This study was conducted in Taylor River in the southern mangrove ecotone region of Taylor Slough in the Florida Everglades between two FCE-LTER water quality observation stations. This system is characterized by a series of interconnected creeks and ponds that make up the larger Taylor River. During wet season months from June to November, there is a distinct freshwater input to the mangrove estuary from the north, which essentially “flushes” most of the river and lowers salinity to less than 1 ppt. However, during dry months from December to May, water residence times increase dramatically and salinity can increase to over 35 ppt..

A 3 km pond vs. creek transect was formed and a total of 13 sample sites, 6 ponds and 7 creeks, were analyzed for water quality. In addition, floc cores were taken from each of the 6 ponds and analyzed for C:N:P ratios. Floc cores were further analyzed for C/N stable isotope content. Previous studies have indicated a link between freshwater forcing and the seasonal accumulation of flocculent detrital material located in the bottom of these ponds.

This study hopes to characterize some of the isotopic dynamics as a result of the accumulation of flocculent detrital material and longer water residence times in this mangrove river over the course of dry season.