Beaver dam impacts on water quality
Abstract
The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is a well-known ecosystem engineer species native to North America. This semi-aquatic mammal significantly alters environments by constructing dams in streams and rivers. Here, we analyzed the ecosystem services provided by beavers through water and macroinvertebrate samples collected during the summer of 2024. We sampled 13 dam locations within the greater Burlington area, Vermont, measuring total suspended solids (TSS) and macroinvertebrate diversity. At each study site, we conducted sampling along a transect, collecting three samples upstream of the dam and three samples downstream.Our findings indicated TSS levels to be lowest 15 meters downstream. Additionally, we found greater species diversity of macroinvertebrates downstream, than upstream. Both TSS and macroinvertebrate samples show the significance beaver dams have on rivers and streams. By modifying their environment, beavers can alter the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem, increasing the diversity of species and impacting water filtration.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Ellen Martinsen
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Biology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Beaver dam impacts on water quality
The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is a well-known ecosystem engineer species native to North America. This semi-aquatic mammal significantly alters environments by constructing dams in streams and rivers. Here, we analyzed the ecosystem services provided by beavers through water and macroinvertebrate samples collected during the summer of 2024. We sampled 13 dam locations within the greater Burlington area, Vermont, measuring total suspended solids (TSS) and macroinvertebrate diversity. At each study site, we conducted sampling along a transect, collecting three samples upstream of the dam and three samples downstream.Our findings indicated TSS levels to be lowest 15 meters downstream. Additionally, we found greater species diversity of macroinvertebrates downstream, than upstream. Both TSS and macroinvertebrate samples show the significance beaver dams have on rivers and streams. By modifying their environment, beavers can alter the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem, increasing the diversity of species and impacting water filtration.
