Report submitted to:

Transcription

1 Report submitted to: South Florida Water Management District Procurement Department B-1 Building 2 nd Floor West 3301 Gun Club Road West Palm Beach, Florida Deliverable Task#12; Annual Report, Year #2 (May 2007 June 2008): Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP) Greater Everglades Module and Title: Monitoring Everglades Periphyton in Space and Time: A Chemotaxonomic Evaluation Contract # ML FAU PROJECT MANAGER / PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Dr. J. William Louda, Senior Scientist Director, Organic Geochemistry Group (FAU-OGG) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Road Boca Raton, Florida SFWMD PROJECT MANAGER Dr. Scott Hagerthey, Senior Scientist Everglades Division South Florida Water Management District 3301 Gun Club Road West Palm Beach, Florida Draft Submittal: May 17, 2008 Final Submittal: XXX XX, 2008

2 GENERAL INTRODUCTION: This contract involves the analyses of up to 480 periphyton / microalgal samples per funded year. Samples are to be supplied by various divisions / sections of the South Florida Water Management District (aka SFWMD, the District). Samples are then to be extracted and pigments separated and identified by the Organic Geochemistry Group (Dr. J. William Louda) at Florida Atlantic University (aka FAU, FAU-OGG). Data to be supplied to SFWMD by FAU- OGG includes both raw pigment data (e.g. g pigment X cm -2 etc.) and chemotaxonomic (Divisional) estimates of community structure derived from such data. CHRONOLOGY: Contract #ML was signed by Ms. Carrie Hill for the SFWMD Governing Board on April 21, FAU Sponsored Research activated contract for FAU-OGG on May 8, Task #1, kickoff meeting: This meeting was held among Ms. April Huffman, Dr. Scot Hagerthey, Darlene Marley from SFWMD and Dr. J. William Louda from FAU on May 23, An electronic copy of the report on that meeting was filed with Dr. Hagerthey on May 30, Task #2, Work Plan: Development of finalized Scope of Work, initiated by phone conversations between Drs. Louda and Hagerthey during the week of July 3-7, The first draft of the Scope of Work was ed to Dr. Hagerthey on July 14, 2006 and showed an anticipated full delivery date of July 17, After reply by Dr. Hagerthey (July 24, 2006), suggested changes were made and the work plan resubmitted (draft #2) on the same day. Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Conference (GEER 2006): June 5-9, Dr. Louda prepared and presented a poster covering the initial utilization of pigment-based chemotaxonomy for the spatial-temporal assessment and monitoring of Everglades periphyton. Participation in GEER-2006 was a funded part of the Response to the RFP that led to Contract #ML Hard and electronic copies of abstract (MS word) and the poster (Adobe pdf) were included within deliverable / task #3, quarterly report 1.1. Task #4, First Annual Report: The first annual report (Task #7) presentation was given to the Assessment Team on June 27, 2007 at the Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood Florida. The written report was filed with and accepted by the District on May 16, Task #3 / Quarterly Reports # inclusive were detailed in that report. Task #3, Analysis Year #2; Quarterly reports : All reports were filed on time and are present at the district. Task #4, Annual Report #2; This report. This report is being filed and the presentation to the Assessment Team will be made when requested / scheduled. All data to date is included with this report on an accompanying compact disk (CD). Data derived from samples picked up at the Skees Road lab on April 25, 2008 will be rolled into Quarterly report #3.1. 2

