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Presence of organic matter and microbial activity in Minebank Run, a restored stream in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Citation:
Pruitt, L. AND A. SHIELDS. Presence of organic matter and microbial activity in Minebank Run, a restored stream in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Presented at Tribeta Conference, Kingston, OK, April 05, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
Determining how the denitrification of increasing nitrate levels in streams and ground water are harmful to both the environment and humans
Description:
Abstract: Increasing nitrate levels in streams and ground water are harmful to both the environment and humans. Denitrification, a natural process performed by microbes, removes nitrate from ground water when there is an adequate amount of organic matter present as well as low levels of oxygen. Previous studies done on Minebank Run, an urban stream in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, have collected data on denitrification rates before and after its restoration. This data suggests that restoration, especially methods that reconnect flood plains to stream channels, can promote ground water nitrate removal. In our experiment, sediment and plant samples were taken from various sites after stream restoration. Levels of organic matter were determined using loss on ignition and CN analysis. Organic carbon was significantly higher in the oxbow feature suggesting that this area could support higher rates of denitrification. The enumeration of microbes will be determined using DAPI staining, CTC counts, and Live/Dead BacLight staining.