Study: Benthic Creatures Could Filter Pollution in Indian River Lagoon

Bottom-dwelling organisms in the Indian River Lagoon — the troubled estuary stretching along the coastlines of Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties — may hold underappreciated power to improve water quality, a 2023 peer-reviewed study suggests. The findings carry implications for one of Florida's most ecologically stressed waterways.

The research, published in the journal Water Air and Soil Pollution, examines how benthic organisms — creatures that live on or near the floor of a body of water, such as clams, worms, and certain algae-grazing invertebrates — can act as natural filters. These organisms process excess nutrients and reduce the murky conditions that have contributed to toxic algae blooms and seagrass die-offs in the lagoon.

The study was authored by Despeignes A. et al., Water Air and Soil Pollution, 2023 (DOI 10.1007/s11270-023-06528-w). The lead author's institution and direct comments are According to initial reports,; the TC Sentinel has reached out for response.

The findings carry direct relevance for Treasure Coast residents and health officials who have spent years grappling with the lagoon's deterioration. Harmful algae blooms fueled by nutrient runoff — primarily nitrogen and phosphorus from stormwater, agriculture, and septic systems — have repeatedly prompted St. Lucie County and Martin County health advisories warning swimmers and anglers to avoid contact with discolored or foul-smelling water.

The lagoon spans roughly 156 miles of Florida's east coast and supports a commercial and recreational fishing economy, as well as the tourism draw that anchors much of the Treasure Coast's quality of life. Repeated bloom events have been linked to fish kills, manatee illness, and respiratory irritation in beachgoers, though the study's specific findings on human health outcomes were not confirmed in available source materials According to available records,.

Researchers suggest that restoring or protecting healthy benthic communities could complement existing nutrient-reduction engineering efforts. This nature-based strategy would work alongside traditional stormwater treatment and septic-to-sewer conversion programs currently underway in St. Lucie and Martin counties.

The study adds to a growing body of science calling for ecosystem-based management of the lagoon. County environmental managers and the St. Lucie River Issues Team are expected to review recent lagoon research as part of ongoing restoration planning, though a specific review timeline was not confirmed.

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