BENTHIC ALGAL COMMUNITY STRUCTURE ALONG AN ELEVATIONAL AND CHEMICAL GRADIENT IN THE HAZEL CREEK WATERSHED, GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Title:	BENTHIC ALGAL COMMUNITY STRUCTURE ALONG AN ELEVATIONAL AND CHEMICAL GRADIENT IN THE HAZEL CREEK WATERSHED, GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Author:	Novitski, Linda Nicole
Description:	Atmospheric nitrogen pollution has been shown to cause acidification and consequent chemical shifts that have the potential to alter algal species composition in aquatic ecosystems. This study addressed the question, which physical and chemical factors along an elevation gradient have the greatest influence on benthic algal community structure in the Hazel Creek Watershed (HCW) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? In August 2005, eight composite epilithon samples were taken from five sites in the HCW. Water chemistry data were obtained from the National Park Service. An analysis of similarities of the assemblages showed changes in algal community composition along the elevational and chemical gradient. It appears that nitrate, pH, acid neutralizing capacity, and aluminum levels are among the most influential chemical factors of algal community composition in the HCW, while water temperature and canopy cover are the most influential physical factors.
Permanent Link:	http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1155742200 http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/15778
Date:	2006

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