Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
6-26-2026
Abstract
Harmful algae blooms (HABs) are a common, natural phenomenon that occur in bodies of water. Karenia brevis is an algae species where, in excess, it can result in red tide events which deplete nutrients in the area, impacting aquatic life and releasing toxic gasses. Past research shows that K. brevis can grow through nutrient absorption in response to excess nitrate in water. This project sought to examine whether nitrates from rainfall are responsible for creating an increase in nitrogen concentrations in the water surrounding St. Petersburg which can lead to algae bloom growth. Results showed that rainwater has higher concentrations of nitrates compared to seawater, however, normal rain events did not contribute to a significant increase in nitrates in seawater.
The Weather Climate and Society REU program invited 10 students from across the US to conduct research projects related to disaster-vulnerable communities in Florida and other extreme weather-affected areas. These projects were interdisciplinary, integrating social science and physical science aspects of severe weather, climate, and related disasters through field work, interviews, and/or spatial analysis of secondary data in GIS. The PI of this REU is Dr. Jennifer Collins.
Recommended Citation
Irvine, S., A. Kirsch, B. Lloyd, Y. Elshorbany, J. Ivey (2026). Examining Nitrate Concentrations in Rainwater in the Marine Boundary Layer in St. Petersburg. DesignSafe-CI. https://doi.org/10.17603/ds2-va0w-zh83
Comments
REU Site: Weather, Climate and Society: An interdisciplinary approach integrating physical and social sciences | 2149860 | National Science Foundation
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