PARENT SESSION
Poster Session # 17: Aquatic Systems.
Thursday, August 7 Presentation from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. SITCC Exhibit Hall B.
Impoundments on headwater streams: Do many small ponds have a large cumulative effect on water quality?
Diemer, Katherina *,1, Fauth, John2, 1 College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, US2 College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, US
ABSTRACT- Landowners often dam headwater streams to create ornamental or fishing ponds on their property. These impoundments are unregulated in many states, and their effects on water chemistry and the composition of the stream biota are largely unknown. I am comparing water chemistry parameters (pH and nutrients) and distribution and abundance of amphibians, fish macroinvertebrates in impounded and unimpounded streams, to determine if if small ponds affect watershed dynamics. My sampling design permits comparisons between both impounded and unimpounded streams, and between sections above and below ponds. My study addresses concerns of private stakeholders about the effects of their ponds on stream quality, and provides data for environmental scientists interested in the cumulative effects of small perturbations on larger watersheds. This study will assist stakeholders in making educated decisions regarding watershed conservation, including headwater sections that are important for refugia for many threatened and endangered species.
Key words: amphibians, fish, macroinvertebrates, headwater streams, watershed conservation, stream water quality