3 METHODS: Samples: Samples were collected by various teams within the overall CERP project. Most notably, to date, by SFWMD and Joel Trexler (throw traps) with Evelyn Gaiser at Florida International University. When notified, Dr. Louda picks up frozen (-80 o C) samples from the SFWMD laboratories on Skees Road in West Palm Beach and transports them to FAU in Boca Raton for analyses. Freeze Drying: Samples were frozen to liquid nitrogen temperature and placed under vacuum, in the dark for hours, on a standard freeze-drying unit (Labconco Corp, Kansas City, Mo, USA). Upon completion the dry weight and water content was determined. To allow for direct comparison between freeze-dried and fresh/frozen samples we applied a conversion factor to the fresh/frozen samples to convert the units to g g -1 dry weight. The conversion was obtained by determining the average bulk wet/dry weight ratio of the filtered mélange. Extraction: Samples were placed in a Teflon/glass homogenizer (Kontes Duall, 15 ml), 3.00 ml of extractant (methanol : acetone : dimethylformamide : water, 30:30:30:10, v/v/v/v: Hagerthey et al., 2006) was added and ground at rpm in a cold (ice bath, ~ 2-3 o C) 8-10 times in 3-5 second spurts with 5-10 second temperature equilibration periods in between grinding. The mortar of the homogenizer, containing the filter and extract, was next sonicated 4 6 times at ice bath temperatures, again in 3-5 second spurts with 5-10 second temperature equilibration periods. The mortar plus extract was centrifuged and the extract decanted and filtered through a 0.45 m syringe filter. Preparation of injectate: The HPLC injectate was prepared using 1.00 ml of filtered extract plus ml of ion-pairing solution ( IP ), according to Mantoura and Llewellyn (1983). Extraction solvents each contained about 250 pmol ml -1 of Cu-mesoporphyrin-IX dimethyl ester ( mm =305 at 394nm) as an internal process standard for QA/QC. Instrument response was corrected for each run using a correction factor (CF) derived from the internal standard (CF = added/detected). This factor averaged about 1.2, was then applied to the quantification of all pigments in the same sample. The precision of this technique was cross checked versus known amounts of chl a, chl b, -carotene ( -car), and zeaxanthin (zea) standards that were quantified spectrophotometrically prior to injection. Only small differences (~ ± 2%) were ever noted between the known injected amounts and those calculated using the internal standard correction methodology. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Separation and identification of chlorophylls, chlorophyll derivatives, and carotenoids was by the 2D analytical technique of reverse phase (RP)-HPLC coupled with full spectral ( nm) photodiode array detection (PDA or DAD). We used either (1) a Thermo Separation Products (San Jose, Ca, USA) Spectra- System AS3000 HPLC equipped with a P4000 Quaternary Pump and a UV1000 detector or (2) a Thermo Separation Products Model 4100 Quaternary Pump and a Waters 990 dual photodiode array detector ( nm). Data acquisition employed Windows Peak Simple TM or Waters- 990 software, respectively. Both systems were equipped with a Rheodyne Model 7120 injector with a 100 L loop, and a 3.9x150 mm Waters Nova-Pak C18 RP column (4 m packing, 7% carbon load, endcapped, 60 Å pore size, 120 m 2 m -1 surface area). Chromatograms were 3

4 developed using a ternary gradient (0.5 M ammonium acetate in methanol/water, 85:15 90% acetonitrile 90% acetonitrile/ethyl acetate, 30:70 in linear changes: see Louda et al., 2000, 2002). Pigment identification / quantification: Pigment quantification relied on the Beer- Lambert relationship. In the case of the Waters PDA system, we applied known extinction coefficients to the peak area of each pigment. In this case, given a flow rate of 1.00 ml min -1, peak areas (AU min) became AU ml. In the case of the Thermo Separations Autosystem, standard (Beer-Lambert) response curves were established (y in mv min, also = mv ml at 1.00 ml min -1 ) for known pigment concentrations (x in ng ml -1 or pmol ml -1 ). This allowed a best linear fit to be established for the biomarkers of interest (see chemotaxonomic assessment). Integrated data (mv min) from the PeakSimple data system were then converted to pigment quantities (cf. pigment response factors: Mantoura and Repeta 1997). Pigment-Based Chemotaxonomy: The premise of pigment-based chemotaxonomy is that direct quantifiable relationships exist between taxon-specific biomarker pigments and some proxy of biomass for each taxon. To date, the proxy of choice for oxygenic photoautotrophs is chlorophyll-a. In the future relation of chlorophyll-a to cell number, protein biomass and/or organic carbon should be possible and a Ph.D. student working in my lab is pursuing just such options. The details of pigment-based chemotaxonomy, as utilized, in this part of the CERP-MAP study are given below in Figures 1 and 2. In figure 1, the details of extraction and separation are presented in a graphical format. Extraction Separation Identification Quantitation SAMPLE (Vol., Wt. Area?) (Filtered water, periphyton Chunk of goo etc.) Fresh / Freeze-Dried (?) Extract MADW (30:30:30:10, v/v/v/v) + I.S. Grind, Sonicate, Steep, Repeat Centrifuge and filter Record UV/Vis of Crude (raw) Extract (Fluorescence [fo/fa fo/fa] if needed) Prep of Injectate (ion pairing reagents) Inject and RUN (RP-HPLC/PDA) Figure 1: Overall analytical methodology of pigment extraction and separation. 4

5 Figure 2 and the following equation are presented to convey the quantitation of the individual pigments and the subsequent conversion of pigment quantification into taxonomic estimates. The integrated datum for each pigment, as AU x min (absorption units times minutes) is then utilized in the Beer-Lambert relationship ( A = l c and thus c = A / ( l) Where = extinction coefficient for a pigment, l = light path {always 1 cm and cancels}, c = concentration given in the same units as, and A = absorption {aka AU}). UV/Vis (absorption spectra) nd Dimension of Identification and Use in Quantification 2 nd A = lc, c = A/l, = cv t Figure 2: Photodiode array generated ultraviolet / visible (UV/Vis) absorption spectra of pigments (Left upper= Chlorophyll-b, left lower = Chlorophyll-a) and an integration profile (right upper, s = 440, 410 and 394nm) with the resultant integration data (right lower) utilized In an Excel spreadsheet to calculate the mass and molar amounts of each pigment. In our lab, we calculate the amount of taxon-specific chlorophyll-a as part of the total CHLa ( CHLa) using molar amounts according to the following linear regression formula. Once the taxon-specific CHLa values are determined and summed then the individual contribution divided by the total (x 100) yields the percent of each taxon in the community. CHLa = [(1.1 x ZEA*) + (11.0 x ECHIN) + (?? x APHAN)] + [2.5 x CHLb] + [1.2 x FUCO] + [1.5 x PERI] + [ 3.8 x ALLO] Total community = [cyanobacteria (coccoidal, ZEA*) +(filamentous, ECHIN) + (nitrogenfixing, APHAN)] + [chlorophytes, CHLb] + [chrysophytes / diatoms, FUCO] + [dinoflagellates, PERI] + [cryptophytes, ALLO] Where: ZEA* = zeaxanthin corrected for the minor amounts contributed by other taxa (if < 0.0, ignored), ECHINE = echinenone, APHAN = aphanizophyll, CHLb = chlorophyll-b, FUCO = fucoxanthin, PERI peridinin, ALLO = alloxanthin. 5

6 The ratio of CHLa to aphanizophyll (?? X APHAN) is given as an unknown as there is no available modern data on that ratio and our own investigation of this relationship in azotrophic cyanobacteria remains for the future. However, we quantifying and maintaining records of the amount of aphanizophyll in all CERP samples so that the amount of N 2 -fixing cyanobacteria can be retroactively calculated from the pigment portion of the MegaData file. Once completed the addition of N 2 fixing cyanobacteria to our chemotaxonomic assessments will be of great help in following changes in these environments, especially due to phosphorous loading. Quality control / quality assurance continuation We now utilize 5 different chromatographic systems, each complying with the specifications presented in the Response and in the Work Plan, we constantly reevaluate retention times for (a) the ThermoSeparations 4100 Pump / Waters 990 and 996 PDA combinations with NovaPak C18 4 m 3.9 x 300mm columns (aka PDA system ), (b) the PDA systems but with a 3.9 x 150mm Nova Pak C18 4 m column (used for double checking echinenone quantitation), and (c) the ThermoSeparations Autosystem using the 3.9 x 300 mm column. Presently, we have added 2 Waters 996 PDA systems with Millenium software the third and forth HPLC-PDA systems. Over 75 known pigments were utilized to standardize the chromatographic system (Louda et al. 2002). In order to better dissect pigment arrays and classify periphyton contributors, FAU-OGG has purchased several additional known compounds (aphanizophyll, alloxanthin, diadinoxanthin, lutein, inter alia), of interest in this project, for RP-HPLC / PDA standardization. The firm of DHI Water and Environment (Denmark) provides authentic known biomarker chlorophylls and carotenoids. Presently we have 15 of these standards, to augment the 90+ pigment standards in the OGG lab. For the purpose of routine QA/QC, we ordered a certified mixed pigment standard set from DHI for use in all HPLC protocols in our laboratory. The HPLC chromatogram provided by DHI is given below (Fig.1a) as well as our separation (1b) shown as an output from the recently activated Waters 996 PDA with Millennium software. It should be noted that we are achieving baseline separation of lutein and zeaxanthin (peaks 17 and 18 in Fig. 1a) whereas the UNESCO protocol used by DHI does not. In fact, the DHI system actually crowds diatoxanthin (#16) into the dual peak of Zea/lut; #17/18). The DHI system does show some separation of mono- and divinyl-chlorophylls-a whereas the FAU-OGG does not. However, as the prochlorophytes are not found in these fresh waters, the ability to detect divinyl-chla is moot. Standardization of AutoSampling RP-HPLC System: In order to process large numbers of samples during the CERP-MAP program, it is necessary to use an autosampling HPLC system. In the case of FAU-OGG, we are using a Thermo Separation Products (TSP) Autosystem consisting of an AS3000 autosampler, a UV1000 (single wavelength) or, alternately, a UV2000 (dual wavelength) spectrophotometric detector and a P4000 quaternary HPLC pump. Data acquisition is via Microsoft Windows based PeakSimple data system for chromatogram presentation and peak area integration. Cross standardization of the autosystem and the Waters 990 and 996 PDAs (ng pigment from Pigcalc ex photodiode array detector) has proven facile and resulted in (Autosytsem {mv*min} versus PDA {AU*min}) peak area regressions with R 2 >> 0.9 in all cases (transmitted in 4 th Quarterly Report). This now allows the routine running of samples on the 6

