Revitalizing Duck Lake Essay
Revitalizing Duck Lake Essay
Revitalizing Duck Lake Essay
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launched at the WAB Gala in 2016 to invest in the cleanup of the lake. The project, a testament to the power
of collaboration, involves government agencies, local businesses, and community members, all united in
their aim to address environmental challenges. Duck Lake is an essential educational ecosystem for WAB,
providing students with an immersive learning environment and fostering environmental stewardship ( "鸭
子湖保护小组:Duck Lake Project"). The cleanup project aimed to restore the lake's health, give the
students a firsthand experience of the positive impact of collective action and ecological responsibility and
enhance their environmental education. The effectiveness of cleanups and water filtration systems in
maintaining abiotic factors, such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and turbidity, will be
evaluated to determine the success of the cleanup efforts and identify areas for improvement. The goal is to
implement strategies that enhance the environment of Duck Lake, promote sustainability in the ecosystem,
and engage the surrounding community in conservation efforts.
pH Levels:
pH is an essential indicator of a water body's chemical, physical, and biological changes. It measures the
acidity or alkalinity of the water on a scale from 0 to 14, with seven being considered neutral. pH is crucial
because it affects the chemical processes in natural water and can indicate changes in water quality and
pollution levels. pH is an essential factor in water toxicity. A change in pH can alter the concentrations and
forms of toxic chemicals in water ("The Importance of Monitoring and Maintaining the PH of Lake Water -
Phscales.com").
The pH levels across different locations and depths of the duck lake range from 8.16 to 9.02. These pH
values indicate that the water in the lake is slightly alkaline. The average pH across all measurements is
approximately 8.6.
Surface J2 8.33
Depth I2 9.02
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Depth J2 8.95
Shoreline C1 8.4
Shoreline A3 8.92
Surface I2 8.16
The dissolved oxygen (DO) test, which measures the amount of oxygen in water, is crucial for the survival
of aquatic organisms. By indicating the ecosystem's health, this test can help prevent reduced biodiversity
and potential harm to sensitive species. For instance, low dissolved oxygen levels can be a warning sign,
prompting immediate action to protect the ecosystem (United States Environmental Protection Agency,
"Indicators: Dissolved Oxygen").
The dissolved oxygen concentrations vary significantly across different areas of the lake. This is because the
fountains planted in certain regions resulted in higher dissolved oxygen levels. Surface areas also generally
exhibit higher dissolved oxygen levels, with an average of about 8.5 mg/L, while depths and specific
shoreline locations show lower dissolved oxygen levels, with about 5.5 mg/L.
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Figure 2: Image of Duck Lake’s fountains
Conductivity:
Conductivity measures water's ability to pass an electrical current. It is influenced by inorganic dissolved
solids such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate anions or sodium, magnesium, calcium, solid, and
aluminum. Conductivity can provide information about water's dissolved substances, chemicals, and
minerals. Higher conductivity levels may indicate higher amounts of impurities in the water ("5.9
Conductivity").
The conductivity levels of Duck Lake remain relatively consistent across the lake, with an average of
approximately 680 µS/cm. This indicates a consistent presence of dissolved substances and minerals in the
water.
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Surface I2 664 µS/cm
Turbidity:
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity and the amount of suspended material in the water that affects the
passage of light. Suspended materials include soil particles, algae, plankton, microbes, and other substances.
Turbidity can impact water temperature, clog fish gills, reduce fish disease resistance, lower growth rates,
and affect egg and larval development. It can occur due to soil erosion, waste discharge, urban runoff,
excessive algal growth, and sediment disturbance (US EPA, