A Water Quality Analysis Of The Lower Cove River

Watershed After The Eradication Of The

Phragmites Australis

Alice ObasWest Haven High School

1 McDonough Plaza, West Haven, CT 0651617 March 2014

Objective & HypothesisTo study the impact of the removal of the

invasiveUsing data from before & after eradication

The eradication of phragmites has in fact improved the water quality of the Cove River in West Haven

DiscussionWhat is Phragmites Australis and what impact

does it have on an environment?

How was the invasive eradicated?Equipment, procedure

Quality of water before and after eradication?What does the data tell us?

How can we move forward?

The Cove RiverCovers ~15km2

Freshwater & tidal estuary/wetland

Located in New Haven County of CT

Flows south through New Haven and West Haven CT

The Cove River

What is Phragmites Australis

Common reed- wetland species

Border lakes, ponds, and rivers

Can grow up to 6 meters high (~20 ft)

Reproduction can be done by seeds or asexually with rhizomes

Cont.Native and introduced genotypes of this species

currently exist in North America

Introduced in North America from Europe

Phragmites Australis

Impact of PhragmitesDominates ~10 % of CT’s tidal wetlands

Form barrier- prevents movement of animals and large birds

Plant height and stem density prevent growth of other plant species – plant diversity reduced

Slow decomposition rate after stems die causes combustible material remainsFire hazards

SolutionThe Connecticut Tidal Wetland Restoration Team

~ $90,000for phragmites control project

To help restore the marsh to a more natural state

Provide improved habitat for animals, birds & native plants, and improve property values (aesthetic enhancement and fire hazard reduction).

TreatmentHerbicide treatment

Imazapyr & Glyphosate spraying

Mulch mowing“marshmaster”

Spot application of herbicide and weed pulling

Native marsh grass tending

Continuous monitoring

Marshmaster

Treatment

Treatment Dates

Before

After

Data

Data AnalysisNitrate

Low levels are goodExcess levels make it difficult for organisms to

surviveHigher in between treatment dates = excess algae

or plant growth

PhosphateLower levels (<.3) = clean waterCove River considered waste waterHighest after treatment = treatment causes

pollution

Data AnalysisDissolved Oxygen Levels

Low = strained organismsFluctuates indicating that eradication has no

impact

pHFluctuates around 7 = neutralEradication has no impact on acidity

TemperatureNormal expected temperatures

ConclusionsRestoration efforts are crucial

The eradication has improved nitrate levels

Will continue to see a change in the environmentMore animals and birds

Removing phragmites will benefit the habitat, creating a better tomorrow

Moving ForwardMonitor plant growth and regrowth

Measure water & soil salinity

Monitor return of desirable species

Continue to obtain data on water quality

AcknowledgementsMr. Kevin Dickson, West Haven High School

Dr. Scott M. Graves, Ph. D, SCSU Science Education & Environmental Studies

Watershed Research Project & Mark Paine, West Haven Public Works

Elizabeth Fournier, West Haven High School

AP Biology Class of 2014, West Haven High School