Event Title
Effect of Agricultural Runoff on Water Quality in the Bass River
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Natural Resource Management
Mentor Information
C. Griffin
Department
Biology
Location
Kirkhof Center 1142
Start Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
Keywords
Environment
Abstract
This research will examine the impact of different agricultural land uses on water quality in the Bass River, Ottawa County, Michigan. Agricultural land surrounding the Bass River is used to grow both nursery stock and corn. This study will determine whether differences in water quality exist between areas receiving runoff from nurseries compared to areas receiving runoff from corn fields. To determine water quality, macroinvertebrates, which differ in their sensitivity to water pollution, will be sampled and conductivity will be measured at a site adjacent to nurseries, a site near corn fields, and a forested control site. Conductivity will provide an estimate of the amount of dissolved ions, including fertilizers or pesticides, within the water. Because nursery stock fields exhibit relatively large areas of bare soil between plant rows, erosion is expected to have a significant impact on water quality compared to areas receiving corn runoff.
Effect of Agricultural Runoff on Water Quality in the Bass River
Kirkhof Center 1142
This research will examine the impact of different agricultural land uses on water quality in the Bass River, Ottawa County, Michigan. Agricultural land surrounding the Bass River is used to grow both nursery stock and corn. This study will determine whether differences in water quality exist between areas receiving runoff from nurseries compared to areas receiving runoff from corn fields. To determine water quality, macroinvertebrates, which differ in their sensitivity to water pollution, will be sampled and conductivity will be measured at a site adjacent to nurseries, a site near corn fields, and a forested control site. Conductivity will provide an estimate of the amount of dissolved ions, including fertilizers or pesticides, within the water. Because nursery stock fields exhibit relatively large areas of bare soil between plant rows, erosion is expected to have a significant impact on water quality compared to areas receiving corn runoff.