7 Autosystem with 1 out 5 or 6 samples being ran on both systems as QA/QC cross checks. However, 1 out of every 6 samples is ran on both the AutoSystem and on a PDA system to provide a running QA check on performance. 1a 1b Figure 1: HPLC separation of a certified mixture of chlorophylls and carotenoids purchased from DHI (DHI LAB products, Agern Alle 5, 2970 Hoersholm, Denmark :). (1a = DHI HPLC, 1b = FAU-OGG HPLC). Chromatographic data and chemotaxonomic formulae have been standardized to weights per square centimeter (periphytometers) or per gram dry weight (grab samples). This will make it easier to link the district s MetaData and chemotaxonomic regression formulae can then be adjusted in accord with ground-truthing, light field and other ancillary data. 7

8 RESULTS: Sample Record and data: YEAR#1: Aug (#1; N=7), Oct.2006 (#2; N=58), Nov (#3; N=36), Jan (#4; N=34) Feb 2007 (#5; N= 46), Apr (#6; N=79): Total Year #1 = 260. YEAR#2 (this report): Aug.2007 (#6, N=145), Oct.2077 (#7, N=39), Jan (#8, N=10), June 2008 (#11; N=29). Total Year #2 = 223. Full listing of samples, pigment yields and chemotaxonomic estimations are given as Appendix 1(Excel spreadsheets) Discussion of chemotaxonomy and periphyton communities: Presently, we are using a first approximation simple regression formula, derived from both the analyses chlorophyll-a to biomarker pigments ({zeaxanthin plus echinenone}, chlorophyll-b, fucoxanthin, peridinin and alloxanthin) of several species of the various taxa (cyanobacteria, chlorophytes, diatoms {~chrysophytes}, dinoflagellates and cryptophytes, respectively) and literature searches covering these taxa. Currently, that equation is as follows: CHLa = [1.1(ZEA-ECH)* (ECH)] + [3.2(CHLb)] + [1.2(FUCO)] + [1.5(PERI)] + [3.8(ALLO)] *If (ZEA-ECH) is negative, it is ignored. Data to be utilized in this equation derives from the integration of HPLC chromatograms taken at 440nm. This is shown in Figure 1, as are the integrations at 410nm and 394nm for the quantitation of the pheophytins-a / pheophorbides-a and the internal standard, respectively. When bacteriochlorophyll-a / bacteriopheophytin-a are indicated in the 394 and 410nm traces, then an integration at 360nm is included for their quantitation. Results related to the objectives of the contract (ML061237): Quoting from the Statement of Work RFP ML : The objective of this work is to develop a robust spatial and temporal database of periphyton abundance and composition for the Greater Everglades ecosystem. This project will establish the current conditions of natural variability of periphyton structure in order to detect changes/trends with CERP implementation. This effort is meant to compliment, not replace, detailed taxonomic studies. Overall data set: The chemotaxonomic assessment of 223 samples of Everglades periphyton is given in Appendix A. These are attached to the hard copies of this report but are in a separate file folder (CERP-MAP-YR#1-Chemotax Data) in the accompanying 3 copies on Compact Disks (CDs). The unknown sunscreen: This is research that continues from the previous funding period (PC P and time extension on same) and from the Master s Thesis (M.S. awarded 2006) research of Ms. Cidya Grant (FAU, Chemistry, Dr. J. W. Louda, Major Professor). Periphyton and substrate coatings (epilithic / epipelic biofilms) from the Shark River area (S of S355) yielded large amounts of a reddish-brown highly polar unknown pigment (Fig. 8

