Utilization of Macroinvertebrates as Indicator Species of Stream Health Across Different Land Use Areas in Vermont
Conference Year
2024
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities, including land use changes, have a significant impact on the physical and chemical characteristics of streams. Urban streams are particularly vulnerable to alterations in nutrient loads, hydrological regimes, and physicochemical variables, which can lead to reduced biodiversity and negative impacts on ecosystem processes. In this study, I will assess the water quality in two local Vermont streams (one in an urban area, and one in a forested area) based on their respective macroinvertebrate species richness, abundance, and functional traits. The results of this study will help inform us of the response of aquatic organisms to changes in land use. It is imperative to understand the effect of land use on local macroinvertebrates and stream health, so that we may be more aware of human’s effect on natural streams and how to avoid stream health degradation. My research specifically, will have implications for natural water source legislature and management in Vermont.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Pablo Gutiérrez-Fonseca
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Biology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Utilization of Macroinvertebrates as Indicator Species of Stream Health Across Different Land Use Areas in Vermont
Anthropogenic activities, including land use changes, have a significant impact on the physical and chemical characteristics of streams. Urban streams are particularly vulnerable to alterations in nutrient loads, hydrological regimes, and physicochemical variables, which can lead to reduced biodiversity and negative impacts on ecosystem processes. In this study, I will assess the water quality in two local Vermont streams (one in an urban area, and one in a forested area) based on their respective macroinvertebrate species richness, abundance, and functional traits. The results of this study will help inform us of the response of aquatic organisms to changes in land use. It is imperative to understand the effect of land use on local macroinvertebrates and stream health, so that we may be more aware of human’s effect on natural streams and how to avoid stream health degradation. My research specifically, will have implications for natural water source legislature and management in Vermont.