alice obas west haven high school 1 mcdonough plaza, west haven, ct 06516 17 march 2014
DESCRIPTION
A Water Quality Analysis Of The Lower Cove River Watershed After The Eradication Of The Phragmites Australis. Alice Obas West Haven High School 1 McDonough Plaza, West Haven, CT 06516 17 March 2014. Objective & Hypothesis. To study the impact of the removal of the invasive - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
A Water Quality Analysis Of The Lower Cove River
Watershed After The Eradication Of The
Phragmites Australis
Alice ObasWest Haven High School
1 McDonough Plaza, West Haven, CT 0651617 March 2014
Objective & HypothesisTo study the impact of the removal of the
invasiveUsing data from before & after eradication
The eradication of phragmites has in fact improved the water quality of the Cove River in West Haven
DiscussionWhat is Phragmites Australis and what impact
does it have on an environment?
How was the invasive eradicated?Equipment, procedure
Quality of water before and after eradication?What does the data tell us?
How can we move forward?
The Cove RiverCovers ~15km2
Freshwater & tidal estuary/wetland
Located in New Haven County of CT
Flows south through New Haven and West Haven CT
What is Phragmites Australis
Common reed- wetland species
Border lakes, ponds, and rivers
Can grow up to 6 meters high (~20 ft)
Reproduction can be done by seeds or asexually with rhizomes
Cont.Native and introduced genotypes of this species
currently exist in North America
Introduced in North America from Europe
Impact of PhragmitesDominates ~10 % of CT’s tidal wetlands
Form barrier- prevents movement of animals and large birds
Plant height and stem density prevent growth of other plant species – plant diversity reduced
Slow decomposition rate after stems die causes combustible material remainsFire hazards
SolutionThe Connecticut Tidal Wetland Restoration Team
~ $90,000for phragmites control project
To help restore the marsh to a more natural state
Provide improved habitat for animals, birds & native plants, and improve property values (aesthetic enhancement and fire hazard reduction).
TreatmentHerbicide treatment
Imazapyr & Glyphosate spraying
Mulch mowing“marshmaster”
Spot application of herbicide and weed pulling
Native marsh grass tending
Continuous monitoring
Data AnalysisNitrate
Low levels are goodExcess levels make it difficult for organisms to
surviveHigher in between treatment dates = excess algae
or plant growth
PhosphateLower levels (<.3) = clean waterCove River considered waste waterHighest after treatment = treatment causes
pollution
Data AnalysisDissolved Oxygen Levels
Low = strained organismsFluctuates indicating that eradication has no
impact
pHFluctuates around 7 = neutralEradication has no impact on acidity
TemperatureNormal expected temperatures
ConclusionsRestoration efforts are crucial
The eradication has improved nitrate levels
Will continue to see a change in the environmentMore animals and birds
Removing phragmites will benefit the habitat, creating a better tomorrow
Moving ForwardMonitor plant growth and regrowth
Measure water & soil salinity
Monitor return of desirable species
Continue to obtain data on water quality