9 2: max = 442, 462nm; Insert = reddish epilithic coating in upper Shark River Slough). To date, this unknown pigment, tentatively called a visible sunscreen since it is also found in Scytonema sp. grown in high (> 500-1,000 mol phota m -2 s -1 ) photic flux, appears to have carboxylic acid and hydroxyl moieties (FTIR and chromatographic data) and the chromophore is likely a conjugated polyene as aromatic protons (FTIR, NMR) are absent. Treatment with NaBH 4 revealed the absence of conjugated keto groups (no shift in UV/Vis maxima). Mass spectrometric analyses are forthcoming. It appears that this pigment could be protecting the visible absorption bands of the cytochromes (see Fig.2) in the electron transport systems of these algae. This pigment, once identified, may become a visible light marker (high photic flux / low hydroperiod) for cyanobacterial portions of Everglades periphyton. Submission of a manuscript for publication on this topic is planned later in calendar year The Visible Sunscreen has also been isolated from Scytonema hoffmanii grown in high photic flux (w/o UV) - Thesis work of Cidya Grant as well as identification in CERP-MAP samples. - - May be a sunscreen and/or an anti-desiccant (????) CHLa Soret CHLa Band-I Cytochromes-b,-c 550, 558, 592, UVC-280-UVB-320-UVA-400-Viol-455-Blue-492-Gr-577-Yel-597-Or-622--Red IR Figure 2: Ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis) spectrum of the highly polar (early eluting, RP-HPLC) unknown sunscreen isolated from Shark River Slough epilithic periphyton. Continuation of cyanobacterial community assessment. Cyanobacteria have evolved in a variety of lines, as represented by their variability in photosynthetic / photoprotective pigment arrays. Aside from the water soluble phycobilins, the lipophilic pigments consist of chlorophyll- a, without any other chlorophyll accessory pigment, and taxon-specific carotenoid arrays. It is the varied carotenoid assemblages that we are interested in and are investigating as biomarkers with which to better dissect periphyton communities. Specifically, we are investigating using the following pigments for their associated cyanobacterial types: Echinenone (general marker), zeaxanthin (coccoidal forms, general marker), myxoxanthophyll (colonial), and aphanizophyll 9

