It appears that the enzyme dynamics at the ENP-TS enriched site are mainly driven

by the effects of a smaller P input relative to the other hydrologic units of the Everglades.

The smaller P input has resulted in a smaller increase in NPP than the other enriched

sites, leading to a relative C limitation in addition to maintaining a relative P limitation.

This lower C input leads to a decreased input of detritus in the water and a more pristine

water column which may increase UV inactivation of inhibitory polyphenols. Nitrogen

needs are still being met as the microbial community does not appear to be limited by N

in relation to C mineralization. Hypothetically, this condition would continue until

increases in net primary production (NPP) equal or exceed microbial C mineralization.

 The transitional sites frequently exhibit unique characteristics, manifested in

elevated enzyme activities that appear to reflect changes that may be occurring in terms

of structure and function of the algal, heterotrophic, and macrophytic communities.

Variations in nutrient contents and enzyme activities at these sites from what would be

expected from a quasi-linear reduction in nutrient contents from the enriched to reference

sites suggests that there are more complex interactions occurring that may be early

indicators of eutrophication.

 The exponential model, using CRR as the defining decomposition criteria, utilized

Ecell/Ep and TP as the major derivatives. However, the use of cotton strips restricts the

model to account for only cellulose degradation. Litter bags or similar methods may be

more suitable to develop a more robust enzyme model. Additionally, the use of a greater

range of enzymes and more robust nutrient analyses may increase the resolution of the

model as well as provide a more thorough understanding of the relationships within the

system. Lastly, the fractionation of the algal, plant, and microbial decomposer enzyme