Scinto, Leonard
- Associate Professor, Earth and Environment , College of Arts, Sciences & Education

Overview
overview
- Dr. Scinto is a biogeochemist that has focused most of his research on the mechanistic linkages between key environmental drivers and ecosystem responses. Dr. Scinto has focused on processes in natural systems and how they have been influenced by anthropogenic activities especially in the eutrophication of lakes and wetlands. Dr. Scinto has a Ph.D. in Aquatic Biogeochemistry with a graduate minor in Environmental Engineering. His research is focused on the effects of land use and water management on nutrient dynamics in aquatic systems. He has extensive experience in Everglades Restoration, shallow lakes of the middle St. John’s River Basin and man-made lakes of urban Southeast Florida, in wetland systems including the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, the Lake Okeechobee Watershed, and in Stormwater Treatment Areas. Of particular interest is identifying the nexus between anthropogenic activities and ecosystem services to determine where natural processes can be applied to diminish the “human footprint”. The development and assessment of treatment wetlands and other “green technologies” is integral to a sustainable future of both the natural and built environments. Much of Dr. Scinto’s research is focused on the biogeochemistry of phosphorus, carbon, and nitrogen in wetland and lake environments especially as affected by water management in the Everglades, and coastal and urbanized South Florida. Dr. Scinto teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels and has taught several courses related to Environmental Resource Management, Wetlands Ecology, Water Resources, Ecology of South Florida and the Science of Sustainability.
research interests
- Dr. Scinto is an aquatic biogeochemist who has focused most of his research on the mechanistic linkages between key physicochemical environmental drivers and ecosystem responses, especially how natural systems including wetlands, lakes, and estuaries have been influenced by anthropogenic activities. Of particular interest is to determine where natural processes can be applied as “green technologies” to facilitate a sustainable future of both the natural and built environments. He is also generally interested in Biogeochemistry, Aquatic Biogeochemistry, Soil/Sediment Chemistry, Treatment Wetlands, Everglades Restoration, Everglades Ecology, Lakes, Urban Lakes.
Scholarly & Creative Works
selected publications
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Article
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2021Sea-Level Rise and the Persistence of Tree Islands in Coastal LandscapesFull Text via DOI: 10.1007/s10021-021-00673-1 Web of Science: 000672115000005
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2021Microbial Respiration and Enzyme Activity Downstream from a Phosphorus Source in the Everglades, Florida, USAFull Text via DOI: 10.3390/land10070696 Web of Science: 000676184600001
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2021Characterizing hydrologic effects on soil physicochemical variation within tree islands and marshes in the coastal Florida EvergladesFull Text via DOI: 10.1002/saj2.20270 Web of Science: 000664586500001
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2021Particle dynamics in stormwater treatment areasFull Text via DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2020.106131 Web of Science: 000615883600009
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2019Lithologic controls on hydrologic and geochemical processes in constructed Everglades tree islandsFull Text via DOI: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2018.04.001 Web of Science: 000501718200012
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2018Impact of Melaleuca quinquenervia Biochar on Phaseolus vulgaris Growth, Soil Nutrients, and Microbial Gas FluxFull Text via DOI: 10.2134/jeq2017.12.0484 Web of Science: 000448960700021
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2016Trees: a powerful geomorphic agent governing the landscape evolution of a subtropical wetlandFull Text via DOI: 10.1007/s10533-016-0213-9 Web of Science: 000379220100007
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2015Vegetation and soil response to hydrology in a re-created EvergladesFull Text via DOI: 10.1007/s10750-015-2249-6 Web of Science: 000358653700014
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2014Soil Accretion Influenced by Elevation, Tree Density, and Substrate on Reconstructed Tree IslandsFull Text via DOI: 10.2136/sssaj2014.05.0195 Web of Science: 000347624500028
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2014Biogeochemical effects of simulated sea level rise on carbon loss in an Everglades mangrove peat soilFull Text via DOI: 10.1007/s10750-013-1764-6 Web of Science: 000330836300014
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2013Plant Decomposition in Wetlands: Effects of Hydrologic Variation in a Re-Created EvergladesFull Text via DOI: 10.2134/jeq2012.0201 Web of Science: 000315942600029
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2012Nutrient Limitation in Two Everglades Tree Species Planted on Constructed Tree IslandsFull Text via DOI: 10.1007/s13157-012-0346-0 Web of Science: 000311540400016