10 (diazotrophic {nitrogen fixing} forms). Thus, we will be dissecting cyanobacteria into 3 groups; unicellular, colonial and nitrogen fixing. This, at first, appears facile. However, all cyanobacteria and even chlorophytes, to a limited extent, produce zeaxanthin, often as a photoprotectorant in response to photon flux density (PFD). Many cyanobacteria also produce the keto-carotenoids echinenone and canthaxanthin. Thus, intertaxon corrections for overlapping contributions of zeaxanthin and echinenone are required. These studies are ongoing. We have purchased authentic myxoxanthophyll (viz. myxol rhammnoside) and aphanizophyll. The retention times on our system are 22.9 and 18.8 minutes respectively and, as they have the same chromophore (i.e. myxol), give identical UV/Vis spectra ( = (452), 476-8, nm in eluant). Detailed groundtruthing, comparing pigment-based and microscopically derived taxonomies, will be especially useful in these trials. Consideration of the effects of algal senescence / death and predation upon chemotaxonomy. The effect of microalgal senescence, death, predation and mixing into living populations on resultant chemotaxonomic estimates was considered for marine phytoplankton in a recent publication (Louda, 2008). This and the effect of microbial degradation (Szymczak-Zyla et al. 2008) on pigment degradation will be applied to the fresh water periphyton taxa are being incorporated into the Ph.D. research of Ms. Maria West, at no direct cost to the District. Groud-truthing: Drs. Louda and Hagerthey have discussed the need to ground-truth the pigment-based chemotaxonomic evaluations versus direct microscopic counts. As microscopic data sets become available, such intercomparisons will be made. According to Dr. Hagerthey, microscopy derived taxonomic data is forthcoming from the FL-DEP labs. Activity related to CERP Metadata: Drs. Hagerthey and Louda had meetings between January 29 through February 12, 2007 to discuss methods by which to import the chemotaxonomic data into the MetaData bank of CERP-MAP. The first part of this portion of the project was completed in late March 2007 with the submittal of a pigment description list in Excel format to Dr. Hagerthey at the District. A copy of that list was appended to Quarterly Report 1.4 and also provided at that time in CD format. That list includes chlorophylls, chlorophyll derivatives, carotenoids and the dimeric indole-phenol based yields of all pigments isolated from all (N = 650) samples to date. This includes samples sunscreen pigment called scytonemin. Report 2.4, submitted in April 2008, contained a large Excel spreadsheet with the weight analyzed prior to the start of the present 3 Year CERP-RECOVER-MAP contract. Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Conference (GEER 2008): July 28 Aug. 1, Dr. Louda is pre-registered for this year s GEER Meeting to be held in Naples Florida. Presently the extended abstract (attached in the Appendix and also the CD accompanying this document) has been submitted. It is not yet known whether this is to be an oral or poster presentation. The title and authorship is as follows: Refinement and Application of Pigment- Based Chemotaxonomy to the Assessment of Periphyton Communities in the Everglades. by - J. William Louda, Scot E. Hagerthey, and Panne Mongkhonsri 10

11 Student involvement: Presently, there are 3 graduate students, one M.S. and two Ph.D. track students working on projects peripheral to the contracted studies detailed herein. These student projects are going forward at no direct cost to the District / CERP-MAP but with substantial benefit to same. Ms. Jaime Browne (M.S. track, Environmental Sciences). Her project relates directly to data evolving from the contracted analyses. That is, she is applying the published algorithm called CHEMTAX (Mackey et al., 1998) to the data obtained in an effort to ascertain whether this multi-parameter steepest decent algorithm can yield better estimates of periphyton community structure than our presently used linear regression formulae. Mrs. Maria West (Ph.D. track, Chemistry and Biochemistry) has just joined the Louda Group. Preliminary discussion with Dr. Scott Hagerthey of the District suggests that her thesis will involve the examination of the vertical fine structure of periphyton mats. While there is no direct monetary cost to the District, collaborative sampling and use of equipment (e.g. freezing microtome, microprobes, etc.) is being established. Looking forward, it is entirely possible that her studies will also add information valuable to assessing anoxic microzones (via photosynthetic bacterial population estimations) within periphyton communities (Cleckner et al., 1999). Aside from photosynthetic community analyses (chemotaxonomy) there are implications that these microzones can support the sulfate reducing / methanogenic Archeae consortia responsible for mercury methylation and mobilization. Ms. Cidya Grant (Ph.D. track, Chemistry and Biochemistry). Ms. Grant completed her M.S. in the Louda Lab and has returned for pursuit of the Ph.D. Her thesis (Chlorophyll a relationships to organic carbon, protein and carbohydrate biomass as determined from taxonspecific pigment ratios in response to selected environmental variables) will examine several species of microalgae within, minimally, the Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta and Bacillariophycea, the 3 main taxa found in Everglades periphyton. The selected variables will include at least light (photic flux) and nutrients (notably N and P, with Redfield-Richard implications) but may include Fe. The melding of academic research with applied studies such as the chemotaxonomic assessment of Everglades Periphyton is, I feel, an expedient methodology with which to advance the state-of-the-art of our role in the CERP-MAP program. CONCLUSIONS: The first two years of this study has provided not only an initial set of pigment-based chemotaxonomy data with which to begin assessing the present distribution of periphyton communities in the Greater Everglades prior to CERP implementation but has provided direction for the continuation. I feel that the data and the initial trials at spatial, temporal and spatial-temporal assessment plots reveal the potential of this methodology. The previously reported spatial assessment of WCA1A given in Figure 3, I feel, demonstrates the full potential of these methods. Annual report #1, as well as the presentation to the Assessment Team, detailed the use of these data in spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal assessments. As sample collection to delivery times are decreased, this will become a very valuable tool for use in feedback to mangers under the Adaptive Management strategy. 11

