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Gulf of Mexico integrated science - Tampa Bay study, the impact of groundwater and contaminants on Tampa Bay

Open-File Report 2005-1015
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20051015

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Abstract

Despite the recreational and economic value of coastal bays and estuaries, these ecosystems are often among our most 'troubled' natural environments. Urbanization, agriculture, mining, and shipping are just a few activities that can have a profound and lasting impact on the coastal zone. In order to maintain a healthy coastal ecosystem, it is crucial to develop reasonable management practices around expert scientific information. We still have much to learn about the quantity and quality of groundwater being discharged into Tampa Bay, Florida. We also need to improve our knowledge of a wide range of contaminants entering the bay and must be able to determine where they accumulate in seafloor sediments. Such buried contaminants can potentially be harmful to biota if they are released to the water column. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists and research partners from the University of South Florida (USF), the University of Florida (UF), and the Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) are mapping sources of groundwater, measuring groundwater flow into Tampa Bay, and assessing the impact of contaminants and sediments on bay water quality and ecosystem health.

Suggested Citation

Swarzenski, P.W., 2005, Gulf of Mexico integrated science - Tampa Bay study, the impact of groundwater and contaminants on Tampa Bay: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2005-1015, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20051015.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Gulf of Mexico integrated science - Tampa Bay study, the impact of groundwater and contaminants on Tampa Bay
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2005-1015
DOI 10.3133/ofr20051015
Year Published 2005
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) U.S. Geological Survey
Description 2 p.
Additional publication details