Variation in Wet Meadow Dissolved-Oxygen Profiles relative to Vegetation Density over 24 hours

Session: Poster session

Danielle Gunsch, University of Windsor - Biological Sciences , [email protected]
Joseph Gathman, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, Department of Biology, [email protected]
Jan Ciborowski, Dept of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Windsor, [email protected]

Abstract

The variation in dissolved oxygen concentrations is likely an important determinant of habitat quality for invertebrates. In 2017, we recorded plant density and monitored dissolved oxygen concentrations where invertebrate samples were taken, along replicate transects in ten Lake Huron wet meadows varying in latitude and exposure to agricultural activity from the contributing watersheds. Dissolved-oxygen maxima, minima and duration of hypoxia varied as a function of plant density along depth gradient transects. Diel dissolved oxygen curves indicative of substantial NPP and respiration were very well defined at all locations in the wet meadow zone. Seiches presumably caused the transient disruptions to the typical diel oxygen curves. Hypoxia and anoxia clearly become more pronounced in shallower and more wave dampened areas, likely limiting suitability for fishes and invertebrates. This research documents the clear differences and changes in diel-dissolved oxygen along the depth gradient due to the increasing interference of plant stems on the movement of water. These results will provide the basis for an analysis of how invertebrate communities in these habitats vary along the dissolved oxygen gradient, and will provide greater insight into the ways in which agricultural drainage may impact coastal wet meadows around Lake Huron.

1. Keyword
Lake Huron

2. Keyword
coastal wetlands

3. Keyword
macroinvertebrates

4. Additional Keyword
Dissolved-Oxygen