Thesis
Trimming macrophytes impacts litter decay rate in a constructed wetland
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2018
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101044
Abstract
Our goal was to study how macrophytes impact litter decay rate in wetlands. It is known that macrophytes in treatment wetlands can alter biogeochemical processes, but we do not know if or how physical changes to macrophytes are translated into changes in these processes. A constructed wetland was divided in half along the line of flow, forming two treatment sections; plants in the experimental section were trimmed weekly to a fixed height. The two treatment sections were divided into thirds perpendicular to the line of flow to create six sampling sections. Litter samples were introduced to the wetland to measure litter decay rates. Litter samples were created using filter paper in porous fiberglass bags. The litter samples were present in the wetland for six months, split into three groups of twelve: those present for the full six months, those present only for the first three months, and those present only for the last three months. Recovered litter samples were dried and weighed; their dry weights were compared to those of fresh control samples to calculate mass losses. In each sampling cell pH, conductivity, water height, and dissolved oxygen were measured. Water samples were taken to measure nitrate, total nitrogen, orthophosphate, and total phosphate. A temperature probe was left in the wetland the full six months to measure daily temperatures.
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Details
- Title
- Trimming macrophytes impacts litter decay rate in a constructed wetland
- Creators
- Maxwell John Burner
- Contributors
- James R. Pratt (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525399301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis