Laura Lescan's assignments
Date: Thu, 2 Nov 2000 

FSS: Report and thoughts on the "Declaration of Ronald Jones."


As a student of an Environmental Studies class I think that linking law to 
environmental issues is important because the law suits are what really 
determine the management of the Everglades.  As I closely read the booklet 
given to me during the seminar I came upon a particular part that interested
me more than the others.  The paper is the "Declaration of Dr. Ronald 
Jones."

Within this paper he exposes the reader to the research he carried along in 
the Everglades and supports his point as a participant of the South Florida 
Water Management District by the results of his research.  He explains the 
major pollutants that affect the Everglades but also proposes possible 
solutions to resolve the problem posed during the case.  He gives a 
biological explanation to the condition of the Everglades at the time of the
case, 1988.  His report is a regrouping of factual information on the levels 
of pollution in nature, pollutant, seen as one that is put in nature by humans 
and is at a greater quantity than its natural quantity.

During the case, his research areas were mainly microbial ecology, 
Everglades nutrient cycling and chemical oceanography.  The first issue he 
explains is the over excess of the phosphorus in the water in the 
Everglades.  Indeed, found in the runoff of the sugar factories it is at a 
too great amount to be biologically safe.  Consequently, the wildlife must 
adapt to the changes in phosphorus levels or they will most likely die.  He 
describes the appearance of an abnormal plant growth and an "invasion" by 
nuisance plan species.  Dr. Ronald Jones also declares that the Everglades 
is classified as oligotrophic ecosystem which is defined by a low 
productivity.  Within the wet land, plants and animals need phosphorus and 
nitrogen because these are important nutrients which contribute to their growth.   
In his report, he also says that the area has developed species of plants and 
animals unique to the area of the Everglades.

The author refers to two concepts, mineralization and remineralization.  
These are biological processes that involve the recycling of phosphorus by 
the microorganisms within the ecosystem.  In this case then bacteria is 
encouraged as it recycles the phosphorus and thus takes some out of the 
nature itself.  Consequently, the difference in level of bacteria effects 
the amount of phosphorus in nature, this could be seen as biological control.

Throughout the rest of his paper, Dr. Jones analyses various water
samples to prove particular points during the case.  His research was very 
relevant because it was very factual and the analysis of the results were 
clear.Indeed, as he carries an in depth analysis of the presence of 
phosphate in the Everglades and its impact on the ecosystem he is trying to 
convince and win the law suit which indirectly, will define the possible 
future of the Everglades.