Computed Tomography (CT) scan used for the first time in Florida to measure the effect of saltwater intrusion in the Florida Everglades

Tavernier, FL – October 25, 2019 – Mariners Hospital welcomed a team of experts from the South Florida Natural Resources Center to perform a Computed Tomography (CT) scan on 16 soil samples to measure saltwater intrusion in the Florida Everglades. “This is the first time this technology has been used this way in the state,” said JC Holmes, Imaging Services director at Mariners Hospital. “We are thrilled to partner with South Florida Natural Resources Center and contribute with world-class imaging technology to enhance their ability to obtain the most accurate findings for the study.”

The use of imaging technology saves time and reduces error. Over the last three years, the Center has manipulated plots with various amount of saltwater to destruct the natural flow. The method was developed by Troy Hill, Ph.D. for South Florida Natural Resources Center and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Rhode Island and is now being used to study the effect of saltwater intrusion to the freshwater marshes in the Everglades.

“This first scan was a proof of concept to see how well it worked. The continued interest lays in finding the peak collapse and the amount of time the marsh has with this salt intrusion, along with what leads to a marsh collapse,” added Dr. Hill. “The work being done here adds urgency to the efforts to restore freshwater flow to the Everglades and the Florida Bay.”

About Mariners Hospital
Mariners Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

# # #

PHOTOS/CAPTIONS:

Samples being extracted from various plots in the Everglades

Samples going through the Computed Tomography for a detailed study