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2012Patterns of Soil Bacteria and Canopy Community Structure Related to Tropical Peatland DevelopmentFull Text via DOI: 10.1007/s13157-012-0310-z Web of Science: 000306594300015
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2011Hydrologic processes on tree islands in the Everglades (Florida, USA): tracking the effects of tree establishment and growthFull Text via DOI: 10.1007/s10040-010-0691-0 Web of Science: 000289004400009
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2009Spatial Variability in Mercury Cycling and Relevant Biogeochemical Controls in the Florida EvergladesFull Text via DOI: 10.1021/es803665c Web of Science: 000266968500024
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2008Mercury mass budget estimates and cycling seasonality in the Florida evergladesFull Text via DOI: 10.1021/es7022994 Web of Science: 000253947700027
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2006Quantifying the responses of calcareous periphyton crusts to rehydration: A microcosm study (Florida Everglades)Full Text via DOI: 10.1016/j.aquabot.2005.12.003 Web of Science: 000236617300006
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2005Cascading ecological effects of low-level phosphorus enrichment in the Florida evergladesFull Text via DOI: 10.2134/jeq2005.0717 Web of Science: 000228014800035
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2004Phosphorus in periphyton mats provides the best metric for detecting low-level P enrichment in an oligotrophic wetlandFull Text via DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2003.10.020 Web of Science: 000188364500002
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2003Biotic and abiotic uptake of phosphorus by periphyton in a subtropical freshwater wetlandFull Text via DOI: 10.1016/S0304-3770(03)00106-2 Web of Science: 000186100400003
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2003Phosphorus cycling and partitioning in an oligotrophic Everglades wetland ecosystem: a radioisotope tracing studyFull Text via DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2427.2003.01143.x Web of Science: 000186119300006
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2003Decadal change in vegetation and soil phosphorus pattern across the everglades landscapeFull Text via DOI: 10.2134/jeq2003.3440 Web of Science: 000181953400039
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1996
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1995Phosphorus dynamics in selected wetlands and streams of the Lake Okeechobee BasinFull Text via DOI: 10.1016/0925-8574(95)00024-0 Web of Science: A1995TU39600004
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Book Chapter
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Conference
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2006Periphyton responses to eutrophication in the Florida Everglades: Cross-system patterns of structural and compositional change. 617-630.Full Text via DOI: 10.4319/lo.2006.51.1_part_2.0617 Web of Science: 000241296700022
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Review
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2011Landscape Patterns of Significant Soil Nutrients and Contaminants in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem: Past, Present, and Future. 121-148.Full Text via DOI: 10.1080/10643389.2010.530930 Web of Science: 000287494000006
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Works By Students
chaired theses and dissertations
- Schonhoff, Bradley R., Gaseous Carbon Emissions (Methane and Carbon Dioxide) from Wetland Soils in a Re-created Everglades Landscape 2015
- Rodriguez, Andres F., Soil Building Processes in Reconstructed Tree Islands in The Everglades, Florida 2013
- Schroeder, Robert S, Soil Carbon Dioxide and Methane Efflux From an Everglades Tree Island and Ridge Landscape 2012
- Nielsen, Shauna, Sediment Dynamics of a Shallow Hypereutrophic lake: Lake Jesup, Florida, USA 2011
Research
principal investigator on
- Quantifying Life Cycle and Phosphorus Uptake and Release from Periphyton and Phytoplankton Communities awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2021 - 2022
- LILA (Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment) Tree Island, Ridge, Slough Studies: Phase VI awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2017 - 2021
- Are the Everglades in danger of receiving increased phosphorus loads from canals? The critical role of discharge in Everglades' restoration awarded by Everglades Foundation 2020 - 2021
- Settling and entrainment properties of STA particulates awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2016 - 2018
- LILA: Phase V: Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment Tree Island, Ridge and Slough Studies awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2013 - 2018
- Bioassays for Determining Bioavailable Dissolved Organic Nitrogen (BDON) in the Caloosahatchee River Water Column awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2014 - 2018
- Assessing Near-Field and Landscape Scale Ecological Effects of the Modified Water Deliveries and Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Projects in Northeast Shark River Slough, Everglades National Park awarded by National Park Service 2014 - 2017
