Study on The Overall Study on The Overall Diversity and Health of UC Diversity and Health of UC Clermont’s Environment Clermont’s Environment Samuel Slone Samuel Slone Steve Washburn Steve Washburn Zachary Burns Zachary Burns Tyler Benton Tyler Benton Table of Contents Table of Contents Abstract Abstract Acknowledgement Acknowledgement Introduction Introduction Literature Review Literature Review Methods and Methods and Materials Materials Data and Results Data and Results Conclusion Conclusion Reference Page Reference Page
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Study on The Overall Diversity and Health of UC Clermont’s Environment Samuel Slone Samuel Slone Steve Washburn Steve Washburn Zachary Burns Zachary Burns.
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Study on The Overall Study on The Overall Diversity and Health of UC Diversity and Health of UC Clermont’s EnvironmentClermont’s Environment
Samuel Slone Samuel Slone Steve WashburnSteve Washburn Zachary BurnsZachary Burns Tyler BentonTyler Benton
Table of ContentsTable of Contents AbstractAbstract Acknowledgement Acknowledgement IntroductionIntroduction Literature Review Literature Review Methods and Methods and
MaterialsMaterials Data and ResultsData and Results ConclusionConclusion Reference PageReference Page
AbstractAbstract A study was performed over a 8 week period A study was performed over a 8 week period
to determine the overall diversity and health to determine the overall diversity and health of UC Clermont’s environment. The data of UC Clermont’s environment. The data showed a drop in diversity in plants, showed a drop in diversity in plants, invertebrates, and aquatic creatures. Less invertebrates, and aquatic creatures. Less insects/plants were observed (compared to the insects/plants were observed (compared to the 1998 class data) while more foreign invaders 1998 class data) while more foreign invaders (garlic mustard and honeysuckle) are on the (garlic mustard and honeysuckle) are on the rise. The environment is losing minerals and rise. The environment is losing minerals and the temperature in the soil seems to be rising the temperature in the soil seems to be rising overall as a whole. As more students attend to overall as a whole. As more students attend to UC Clermont, thus, demanding more UC Clermont, thus, demanding more civilization; more of UC Clermont’s civilization; more of UC Clermont’s environment is becoming less diverse.environment is becoming less diverse.
AcknowledgementAcknowledgement
Thanks to Thanks to Professor Janet Professor Janet Stein Carte for Stein Carte for allowing the use of allowing the use of the materials for the materials for this study. Without this study. Without these materials, these materials, the study could not the study could not have been have been completedcompleted
IntroductionIntroduction Studies have been performed on the Studies have been performed on the
diversity and health of environments. This diversity and health of environments. This study was performed on the environment of study was performed on the environment of UC Clermont. Observational test were UC Clermont. Observational test were completed, test like herb and shrub completed, test like herb and shrub plotting, invertebrate and tree surveying, plotting, invertebrate and tree surveying, water analysis, etc. were performed to water analysis, etc. were performed to gather data and help determine if UC gather data and help determine if UC Clermont’s environment is heavily diverse Clermont’s environment is heavily diverse and most importantly, healthy.and most importantly, healthy.
Literature Review Literature Review The literature most critical for the performance of the The literature most critical for the performance of the
various test were the Ecology Lab Protocols (Stein-Carter various test were the Ecology Lab Protocols (Stein-Carter 2012). 2012).
We found hardness by using a titration to find the PPM of We found hardness by using a titration to find the PPM of CaCo3 CaCo3
Acidity is found by testing for the pH. The usual range for Acidity is found by testing for the pH. The usual range for water is 6.5-8. pH is measured on a 1- 14 scale, 1-6 being water is 6.5-8. pH is measured on a 1- 14 scale, 1-6 being acids, 7 being neutral, and 8-14 is a base.acids, 7 being neutral, and 8-14 is a base.
Dissolved oxygen content is also found by a titration. This Dissolved oxygen content is also found by a titration. This is called the Winkler test. This test is a measure of the is called the Winkler test. This test is a measure of the biological activity in the water.biological activity in the water.
