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The Influence of Riparian Vegetation on Total Organic Carbon in Restored Streams After Replanting

Burkett, Tatiana
http://orcid.org/0009-0009-2166-2234
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1683890252892956

Abstract Details

2023, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Environmental Studies (Voinovich).
As stream restoration is performed, riparian vegetation should be considered during any required construction. Since riparian inputs affect the carbon budget and the biogeochemistry of aquatic ecosystems, it is critical that carbon dynamics are examined when replanting is necessary. Floodplain reconstruction was implemented within the Robinson Fork catchment in Western Pennsylvania requiring widespread replanting. With future restoration to occur at Ryerson Station State Park and growth in stream and wetland restoration, it is imperative to ensure that the constructed riparian zones meet the restoration targets. This study asks if floodplain reconnection restoration including change in riparian vegetation impacts the amount of total organic carbon available in water and sediment. I measured aquatic total organic carbon alongside carbon sources, such as woody debris, leaf litter, and riparian vegetation, to analyze this relationship. With streams in Ryerson Station State Park representing a pre-restoration or unrestored condition, this thesis compares the the effects of the construction on carbon in the ecosystem. Statistical analysis showed that, when compared to total organic carbon, woody debris, leaf litter accumulation, soil organic matter and area weighted mean coefficient of conservatism were found not statistically different between restored and unrestored conditions, however the change in soil organic matter and area weighted mean coefficient of conservatism calculated from vegetation analysis were found to be statistically different between restoration statuses. It can be concluded from this study that after floodplain reconnection restoration as implemented in Robinson Fork, the replanted riparian vegetation does not differently affect the aquatic total organic carbon at Ryerson Station State Park and Robinson Fork.
Natalie Kruse-Daniels (Committee Chair)
Sarah Davis (Committee Member)
Kelly Johnson (Committee Member)
78 p.
Earth; Ecology; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Freshwater Ecology; Hydrology
vegetation; environmental studies; total organic carbon; stream restoration; floodplain reconnection; stage zero restoration

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Burkett, T. (2023). The Influence of Riparian Vegetation on Total Organic Carbon in Restored Streams After Replanting [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1683890252892956

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Burkett, Tatiana. The Influence of Riparian Vegetation on Total Organic Carbon in Restored Streams After Replanting. 2023. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1683890252892956.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Burkett, Tatiana. "The Influence of Riparian Vegetation on Total Organic Carbon in Restored Streams After Replanting." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1683890252892956

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1683890252892956
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© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.