Advisor(s)
Leslie Riley, PhD
Ohio Northern University
Environmental & Field Biology, Science, Technology, and Mathematics
l-riley.1@onu.edu
Robert Verb, PhD
Ohio Northern University
Environmental & Field Biology, Science, Technology, and Mathematics
r-verb@onu.edu
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
22-4-2022 10:00 AM
End Date
22-4-2022 11:00 AM
Abstract
Geology, physiographic history, and land use are among the most important factors influencing benthic community structure and distribution in surface waters, especially lotic systems. Given the higher till concentrations in glaciated regions, does this impact the quality of riffle habitats and associated benthic communities? The objective of this study was to examine the influence of glacial history on benthic stream communities and physicochemical variables of a river in central Ohio. The Kokosing River transitions through several physiographic regions within Ohio including the Till Plains, the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau, and the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. From 2020-2021, periphyton, macroinvertebrates, fish, and selected physicochemical parameters were collected in riffle habitats at ten sites along the river. Analyses indicated that specific conductance and pH were both higher in the Till Plains when compared to the Killbuck Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and the Illinoian Glaciated Allegheny Plateau. Higher specific conductance and the elevated pH in the Till Plains could be a result of increased groundwater contributions from limestone aquifers that are prevalent in this physiographic region. Further investigation next year will expand comparisons across a third physiographic region, the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau.
Recommended Citation
Brisbine, Cameron; Brown, Gregory; and Kessler, Jack, "The effect of physiographic regions on benthic riffle communities in the Kokosing River (Ohio)" (2022). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 19.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2022/posters/19
Open Access
Available to all.
Included in
The effect of physiographic regions on benthic riffle communities in the Kokosing River (Ohio)
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Geology, physiographic history, and land use are among the most important factors influencing benthic community structure and distribution in surface waters, especially lotic systems. Given the higher till concentrations in glaciated regions, does this impact the quality of riffle habitats and associated benthic communities? The objective of this study was to examine the influence of glacial history on benthic stream communities and physicochemical variables of a river in central Ohio. The Kokosing River transitions through several physiographic regions within Ohio including the Till Plains, the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau, and the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. From 2020-2021, periphyton, macroinvertebrates, fish, and selected physicochemical parameters were collected in riffle habitats at ten sites along the river. Analyses indicated that specific conductance and pH were both higher in the Till Plains when compared to the Killbuck Glaciated Allegheny Plateau and the Illinoian Glaciated Allegheny Plateau. Higher specific conductance and the elevated pH in the Till Plains could be a result of increased groundwater contributions from limestone aquifers that are prevalent in this physiographic region. Further investigation next year will expand comparisons across a third physiographic region, the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau.