Abstract

The invasion of the emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis) has caused mass mortality of native ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), devastating forested wetlands in the northeastern United States. Fifteen years post-introduction, the long-term ecological shifts and "new normals" of these ecosystems remain poorly understood. This project characterized patterns in EAB-affected forested wetlands by evaluating soil characteristics, biogeochemical cycling, hydrology, and green ash canopy across 12 sites with varying initial ash presence. Results revealed a clear separation between biogeochemically active and less active sites. Hydrologic differences emerged as a key driver of biogeochemical cycling, with higher soil moisture significantly increasing rates of potential denitrification, anaerobic methane and carbon dioxide production, aerobic respiration, and nitrification. In combination with moisture, nutrient availability was a primary driver of carbon and nitrogen cycling, partitioning process rates based on anaerobic/aerobic conditions and available nutrients. Based on these results, it is hypothesized that the loss of transpiration via ash mortality results in wetter environments, accelerating these processes, increasing methane emission and nitrate buildup. Ash Mortality Index (AMI) and soil moisture emerge as measurements that could indicate heightened biogeochemical activity, which can be used to continue monitoring of EAB-affected forested wetlands.

Publication Date

6-22-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Environmental Science (MS)

College

College of Science

Advisor

Carmody McCalley

Advisor/Committee Member

Elizabeth Hane

Advisor/Committee Member

Brian Hovan

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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