Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Environmental Sciences
Research Advisor
Niyogi, Dev
Fitch, Mark
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Second Advisor's Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Funding Source
OURE
Abstract
Stormwater can bring high concentrations of nutrients into urban ponds resulting in eutrophic conditions and subsequent algal blooms. These 91 blooms can lead to hypoxic water that will ultimately cause fish deaths and loss of recreation. Often, the majority of urban stormwater flows into local ponds through an inlet, which provides a target area for nutrient removal methods. One method being explored by researchers is the use of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). FTWs are floating mats with plants anchored to them, allowing the roots to be suspended in the water column for nutrient removal. Our previous research focused on optimizing FTW design and quantifying stormwater nutrient reduction with mesocosm-scale experiments, setting the stage for full-scale implementation. For this project, FTWs will be anchored near the inlet of Ber Juan Pond in Rolla. The experimental design will consist of a short, longitudinal divider in the pond with FTWs on one side and a control channel on the other side. I aim to compare the nutrient concentrations, dissolved oxygen levels, and other water quality parameters in each channel to understand how they are affected by FTWs. This research will help inform lake managers, so they can effectively reduce eutrophication in urban ponds.
Biography
Tylor Cheatham is a junior in Environmental Science at Missouri S& T. His academic interests include nutrient cycles, restoration ecology, landscape limnology, and environmental ethics. In Tylor's free time he enjoys kayaking, spending time with friends, and exploring new music.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
OURE Fellows Proposal Oral Applicant
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Havener Center - Carver Room
Presentation Date
10 April 2024, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Included in
Phytoremediation of Nonpoint Source Pollution
Havener Center - Carver Room
Stormwater can bring high concentrations of nutrients into urban ponds resulting in eutrophic conditions and subsequent algal blooms. These 91 blooms can lead to hypoxic water that will ultimately cause fish deaths and loss of recreation. Often, the majority of urban stormwater flows into local ponds through an inlet, which provides a target area for nutrient removal methods. One method being explored by researchers is the use of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). FTWs are floating mats with plants anchored to them, allowing the roots to be suspended in the water column for nutrient removal. Our previous research focused on optimizing FTW design and quantifying stormwater nutrient reduction with mesocosm-scale experiments, setting the stage for full-scale implementation. For this project, FTWs will be anchored near the inlet of Ber Juan Pond in Rolla. The experimental design will consist of a short, longitudinal divider in the pond with FTWs on one side and a control channel on the other side. I aim to compare the nutrient concentrations, dissolved oxygen levels, and other water quality parameters in each channel to understand how they are affected by FTWs. This research will help inform lake managers, so they can effectively reduce eutrophication in urban ponds.
