Presenter: Rebecca Cormier

Faculty Sponsor: Laura Reynolds

School: Worcester State University

Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Auditorium, A52

ABSTRACT

In this study, we investigate the impact of seasonal transitions, specifically from winter to spring, on dissolved oxygen (DO) content in freshwater streams in the Tatnuck Brook watershed, Worcester Massachusetts. Dissolved oxygen is a main indicator of the quality of water and ecosystem health and appropriate levels are necessary to provide for aquatic life. Lower DO levels can be a sign of pollution and/or ecological stress. We conducted fieldwork 1-2 times a month at several sites along the Tatnuck Brook and in its impoundments and measured  DO, temperature, and conductivity.  Our results show that DO levels in streams were higher during  winter conditions, while temperatures were lower. During the spring transition, DO levels dropped as temperatures rose. These observations indicate the effects of temperature and biological activity on DO in streams and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring over the winter to spring transition.