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Alice Obas West Haven High School 1 McDonough Plaza, West Haven, CT 06516 17 March 2014

A Water Quality Analysis Of The Lower Cove River Watershed After The Eradication Of The Phragmites Australis. Alice Obas West Haven High School 1 McDonough Plaza, West Haven, CT 06516 17 March 2014. Objective & Hypothesis. To study the impact of the removal of the invasive

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Alice Obas West Haven High School 1 McDonough Plaza, West Haven, CT 06516 17 March 2014

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  1. A Water Quality Analysis Of The Lower Cove River Watershed After The Eradication Of The Phragmites Australis Alice Obas West Haven High School 1 McDonough Plaza, West Haven, CT 06516 17 March 2014

  2. Objective & Hypothesis • To study the impact of the removal of the invasive • Using data from before & after eradication • The eradication of phragmites has in fact improved the water quality of the Cove River in West Haven

  3. Discussion • What is Phragmites Australis and what impact does it have on an environment? • How was the invasive eradicated? • Equipment, procedure • Quality of water before and after eradication? • What does the data tell us? • How can we move forward?

  4. The Cove River • Covers ~15km2 • Freshwater & tidal estuary/wetland • Located in New Haven County of CT • Flows south through New Haven and West Haven CT

  5. The Cove River

  6. What is Phragmites Australis • Common reed- wetland species • Border lakes, ponds, and rivers • Can grow up to 6 meters high (~20 ft) • Reproduction can be done by seeds or asexually with rhizomes

  7. Cont. • Native and introduced genotypes of this species currently exist in North America • Introduced in North America from Europe

  8. Phragmites Australis

  9. Impact of Phragmites • Dominates ~10 % of CT’s tidal wetlands • Form barrier- prevents movement of animals and large birds • Plant height and stem density prevent growth of other plant species – plant diversity reduced • Slow decomposition rate after stems die causes combustible material remains • Fire hazards

  10. Solution • The Connecticut Tidal Wetland Restoration Team • ~ $90,000for phragmites control project • To help restore the marsh to a more natural state • Provide improved habitat for animals, birds & native plants, and improve property values (aesthetic enhancement and fire hazard reduction).

  11. Treatment • Herbicide treatment • Imazapyr & Glyphosate spraying • Mulch mowing • “marshmaster” • Spot application of herbicide and weed pulling • Native marsh grass tending • Continuous monitoring

  12. Marshmaster

  13. Treatment

  14. Treatment Dates

  15. Before

  16. After

  17. Data

  18. Data Analysis • Nitrate • Low levels are good • Excess levels make it difficult for organisms to survive • Higher in between treatment dates = excess algae or plant growth • Phosphate • Lower levels (<.3) = clean water • Cove River considered waste water • Highest after treatment = treatment causes pollution

  19. Data Analysis • Dissolved Oxygen Levels • Low = strained organisms • Fluctuates indicating that eradication has no impact • pH • Fluctuates around 7 = neutral • Eradication has no impact on acidity • Temperature • Normal expected temperatures

  20. Conclusions • Restoration efforts are crucial • The eradication has improved nitrate levels • Will continue to see a change in the environment • More animals and birds • Removing phragmites will benefit the habitat, creating a better tomorrow

  21. Moving Forward • Monitor plant growth and regrowth • Measure water & soil salinity • Monitor return of desirable species • Continue to obtain data on water quality

  22. Acknowledgements • Mr. Kevin Dickson, West Haven High School • Dr. Scott M. Graves, Ph. D, SCSU Science Education & Environmental Studies • Watershed Research Project & Mark Paine, West Haven Public Works • Elizabeth Fournier, West Haven High School • AP Biology Class of 2014, West Haven High School

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