Materials and Materials and Methods (M&M)Methods (M&M)Soils analysis is performed to determine the composition of the soil such as how Soils analysis is performed to determine the composition of the soil such as how much of it is made of clay, sand and other objects. The analysis will also show much of it is made of clay, sand and other objects. The analysis will also show what levels the soil’s nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus content is. These what levels the soil’s nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus content is. These tests are widely used by farmers today to determine if the soil is rich in tests are widely used by farmers today to determine if the soil is rich in nutrients and if the area is ideal for farming.nutrients and if the area is ideal for farming.SoilSoilTo perform soil analysis a mechanical, subjective and chemical To perform soil analysis a mechanical, subjective and chemical analysis will be done. analysis will be done. Subjective AnalysisSubjective Analysis
-Knead a small sample of the soil into a putty-Knead a small sample of the soil into a putty-Using your fingers form the soil into a ribbon-Using your fingers form the soil into a ribbon
Mechanical AnalysisMechanical Analysis-Weigh out 50gm of soil-Weigh out 50gm of soil-Gently pulverize in mortar-Gently pulverize in mortar-transfer to 1 liter beaker, add 5gm of Calgon and Q.s. to -transfer to 1 liter beaker, add 5gm of Calgon and Q.s. to
900mL900mL-Stir for 15 minutes with magnetic stirrer.-Stir for 15 minutes with magnetic stirrer.-Decant “muddy” clay suspension, leaving the sand -Decant “muddy” clay suspension, leaving the sand
portion behindportion behind-Dry sand portion by heating on hot plate-Dry sand portion by heating on hot plate-When dry, sieve the sand through a sieve set-When dry, sieve the sand through a sieve set
Chemical AnalysisChemical Analysis-Use a soil test kit to test for pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, -Use a soil test kit to test for pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus,
and Potassiumand Potassium-Follow the procedures of the test kit and collect any -Follow the procedures of the test kit and collect any
samples from 2 to 3 samples from 2 to 3 inches below the surface.inches below the surface.-For our results we used LaMotte’s Soil N-P-K Kit to -For our results we used LaMotte’s Soil N-P-K Kit to
perform our testingperform our testingReference to reference page for full methodsReference to reference page for full methods
M&M Cont.M&M Cont. Herb plots provide a square meter representation of the surrounding Herb plots provide a square meter representation of the surrounding
area. These plots are done to determine a very precise and detailed area. These plots are done to determine a very precise and detailed record of what living herbs, shrubs, insects and other animals are in the record of what living herbs, shrubs, insects and other animals are in the examined area. Then with the use of math formulas relative abundance, examined area. Then with the use of math formulas relative abundance, frequency, density and relative density to the surrounding area can be frequency, density and relative density to the surrounding area can be determined.determined.
HerbsHerbs The materials needed to create a shrub plot are orange flags and a The materials needed to create a shrub plot are orange flags and a
measuring tape (or meter stick).measuring tape (or meter stick).
To begin, start with selecting a random area.To begin, start with selecting a random area. Then using the tape measure, measure out a 1/4 by 4 meter box.Then using the tape measure, measure out a 1/4 by 4 meter box. While measuring, use the orange flags to create a perimeter.While measuring, use the orange flags to create a perimeter. Then proceed to slowly scan the area inside the box and count and record Then proceed to slowly scan the area inside the box and count and record
the numbers of all the living species found. the numbers of all the living species found. Reference to reference page for full methodsReference to reference page for full methods
M&M Cont.M&M Cont. Shrub plotting is an experimental procedure that will give you a Shrub plotting is an experimental procedure that will give you a
16 meter square representation of the surrounding area’s insect, 16 meter square representation of the surrounding area’s insect, plant and wildlife. The data collecting while doing shrub plots plant and wildlife. The data collecting while doing shrub plots can be used to determine relative density of populations in a area can be used to determine relative density of populations in a area along with make a record for the populations at that time.along with make a record for the populations at that time.
ShrubsShrubs The materials needed to create a shrub plot are orange flags and The materials needed to create a shrub plot are orange flags and
a measuring tape (or meter stick).a measuring tape (or meter stick).
To begin, start with selecting a random area.To begin, start with selecting a random area. Then using the tape measure, measure out a 4 by 4 meter box.Then using the tape measure, measure out a 4 by 4 meter box. While measuring, use the orange flags to create a perimeter.While measuring, use the orange flags to create a perimeter. Then proceed to slowly scan the area inside the box and count Then proceed to slowly scan the area inside the box and count
and record the numbers of all the living species found. and record the numbers of all the living species found. Reference to reference page for full methodsReference to reference page for full methods
M&MM&M An invertebrate survey was conducted according to the protocol. An invertebrate survey was conducted according to the protocol.