- LILA Tree Island, Ridge, Slough Studies and Site Management awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2010 - 2013
- LILA: Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment Tree Island, Ridge and Slough Studies awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2012 - 2013
- LILA Tree Island, Ridge, Slough Studies and Site Management. RFP 6000000235 awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2009 - 2012
- AFTER-THE-FACT Analysis and interpretation of soil chemical properties in Stormwater Treatment Area 5 to assist in determination of water treatment efficiency. awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2011
- Experimental hydrological regime relationships with vegetation and soils for the development of predictive models for creation and restoration of tree islands and freshwater wetlands. awarded by Environmental Protection Agency 2006 - 2011
- Everglades Floc Decomposition Experiments awarded by U.S. Geological Survey 2009 - 2011
- Soil Characterization in Stormwater Treatment Areas awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2010
- Loxahatchee impoundment landscape assessment (LILA) tree island experiments and site management. RS050962 awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2005 - 2009
co-principal investigator on
- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program 2020 awarded by U.S. Department of Agriculture 2021 - 2024
- LOXAHATCHEE IMPOUNDMENT LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT (LILA) TREE ISLAND, RIDGE AND SLOUGH STUDIES awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2021 - 2023
- Assessing Near-Field and Landscape Scale Ecological Effects of the Modified Water Deliveries and Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Projects in Northeast Shark River Slough, Everglades National Park awarded by National Park Service 2016 - 2022
- Ecosystem dynamics in the White Zone: history, drivers, and restoration implications awarded by National Park Service 2016 - 2021
- Doctoral Education in Interdisciplinary Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences awarded by National Institute of Food & Agriculture 2015 - 2020
- Ecosystem dynamics in the White Zone: history, drivers, and restoration implications awarded by National Park Service 2015 - 2016
- Provide office services and operational technical support to the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, Office of the Executive Director awarded by National Park Service 2011 - 2016
- Ecological Effects of The Modified Water Deliveries and The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan in Northeast Shark River Slough, Everglades National Park awarded by National Park Service 2011 - 2016
- Landscape Pattern-Ridge, Slough & Tree Island Mosaics awarded by U.S. Army 2010 - 2015
- Assessment of the Cycling and Compartmentalization of Nitrogen and Phosphorous in Saturated Soils, Sediments and the Water Column in Lake Jesup, Florida. awarded by St. John's River Water Management Distri 2008 - 2011
- Water Quality/Soils and Ecological Effects of Pilot Spreader Swales along the Tamiami Trail in Everglades National Park. awarded by National Park Service 2009 - 2011
- Phosphorous retention and sub-surface movement through the S-332 (PHASE II). awarded by National Park Service 2008 - 2010
- The Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP) Greater Everglades Wetlands Module- Landscape Pattern- Ridge, Slough, and Tree Island Mosaics. awarded by South Florida Water Management District 2009
- Monitoring, Modeling and Assessment of the Everglades Ecosystem: R-EMAP Phase III Planning-in supplement of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program awarded by National Park Service 2005 - 2009
subproject principal investigator on
- R-EMAP IV awarded by National Park Service 2013 - 2016
- Provide office services and operational technical support to the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, Office of the Executive Director awarded by National Park Service 2011 - 2016
- Ecological Effects of The Modified Water Deliveries and The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan in Northeast Shark River Slough, Everglades National Park awarded by National Park Service 2011 - 2016
- FCE LTER II: Coastal oligotrophic ecosystems research awarded by National Science Foundation 2006 - 2013
- Phosphorous retention and sub-surface movement through the S-332 (PHASE II). awarded by National Park Service 2008 - 2010
- Monitoring, Modeling and Assessment of the Everglades Ecosystem: R-EMAP Phase III Planning-in supplement of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program awarded by National Park Service 2005 - 2009
- Developing Ecosystem Response Indicators to Hydrologic and Nutrient Modification in Northeast Shark River Slough, Everglades National Park. awarded by National Park Service 2006 - 2008
Contact
full name
- Leonard Scinto
Identifiers
ORCID iD
- https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9973-0852 (confirmed)
visualizations
publication subject areas
Citation index-derived subject areas the researcher has published in