impact sediment oxygenation and IRL sediments and explores their role in nutrient cycling and IRL seagrass restoration.
Advisor
Austin Fox
Publication Date
4-24-2026
Recommended Citation
Spohn, Natalie, "Tiny Engineers: How PolycheateWorms can Extend Sedimentary Oxic Layers and Create Better Seagrass Habitats" (2026). Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications. 87.
https://repository.fit.edu/oems_student/87