This survey helped quantify numbers by recording observable This survey helped quantify numbers by recording observable invertebrates in a span of time. A statistical analysis was invertebrates in a span of time. A statistical analysis was performed to determine the density and diversity of UC performed to determine the density and diversity of UC Clermont’s invertebratesClermont’s invertebrates
InvertebrateInvertebrate Materials needed to perform the fauna sampling was a pen and a Materials needed to perform the fauna sampling was a pen and a
piece of paper to record data. Reference to reference page for piece of paper to record data. Reference to reference page for full methods.full methods.
M&M Cont.M&M Cont. An environment factor survey of wind velocity, light intensity, air temperature, An environment factor survey of wind velocity, light intensity, air temperature,
relative humidity, soil temperature and wind velocity were performed according to relative humidity, soil temperature and wind velocity were performed according to the protocol. Gathering this data helped determine the conditions of UC Clermont’s the protocol. Gathering this data helped determine the conditions of UC Clermont’s environment and how it has effected the biotic factors.environment and how it has effected the biotic factors.
Environment FactorsEnvironment Factors Materials needed to perform the environmental factors lab was a Materials needed to perform the environmental factors lab was a
light meter, sling psychrometer, squeeze bottle of water, soil light meter, sling psychrometer, squeeze bottle of water, soil thermometer, and wind speed meter. Reference to reference thermometer, and wind speed meter. Reference to reference page for full methods.page for full methods.
M&M Cont.M&M Cont. The data sets of the water analysis will help us to observe changes that have The data sets of the water analysis will help us to observe changes that have
happened here on campus. With this data we will make an ecological inference on happened here on campus. With this data we will make an ecological inference on the state of the water quality here at UC- Clermont. The main areas we will look at the state of the water quality here at UC- Clermont. The main areas we will look at will be dissolved oxygen content, acidity, hardness, and chlorosity.will be dissolved oxygen content, acidity, hardness, and chlorosity.
Water Analysis To find hardness we started with 100ml. The indicator To find hardness we started with 100ml. The indicator
solution, Bromocresol Green- Methyl, is then added. It is solution, Bromocresol Green- Methyl, is then added. It is then titrated with HCl untill a pink was noticeable. We then titrated with HCl untill a pink was noticeable. We then recorded the amount it took to change. We then then recorded the amount it took to change. We then recorded the amount it took to change, and multiplied by 5 recorded the amount it took to change, and multiplied by 5 to determine ppm of CaCo3 .to determine ppm of CaCo3 .
Acidity was found by using the pH meter provided.Acidity was found by using the pH meter provided. To find the chlorosity we started with our sample, and To find the chlorosity we started with our sample, and
added several drops of the indicator solution. We began a added several drops of the indicator solution. We began a Silver Nitrate titration untill it turns red. The chlorine Silver Nitrate titration untill it turns red. The chlorine content is determined by the amount of the titration times content is determined by the amount of the titration times 3.545 divided by 50ml (sample size).3.545 divided by 50ml (sample size).
Data and Results For Inv.Data and Results For Inv. Dogwood Grove Pond Lot Total Combine
Earthworms 13 3 1 17
Daddy-Long Legs 4 34 0 38
Spiders 17 3 11 31
Pillbugs, Sowbugs 21 0 0 21
Centipedes 1 0 0 1
Springtails 4 25 0 29
Damsel-Dragon-Mayflies 0 1 0 1
Roaches 2 0 0 2
Crickets 0 1 4 5
WaterStriders 0 7 0 7
Leafhoppers. Aphids, etc. 0 0 1 1
Other Beetles 0 2 1 3
Other Butterflies 0 5 0 5
Craneflies 1 3 4 8
Other Flies 2 0 1 3
Ants (colonies) 5 3 3 11
Other Bees 1 0 7 8
Snail and Slugs 1 19 0 20
Salamanders, toads, frogs 0 1 0 1
Tutles, Lizards, and snakes 0 1 0 1
Birds 3 5 0 8
Total # Animals Seen 66 108 26 200
Total # Species Seen 13 15 8 36
Percentage of Total Species per Location 36% 42% 22%
Percentage of Total Animals per Location 33% 54% 13%
Data and Results For Data and Results For Env. Fac.Env. Fac.
