An Ecological Assessment of the Caples Stormwater Detention Pond
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Gilchrist, Sandra
Keywords
Ecology, Stormwater, Ponds
Area of Concentration
Environmental Studies
Abstract
An ecological assessment was performed on a Florida stormwater detention pond. A catalogue of plant and animal life was created. Plant life was randomly sampled using a 1 m2 grid. Vertebrate populations, and their behaviors, were recorded on a daily basis. Aquatic macroinvertebrates were sampled along a transect at varying depths using a plankton net. Invertebrates were sorted by morphological distinctions and a measure of diversity was determined using Cairns' Sequential Comparison Index. In addition, water samples were tested for levels of dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, nitrate and phosphate, cyanide, chromium and copper. The possible effects of copper sulfate treatment on this ecosystem are discussed. This ecological assessment provides useful data for future studies of this unique ecosystem. Using the compiled data, ecologically sound techniques for future pond management are suggested.
Recommended Citation
May, Sara, "An Ecological Assessment of the Caples Stormwater Detention Pond" (2003). Theses & ETDs. 3267.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3267
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.