Due to concern over the effects of microplastics on estuarine ecosystems and public health, restoration practitioners are switching from plastic materials to more “environmentally friendly” substrates. These natural materials (biopolymers, cement-jute rings) should not contain any harmful substances; however, the composition of these materials remains unquantified. In addition, they degrade faster in subtropical environments and were found to release nutrients under simulated site conditions, which is a concern for areas prone to high nutrient loads and eutrophication. Another of the most recent materials to gain popularity is basalt fiber bags, which are made from basalt rock that has been melted down and spun into fibers. However, little is known about the effects of basalt bags on biogeochemical cycling within estuaries. Chapter 1 seeks to determine how the presence of alternative materials will alter biogeochemical soil properties as they degrade over short-term field deployment using sampling techniques and measuring mass loss of materials deployed in litter bags. Chapter 2 aims to determine the chemical composition of the materials used in coastal restoration and how basalt fiber bags interact with water and microbial communities to impact biogeochemical properties and processes. Material composition, nutrient and metal release will be quantified for all materials, and microbial respiration rates, biomass, and enzyme activity will be quantified to assess the impact of basalt fiber on microbial activity. These results will give restoration practitioners a better understanding of the potential effects of alternative restoration materials on biogeochemical cycling in estuaries, and assist in deciding their appropriate use.
Cadie Barnes
Dr. Lisa Chambers, Advisor
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