Dogwood Grove Dogwood Grove Wet LandWet LandMaple Maple GrassGrass SW Parking LotSW Parking Lot PondsPonds SW CornerSW Corner
Date Date 5/1/20125/1/2012 5/1/20125/1/2012 5/1/20125/1/2012 5/1/20125/1/2012 5/1/20125/1/2012 5/1/20125/1/2012
Time Time 2:302:30 3:053:05 2:402:40 3:003:00 2:532:53 3:153:15
Aquatic Aquatic OrganismsOrganisms not testednot tested 77 not testednot tested
ConclusionConclusionThis year the West Woods (new) area was tested for This year the West Woods (new) area was tested for the first time. The data show that the West Woods the first time. The data show that the West Woods (new) area has noticeably less variety of species than (new) area has noticeably less variety of species than the other given areas. It seems that the mosses are the other given areas. It seems that the mosses are thriving which is likely due to their lack of needs to thriving which is likely due to their lack of needs to survive. Garlic Mustard and Jewelweed seem to also survive. Garlic Mustard and Jewelweed seem to also be doing quite well. I would attribute these numbers be doing quite well. I would attribute these numbers to the Invading honeysuckle and Garlic Mustard to to the Invading honeysuckle and Garlic Mustard to choking out the competition. In the future if this area choking out the competition. In the future if this area continues to be plotted and observed we will be able continues to be plotted and observed we will be able to form a more precise reason behind these to form a more precise reason behind these numbers. Then we may be able to find a way to stop numbers. Then we may be able to find a way to stop the invaders and bring back the native species.the invaders and bring back the native species.
Conclusion Cont.Conclusion Cont.We plotted the West Woods (new) area, which until We plotted the West Woods (new) area, which until this year had not previously been done. As shown this year had not previously been done. As shown above in the data table the average number of above in the data table the average number of plants per meter squared for the area is 1.72. A plants per meter squared for the area is 1.72. A majority of the plants appear to be Garlic Mustard majority of the plants appear to be Garlic Mustard and Amur Honeysuckle. These two species are and Amur Honeysuckle. These two species are commonly known to be alien invaders to the area commonly known to be alien invaders to the area and as these results show seem to be reproducing and as these results show seem to be reproducing quite well and out competing other native species. quite well and out competing other native species. The Amur Honeysuckle and Japanese Honeysuckle The Amur Honeysuckle and Japanese Honeysuckle also seems to have spread to other tested areas as also seems to have spread to other tested areas as well. With more research on this specific area we well. With more research on this specific area we will be able to determine the growth rate and effect will be able to determine the growth rate and effect the invaders has on West Woods(new in the future. the invaders has on West Woods(new in the future.
Conclusion Cont.Conclusion Cont.In all three places (North Maple Creek, South Maple Creek, and In all three places (North Maple Creek, South Maple Creek, and
Dogwood Grove where pH was tested, the levels are lower than Dogwood Grove where pH was tested, the levels are lower than the previous class data. I conclude that this is a result in the the previous class data. I conclude that this is a result in the decrease in hardness. Hardness measures the amount of CaCo3. decrease in hardness. Hardness measures the amount of CaCo3. CaCo3 is a strong base and in larger quantities will raise the pH. CaCo3 is a strong base and in larger quantities will raise the pH. The calcium carbonate is most likely leeching out through the The calcium carbonate is most likely leeching out through the bedrock.bedrock.
Also the dissolved oxygen content is down across the board. This Also the dissolved oxygen content is down across the board. This would make sense that we would see this. Our class found almost would make sense that we would see this. Our class found almost no organisms in the aquatic habitats lab. Since the oxygen no organisms in the aquatic habitats lab. Since the oxygen content is low many organisms would most likely live somewhere content is low many organisms would most likely live somewhere else where the dissolved oxygen content is higher. While in past else where the dissolved oxygen content is higher. While in past years many organisms were found.years many organisms were found.
Conclusion Cont.Conclusion Cont.This year soil analysis for the Five Falls Creek area This year soil analysis for the Five Falls Creek area was done which gave a great record of how the soil was done which gave a great record of how the soil has changed since previous year’s testing results. has changed since previous year’s testing results. The average of all the samples show the majority of The average of all the samples show the majority of the soil composition is clay and that the majority or the soil composition is clay and that the majority or sand particles are between 1.000 to 0.125 sand particles are between 1.000 to 0.125 millimeters. The subjective analysis confirms that millimeters. The subjective analysis confirms that the soil in the area is “clay” soil.the soil in the area is “clay” soil.The chemical analysis performed shows that the soil The chemical analysis performed shows that the soil in the Five Falls Creek area is lacking and losing in the Five Falls Creek area is lacking and losing nutrients. The pH is 6.73, a fairly neutral state, but nutrients. The pH is 6.73, a fairly neutral state, but nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are declining. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are declining. The nitrogen content which has been normally low is The nitrogen content which has been normally low is at a very low state this year. The phosphorus has at a very low state this year. The phosphorus has remained in a low state for several years. The levels remained in a low state for several years. The levels of potassium which has fluctuated between high to of potassium which has fluctuated between high to medium, seems to be on the decline. There seems to medium, seems to be on the decline. There seems to be that there is a lack of decay or something has be that there is a lack of decay or something has been using more nutrients than normal. Testing of been using more nutrients than normal. Testing of the area done next year will determine if the area is the area done next year will determine if the area is able to bounce back or if it is on the way to losing able to bounce back or if it is on the way to losing it’s ability to sustain growth .it’s ability to sustain growth .
