Using Land Use and Land Cover Change Data to Observe Trends in Decreased Water Quality in Upper Escambia Bay and Blackwater Bay Caused by Increased Development

Keywords: Land use, human impacts, water quality, landscape indicators
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 69

Abstract

As the global population increases, rapid urbanization in coastal environments is a topic of concern for many coastal communities. Estuarine systems are particularly susceptible to the negative impacts development can have on the pivotal nutrient balance of the ecosystem. Traditional methods, such as in-situ sampling have previously been used to identify a decline in water quality, exhibiting a positive correlation of nutrient loading and coastal development on that decline. Conversely, landscape indicators (e.g, percent impervious, buffer width) are another method used; employing geospatial mapping techniques to identify the impact of land use and land cover change (LULC) variability on water quality. However, within the study area, there has been limited study of how the outcomes of these two methodologies might overlap and complement one another. This study will seek to identify any trends that might arise linking in-situ water quality sample data to geospatially analyzed data in the areas adjacent to Upper Escambia Bay and Blackwater Bay located in Northwest Florida. Findings from the study will ideally be used to promote the use of more sustainable development activities in the future and support adaptive management strategies for improved water quality.