Document Type
Proposal
Publication Date
2024
Department
Biological & Environmental Sciences
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Kenneth Fortino
Abstract
The relationship between macroinvertebrate functional diversity and environmental processes is connected in streams. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are specialized feeders, falling into five functional feeding groups which affect processes such as the decomposition of organic matter. Urbanization causes the degradation of streams in a process is known as the Urban Stream Syndrome, and can result in increased concentrations of contaminants, altered stream morphology, and reduced taxonomic richness. The reduction of taxonomic richness increases the abundance of tolerant species, altering functional feeding groups, which will affect ecosystem processes within the stream. My proposed study seeks to determine the effects of urbanization on ecosystem processes via the alteration of macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups. I hypothesize that the degradation of streams from the Urban Stream Syndrome, will result in a decrease in macroinvertebrate diversity and the diversity of the functional feeding groups, altering organic matter processing. I propose to test this hypothesis in urban and non-urban streams near Farmville, Virginia.
Recommended Citation
Loucas, Helena, "Evaluation of the impact of Urban Stream Syndrome on macroinvertebrate functional feeding diversity and organic matter processing in streams" (2024). Longwood Senior Thesis Proposal. 17.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/senior_thesis_proposals/17
