Abstract

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) is one of the largest active organic carbon reservoirs formed from processes that break down terrestrial/aquatic matter and released from plant roots as exudates. In watersheds, DOC is continuously transported and processed through rivers, streams and lakes. DOC is present in wetlands around Monroe County, New York; in areas that function as groundwater recharge, stormwater retention, nutrient retention and habitats for wildlife. The conducted research was an initial step towards a more thorough understanding of DOC's processing, especially in regard to its phenolic content, in small urban/sub-urban wetlands in Monroe County, NY. DOC and phenol concentrations were assessed primarily through utilizing a Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzer and the Folin-Ciocalteau Reagent method. Ultimately, samples of influent flow to, and effluent flow from, natural, man-made and retention pond wetlands were collected and analyzed to help understand how DOC might be processed through these local wetlands. Results show that there was no statistical difference in the DOC and Phenol Net Concentration difference among wetland types and seasons but statistical significance existed only in the comparison of the total overall DOC and Phenol concentrations among Seasons, Wetland Types and Sites. A better understanding in the interpretation of the changes in DOC and phenol concentrations in wetlands could be achieved if other variables such as wetland size, water depth, retention time and landscape are taken into account in future studies.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Wetland ecology; Wetlands--Carbon content--Measurement; Phenols--Measurement; Biogeochemistry

Publication Date

8-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences (COS)

Advisor

Pagano, Todd

Advisor/Committee Member

Tyler, Anna

Advisor/Committee Member

Korfmacher, Karl

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: QH541.5.M3 R83 2013

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

ENVS-MS

Download

Share

COinS