Tracy, Julia Helen. 2007. Investigating the aquatic ecology of University Slough before and after its connection to Ravenna Creek. M.S.
Read the full thesis here (3.33 MB pdf)
This study examined periphyton communities in University Slough before and
after connection with Ravenna Creek (RC). Periphyton includes benthic algae—primary producers, a vital foundation of many stream food webs, and useful as
biological water quality indicators. The first goal of the study was to initiate a
monitoring plan for the microorganisms living in the University Slough. The
second goal was to examine periphyton as a biological metric of water quality
changes when water from RC was connected to the Slough in early 2006.
Preliminary studies began in May of 2004, followed by two field seasons carried out mid-February through mid-July in 2005 and 2006. The 2005 field season was used as a baseline while the 2006 field season was to be comparative following the addition of the RC water. Artificial substrata placed in a Sampling Station were used to measure total organic productivity (TOP) and chlorophyll-a concentration, leading to autotrophic index (AI) levels. The AI, a ratio of TOP to chlorophyll-a, is a measure of water quality.
The study also examined periphyton community structure and taxa present in the Slough. Results of the period during which RC was connected to the Slough revealed lower AI values, as well as changes in the biological community structure. Visually, there was a much greater clarity to the water. Results point to the potential for water quality improvements as a result of increased water flow to the Slough.