Brief Summary of the Project:
Brief Summary of the Project:
I am investigating the stratification of macroinvertebrates within the marine sediment columns (1-5cm). This project aims to observe how the concentration of macroinvertebrates within the sediment column varies with water and sediment quality. This involves taking measurements using the YSI meter including salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature as well as testing the pH, conductivity, and carbon content of the soil. Here, an amalgamation of factors will be cataloged in hopes of categorizing a relationship between macroinvertebrates and the demographics of their chosen mediums (water and soil). The efficacy and methods of this project are currently being reevaluated as our trials have yielded minimal counts of macroinvertebrates. This may be due to a seasonal decrease of macroinvertebrates, clustered dispersion of benthic macroinvertebrates, and mobility of macroinvertebrates. Soil cores are still being taken and sampled as we move into the spring season to test these hypotheses, so there is plenty of time to get involved!
Photos Courtesy of Justin Huitema
Future Plans for the Lab:
Our main goal is to fine-tune the methods and objectives of the project. Many factors can affect macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity, so we're really hoping to play around with a couple of new sampling methods and figure out what works best. Hayden will also be leaving the lab soon, with the hopes that Kylie will be able to take over the project.
People Involved:
Hayden Vega: Student Project Leader
Alison Rickard: Lab Director; CCBER Research and Monitoring Coordinator
Kylie Malone: Student Volunteer
About the Project Leader:
My name is Hayden Vega, and I'm a second-year environmental studies and ecology major. I joined the lab a year ago to get some lab experience and play in the mud around North Campus Open Space! So far, it has not disappointed. I'm currently leading a project that's investigating the relationship between marine sediment quality and macroinvertebrates, so if that interests you, please reach out!