Conclusion Cont.Conclusion Cont. The amount of invertebrates observed (the areas of dogwood grove, Ponds, and Lot) The amount of invertebrates observed (the areas of dogwood grove, Ponds, and Lot)
was 200 and the amount of new species observed was 36. Compare this set of data to was 200 and the amount of new species observed was 36. Compare this set of data to the data from the 1998 class of Professor Carter, you will see a large difference. The the data from the 1998 class of Professor Carter, you will see a large difference. The total number of animals seen was 1990 and the amount of species seen was 80 total number of animals seen was 1990 and the amount of species seen was 80 (Compatible areas). According to these set of data, there is a difference of 1700 and (Compatible areas). According to these set of data, there is a difference of 1700 and 44. The diversity of UC Clermont is decreasing with every passing year along with 44. The diversity of UC Clermont is decreasing with every passing year along with the number of animals occupying this environment.the number of animals occupying this environment.
The environment factors data was obtain and analyzed. Comparing to the class data The environment factors data was obtain and analyzed. Comparing to the class data of 1998, there seems to be more light being recorded from low areas. A possible of 1998, there seems to be more light being recorded from low areas. A possible cause of that could be that there is less growth occurring in those specific areas cause of that could be that there is less growth occurring in those specific areas (dogwood grove, wetlands, Ponds, and Maple Grass). With the possibility of less (dogwood grove, wetlands, Ponds, and Maple Grass). With the possibility of less growth, the problem is now why?growth, the problem is now why?
A solution to the apparent low diverse and thus low health of UC Clermont’s A solution to the apparent low diverse and thus low health of UC Clermont’s environment is to simply replenish it. Removing all foreign invaders like the environment is to simply replenish it. Removing all foreign invaders like the honeysuckle and garlic mustard will allow the minerals, nutrients, and space to be honeysuckle and garlic mustard will allow the minerals, nutrients, and space to be utilized by native plants. With the concerns dealing with the soil (low amounts of utilized by native plants. With the concerns dealing with the soil (low amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium), replenishing the soil with new minerals and phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium), replenishing the soil with new minerals and replacing plants that give more than they take will benefit tremendously. Just by replacing plants that give more than they take will benefit tremendously. Just by planting more native plants will help return the soil in a more stable and healthy planting more native plants will help return the soil in a more stable and healthy state. The better stable plant environment there is, the better chance of increasing state. The better stable plant environment there is, the better chance of increasing animal diversity (reference to OBIS). This all can be achieve by being proactive as a animal diversity (reference to OBIS). This all can be achieve by being proactive as a community (students, faculty and people of the community). Take time to remove community (students, faculty and people of the community). Take time to remove unwanted visitors and establish more native plants.unwanted visitors and establish more native plants.
Reference PageReference Page
Carter, J. S. 24, May 2012. Protocols Carter, J. S. 24, May 2012. Protocols (methods and materials) (methods and materials) http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/inhttp://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/index.htmdex.htm
Carter, J. S. 1998. Herb Plot Data Carter, J. S. 1998. Herb Plot Data http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/inhttp://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/index.htmdex.htm
Carter, J. S. 1998. Shrub Plot Data Carter, J. S. 1998. Shrub Plot Data http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/inhttp://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/index.htmdex.htm
Carter, J. S. 1998. Soil Analysis Data Carter, J. S. 1998. Soil Analysis Data http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/inhttp://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/index.htmdex.htm
Reference Page Cont.Reference Page Cont.
Carter, J. S. 1998. Invertebrate Survey Carter, J. S. 1998. Invertebrate Survey http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/inhttp://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/index.htmdex.htm
Carter, J. S. 1998. Environmental Factors Carter, J. S. 1998. Environmental Factors http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/inhttp://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/index.htmdex.htm