Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Major
Environmental Engineering
Research Advisor
Fitch, Mark
Niyogi, Dev
Advisor's Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Second Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
UMR Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program
Abstract
Excess nutrients affect many natural ecosystems and lead to imperilment of ecosystem integrity. Although nutrient uptake in streams has received growing attention in recent years, we still have little quantitative information on the specific characteristics of streams that affect uptake rates. My research included combining experimental (using artificial streams) and observational (measuring uptake in whole streams) approaches to understand specific controls on phosphorus uptake in streams. Phosphorus was chosen because it is one of the primary nutrients that enter water systems through agricultural runoff. This research attempted to quantify the response of nutrient uptake from the addition of limestone and to varying amounts of algal biomass. Experimental channels were set up simulating natural streams where biological and geological characteristics were manipulated. Results from the experimental channels allowed predictions of uptake rates for whole streams given their biological and geological characteristics. This project will help guide the management of streams to protect downstream systems from eutrophication.
Biography
Will is a senior attending the University of Missouri-Rolla. He is the son of Rose and James Granich and is from Russellville, MO. He is majoring in Environmental Engineering and minoring in Geological Engineering. He will be graduating in December 2007 and is undecided if he will pursue a master's degree or a full-time position.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Havener Center, Carver-Turner Room
Presentation Date
11 April 2007, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Phosphorus Uptake Mechanisms in Missouri Streams
Havener Center, Carver-Turner Room
Excess nutrients affect many natural ecosystems and lead to imperilment of ecosystem integrity. Although nutrient uptake in streams has received growing attention in recent years, we still have little quantitative information on the specific characteristics of streams that affect uptake rates. My research included combining experimental (using artificial streams) and observational (measuring uptake in whole streams) approaches to understand specific controls on phosphorus uptake in streams. Phosphorus was chosen because it is one of the primary nutrients that enter water systems through agricultural runoff. This research attempted to quantify the response of nutrient uptake from the addition of limestone and to varying amounts of algal biomass. Experimental channels were set up simulating natural streams where biological and geological characteristics were manipulated. Results from the experimental channels allowed predictions of uptake rates for whole streams given their biological and geological characteristics. This project will help guide the management of streams to protect downstream systems from eutrophication.
