Graduate Program
Biological Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2005
Thesis Director
Charles Pederson
Thesis Committee Member
Robert Fischer
Thesis Committee Member
Scott Meiners
Abstract
A conceptual model was developed and utilized to investigate the influence of land use/land cover on community metabolism as mediated by stream water chemistry, in an agricultural watershed in east-central Illinois. A suite of physical and chemical variables were sampled over a yearlong period at twelve sites across the Hurricane Creek Watershed. Community metabolism was determined at five of the sites during episodes of suitable hydrologic and weather conditions. A single PCA axis was unique in incorporating significant relationships between land use/land cover, stream water chemistry, as well as community metabolism, thereby validating the conceptual model. The proportion of cropland, woodland, and grassland as well as agricultural activity were factors that determined stream water chemistry in the watershed. Maximum concentrations of ortho-phosphorus and total phosphorus were recorded at sites containing the highest proportions of cropland, while peak concentrations of ammonia and total oxidized nitrogen were correlated with the onset of agricultural activity in spring. Autotrophy was only observed in March (all sites) and persisted into May (one site). While nutrient limitation may be contributing to periods of heterotrophy, light and temperature seem to be controlling benthic productivity in the Hurricane Creek Watershed.
Recommended Citation
Fanta, Shari E., "Landscape effects on stream water chemistry and benthic productivity in an agricultural watershed" (2005). Masters Theses. 727.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/727