12 100 WCA-1A October % Cyanos Chloros Diats Dinos Cryptos 0 MESO Y4 Z2 Z3 X1 SITES X2 X3 X4 Figure 3: Periphyton communities in southwestern WCA-1A and the central mesocosm sites in October Incorporation of autosampling techniques with full QA/QC verification has certainly aided in decreasing turn around times for sample analyses and data interpretation. The 3 main taxa (chlorophytes, cyanobacteria, diatoms) of periphyton communities in the Everglades as well as more minor taxa (cryptophytes, dinoflagellates) were shown to be easily detected and quantified. I can also conclude that should this methodology be applied to a true monitoring based regime in order to allow for rapid feedback to the adaptive management concept, a more robust sample identification system and rapid notification for sample pickup is required. REFERENCES: Cleckner L. B., Gilmour C. C., Hurley J. P. and Krabbenhoft D. P. (1999) Mercury methylation in periphyton of the Florida Everglades. Limnol. Oceanogr. 44, Hagerthey, S. E., Louda, J. W. and Mongkronsri, P. (2006) Evaluation of pigment extraction methods and a recommended protocol for periphyton chlorophyll a determination and chemotaxonomic assessment. J. Phycology 42:

13 Louda, J. W. (2008) Pigment-Based Chemotaxonomy of Florida Bay Phytoplankton; Development and Difficulties. J. Liquid Chromatogr. & Rel.Tech. 31: Louda J. W., Loitz J. W., Rudnick D. T. and Baker E. W. (2000) Early diagenesis of chlorophylla and bacteriochlorophyll-a in a contemporaneous marl ecosystem: Florida Bay. Org. Geochem. 31, Louda J. W., Liu L. and Baker E. W. (2002) Senescence- and death-related alteration of chlorophylls and carotenoids in marine phytoplankton. Org. Geochem 33: Mackey M.D., Higgins H. W., Mackey D. J. and Holdsworth D. (1998) Algal class abundances in the western Pacific: Estimation from HPLC measurements of chloroplast pigments using CHEMTAX. Deep-Sea Res. I 45, Mantoura R. F. C. and Llewellyn C. A. (1983) The Rapid determination of algal chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments and their breakdown products in natural waters by reversephase high-performance liquid chromatography. Anal. Chim. Acta 151, Mantoura R. F. C. and Repeta, D. J. (1997) Calibration methods for HPLC. In. Jeffrey, S. W., Mantoura, R.F. C. and Wright S. W. (Eds.) Phytoplankton pigments in oceanography: guidelines to modern methods. UNESCO, Paris. pp Szymczak- y a, M., Louda, J. W. and Kowalewska, G. (2008) Influence of microorganisms on chlorophyll-a degradation in the marine environment. Limnol. Oceanogr. 58: APPENDIX: Refinement and Application of Pigment-Based Chemotaxonomy to the Assessment of Periphyton Communities in the Everglades. J. William Louda 1, Scot E. Hagerthey 2, and Panne Mongkhonsri 1 1 Organic Geochemistry Group, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Environmental Sciences Program, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA 13

