Researchers to Release Water-Tracing Dye into Altamaha River

May 13, 2014

Georgia Southern University researchers will release 50 gallons of fluorescent red dye (rhodamine WT) into the Altamaha River outflow May 12-16. During the study, waters with a red tint may appear at various points along the Georgia coast as well as marinas, bays and estuaries. Researchers note that if the dye is sighted in any of these locations, there is no reason for concern because it is non-toxic to humans and aquatic organisms. Team members will monitor the dye visually for the first eight to nine hours after release and will later rely on instruments to scan for the presence of dye in the water. The instruments will be marked with yellow crab pot buoys and clearly labeled. Team members are asking individuals to stay away from the buoys if sighted. Researchers also plan to deploy up to four satellite-enabled drifters to gather information on how larger materials, such as dead stalks of marsh grass, may disperse after being exported from the Altamaha River estuary. This research will estimate how the river delivers dissolved substances, contaminants and nutrients along the Georgia coast. More information can be found at www.georgiasouthern.edu/biology or call Daniel Gleason at 912-478-5957 or Risa Cohen at 912-478-1228.