Lets Get Wet! and talk about Aquatic Ecology

Aquatic Ecology Eli VaillancourtAbiotic Objectives: 1. pH- measures the hydrogen ion concentration a pH less than 7 are acidic and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline. Alkalinity- quantitative capacity of water to neutralize an acid.This is important in determining a stream's ability to neutralize acidic pollution from rainfall or wastewater.Dissolved Oxygen- a relative measure of the amount of oxygen that is dissolved or carried in a given medium

exampleBrook Trout like to live in waters with a pH of 5.0 to 7.5

Abiotic Objectives2. Water Flow- the rate or speed at which water travels Water temperature- how hot or cold the water is.Water turbidity- is the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by individual particlesSurface Tension- contractive tendency of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force

exampleThe water strider is denser than water but surface tension allows it to stay afloat.

Largemouth Bass live in water temperature from 62 to 83 degrees

Abiotic Objectives3. The shape of the land can affect water flow and channel shape. If a stream is high up in a steep mountain the channel will usually have a strong water flow. As opposed to a stream on nearly flat land will be much slower. Streams provide many habitatsAbiotic Objectives4. Water Cycle!

exampleThe Northern Red Salamander only comes out to search for prey, during or after rain.

Abiotic Objectives 5. Watersheds of PA

Abiotic Objectives6. Streams range from a first to twelve order. 1st being the smallest and 12th being the largest.

Biotic Objectives1.Identifying Aquatic animals: http://quizlet.com/2216643/pa-envirothon-fish-flash-cards/

Biotic Objectives2. Life cycles of animalsEx: Trout

Biotic ObjectivesBull Frog

Biotic ObjectivesDragonfly Biotic ObjectivesAdaptations of Mudpuppy:Slimy skin- keeps it moistTail- assists in jumpingGills- breathe underwater

Biotic ObjectivesYellow Perch habitat requirements: Fresh waterLow turbidity 17.6 to 25 degrees CModerate vegetationLow water flow for laying/hatching eggsCommunity Objectives1.Aquatic and Wetland Environments:Pond LakeStreamMarsh BogSwamp

Community Objectives2. Functions of wetlandsrecycle nutrientspurify water attenuate floods recharge ground waterprovide habitats for wildlifeCommunity Objectives3. Stream from headwater to mouth

Community Objectives4. Functional feeding groups: Mayfly nymphs are scrapers that eat algae, bacteria and fungus of rocks. Stonefly nymph is a shredder that eats decaying leaves and twigs. Dragonfly nymph is a predator that eats smaller insects, leeches, or fish.

Community Objectives5. Food Web Aquatic resource issues Artificial fertilizers and pesticides in crops causes intoxication of aquatic life.Factories produce many toxic and hazardous wastes which can pollute the soil, rivers and water sources if released untreated in the ecosystems.Fishing reduces the fish communities in rivers and oceans, destructive fishing techniques can also cause water pollution and damage to other aquatic life.Mining operations release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, as well as heavy metals into the soil and water sources.

Aquatic resource issuesBog Turtle is endangered

Eastern Massasauga is endangered

Atlantic Sturgeon is threatened

Invasive SpeciesSea Lamprey

Common Carp

Red-Eared Slider

Fishing Regulationshttp://fishinpa.com/ Migratory Fish RestorationAmerican Eel

American Shad

Atlantic Sturgeon

Water Quality Ammoniaconductivity fecal coliform bacteria nitrate + nitriteNitrogendissolved oxygen pH Phosphorussuspended solidstemperature turbidity How can you protect water quality?IDENTIFY your watershed. TEST your soil before applying fertilizers or other nutrients to avoid over-application. REDUCE pesticide use. PATCH bare soil areas in your yard to prevent erosion and runoff. SWEEP, rather than hose down, sidewalks, driveways, and other impervious surfaces. USE a funnel for pouring when filling your lawn mower or other gasoline-powered tools DISPOSE of pet waste in the garbage How can you protect water quality?MANAGE landscape projects properly. MINIMIZE lawn area and implement healthy lawn care practices. REPLACE paved surfaces, such as a garden path or driveway, with porous material. USE RAINWATER to your advantage. MAINTAIN a natural buffer zone between your landscaped area and any ponds or streams to prevent bank erosion and to filter contaminants AVOID planting trees too close to septic systems.

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