14 2 South Florida Water Management District, Everglades Division, West Palm Beach, FL, USA Changes in periphyton community structure (taxonomic makeup) can occur rapidly in concert with physicochemical cues (nutrients, hydrology, temperature etc.) over the scales of weeks or even days. At least three environmental gradients hydroperiod/water depth, phosphorous concentration, and aspects of water chemistry involving the major ions, especially calcium - affect the taxonomic composition, growth characteristics, structure, and extent of calcite encrustation of Everglades periphyton. (Browder et al., 1994). During the replumbing of the modern Everglades that will occur during the implementation phases of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP, aka the Plan) all three of these gradients may be influenced. Therefore, methods that will detect any changes and allow rapid notification of mangers to such changes, under the concept of adaptive management, are being explored. In the present case, the utilization of taxon-specific biomarker pigments is being pursued in order to provide rapid feedback over broad spatial and temporal scales. These methods, termed pigment-based chemotaxonomy, will only allow taxonomic description to the Division / Class levels and will therefore not replace microscopy or the newer molecular approaches such as cladistics in detail (Genus species). However, pigment-based chemotaxonomy has many advantages over those methods. First, it is less expensive on a per sample basis. Second, turn around times can be on the order of days if required. The only constraint being sample collection to delivery times. Third, each analysis is performed on a larger (sub-) sample (grams) than is microscopic (several visual fields) exam. Thus, the community analyzed is more highly integrated. Forth and deriving from the first 3 points, larger sample sets (suites) can be analyzed allowing for finer scales during spatial and/or temporal monitoring programs. According to Paerl and others (2003), alterations in natural microalgal populations are expressed at the level of what they have termed PFGs, for phytoplankton functional groups. In the present case, we will extend that to periphyton functional groups. These so-called functional groups are in fact algae at the Division and Class level. Presently, we are using the biomarker pigments given in parentheses to estimate filamentous cyanobacteria (echinenone, myxoxanthophyll), coccoidal cyanobacteria (zeaxanthin), chlorophytes (chlorophyll-b), diatoms (fucoxanthin), peridinin-group dinoflagellates (peridinin) and cryptophytes (alloxanthin).additionally, purple-, brown- and green-sulfur bacteria have been detected and are quantified with this methodology. Their presence indicates active sulfate reduction, producing H 2 S and may reveal the low REDOX potential (pe) required for the methylation of mercury. Studies are also underway to add nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (aphanizophyll) and calcifying forms. The latter will be determined by a very simple microscopic exam during which a few drops of 0.2N hydrochloric acid will added and any evolution of CO 2 noted. Additionally, a hitherto unreported visible light sunscreen pigment, often co-occurring with the well known UVA blocking scytonemin, is being investigated as a potential indicator of low water to drying conditions. Its broad absorption maxima at 440 and 562 nm make it a likely candidate for the protection of the cytochromes involved in electron transport. This phenomenon is actively being studied. We are currently beginning year two of a three year base-line study of the spatial and annual temporal trends of periphyton in the Everglades using pigment-based chemotaxonomy. In addition to providing a large data base of existing periphyton communities, we are exploring the use of CART, a classification and regression tree analysis to predict / hindcast water quality conditions (TP, TKN, ph temperature, conductance and DO) from periphytometer 14

15 periphyton assemblages. This is a software based exercise which uses the relative abundance of the various algal groups (see McCune and Grace, 2002). Data input for this exercise is the pigment derived algal classifications and the large water quality data bank of the South Florida Water Management District. Once relations are established / ground truthed, future analyses will potentially allow predictive modeling to occur. To date, pigment-based chemotaxonomic evaluation of periphyton in Water Conservation Areas -1A, -2A and 3A as well in Taylor and Shark River Sloughs match known (literature) distributions and also follow current parameter trends such as total phosphorous and conductivity. Pigment-based chemotaxonomy is a rapid and economical method for the estimation of periphyton and other microalgal communities to the Division / Class level. Using chemotaxonomic data, broad spatial / temporal monitoring is possible. The rapid turn around potential of pigment-based chemotaxonomy should prove to be a valuable adaptive management tool. Pigment analyses also detect purple-, brown- and green- sulfur bacteria and indicate low redox areas potentially involved with mercury methylation. Expanded use of non-photosynthetic sunscreen pigments will likely provide insight into hydroperiod influences on periphyton communities. References Browder, J.A., Gleason, P.J., and Swift, D.R. (1994) Periphyton in the Everglades: Spatial Variation, Environmental Correlations, and Ecological Implications. In: S.M. Davis and J.C. Ogden (eds.) Everglades, The Ecosystem and Its Restoration, St. Lucie Press, Delray Florida, pp Hagerthey, S. E., Louda, J. W. and Mongkronsri, P. (2006) Evaluation of pigment extraction methods and a recommended protocol for periphyton chlorophyll a determination and chemotaxonomic assessment. J. Phycology 42: McCune, B. and Grace, J.B. (2002) Analysis of Ecological Communities. MjM Sofware Design, Glendale Beach, Oregon. Paerl, H. W., L. M. Valdes, J. L. Pinckney, M. F. Piehler, J. Dyble, and P. H. Moisander Phytoplankton photopigments as indicators of estuarine and coastal eutrophication. BioScience. 53: Contact Information: J. William Louda, Organic Geochemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL USA, Phone: , FAX: , blouda@fau.edu 15