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ETD Abstract Container

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The interactive effects of nitrate and road salt on benthic algal assemblages in artificial streams

Menso, Margaret R
http://orcid.org/0009-0004-8842-1535
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1718824172839153

Abstract Details

2024, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Biological Sciences.
Urban surface water runoff contains high levels of salt and nitrate, particularly in northern climates of the United States. We hypothesized that increased salt and nitrate concentrations would reduce total biomass and cause complete taxonomic shifts of benthic algae. To investigate and quantify the multi-tiered responses of benthic algal assemblages to the impacts of road salt and nitrate, we created artificial flow-through streams with terracotta vessels with nutrient diffusing substrates (NDS) containing varying concentrations of both salt (0-7500 mg/L) and nitrate (0-5.9 mg/L) and incubated for 56 days during the summer. Diatom concentrations were significantly impacted by salt, and the combination of salt and nitrate on sampling days 4 and 28. Over the range of tested nitrate conditions, some cyanobacteria increased over time. Within the eukaryotic community, several algal family abundances changed significantly over time. The response of diatoms was complex, with treatment only significantly impacting specific genera. Overall, this study shows salt and nitrate, as well as the combined effects of the two, significantly impact benthic algae assemblages and community development.
Christopher Ward, PhD (Advisor)
Rex Lowe, PhD (Committee Member)
Paul Moore, PhD (Advisor)
44 p.
Aquatic Sciences; Biology; Ecology
freshwater salinization; benthic communities; salt; nitrate; urbanization; algae;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Menso, M. R. (2024). The interactive effects of nitrate and road salt on benthic algal assemblages in artificial streams [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1718824172839153

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Menso, Margaret. The interactive effects of nitrate and road salt on benthic algal assemblages in artificial streams. 2024. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1718824172839153.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Menso, Margaret. "The interactive effects of nitrate and road salt on benthic algal assemblages in artificial streams." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1718824172839153

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1718824172839153
148
© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.