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Creators/Authors contains: "Guzman, Sandra M"

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  1. Today’s challenges with sustainability are driven by complexity, lack necessary information, resist straightforward solutions, span multiple scales, and encompass diverse or sometimes conflicting perspectives. To tackle these issues effectively, research organizations need tools that support and accelerate the integration of disciplinary knowledge across both natural and social sciences so that they can explore and execute workable solutions. Boundary objects are tools that can bring diverse perspectives together through a shared point of focus that is meaningful across different groups and perspectives, enhancing communication between them. Here, we introduce a framework to develop Triple Bottom Line Scenario Sites (TBL Sites) as “convergence” boundary objects and intervention testbeds to support a holistic approach to sustainability research within multidisciplinary and multi-institutional organizations. We describe four key criteria used to identify a potential TBL Site: (1) proximity to researchers, (2) a bounded geographic location encompassing a particular ecosystem, (3) an integrated stakeholder network, and (4) access to existing resources. We explain how TBL Sites may be used to assess research impacts on environmental, economic, and social sustainability goals. Finally, we provide examples of aquatic, agricultural, and urban TBL Sites used by the Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, demonstrating how these boundary objects facilitate convergence across a large multidisciplinary research team to tackle sustainable phosphorus management. 
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    Free, publicly-accessible full text available December 1, 2025
  2. BMPs have been proven to be efficient in managing P loads in Florida. BMP efficiencies vary between 20% and 80%, with few higher than 50%.Integration of modeling strategies and field demonstrations could improve BMP efficiencies. Further implementation of testbeds and pilot studies could improve adoption and enhance our understanding of BMP efficiency. In Florida, the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) has significantly reduced phosphorous (P) loads from the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) into the Lake Okeechobee watershed over the past two decades. While the removal of over 6,165 metric tons of total phosphorus entering the Everglades Protection Area is a notable achievement, some freshwater sources continue to exceed established limits (Naja et al., 2017), demanding a critical examination of BMP efficiency at managing low P concentrations. In this systematic literature review, we analyzed peer-reviewed journal manuscripts published over the past 30 years, focusing on the intersection of phosphorus management, water, Florida, and the environment. The dataset synthesized from our review provides insights into the efficiency of BMPs in terms of P management over time. Our findings show a predominant focus on stormwater treatment areas (STAs) and constructed wetlands as BMPs with demonstrated good efficiency. However, the variability in reported efficiencies underscores the complexity of phosphorus pollution and its impacts. Treatment trains ranged from 20% to 39% for the lower range of efficiency in phosphorus removal and from 60% to 79% for the higher range of efficiency. Focusing on strategies with higher P load reduction efficiencies could enhance future management strategies in Florida. Field-based pilot studies with well-defined control settings can facilitate long-term evaluations of P management programs that allow the implementation of BMPs. Similarly, the evaluation of new technologies, including materials, precision-smart practices, and the integration of modeling strategies with field-scale studies suggest a promising approach to engaging stakeholders in achieving higher BMP efficiencies. This systematic review highlights current BMP strategies that have demonstrated high P load reduction efficiency. There is a need for continued research that simultaneously assesses strategies to reduce P pollution before it forms and employs a multidimensional approach to P management. This approach should integrate multiple successful BMPs through field and modeling strategies. Keywords: Agriculture, Best Management Practices (BMP), Florida, Non-point source pollutants, Phosphorus loads. 
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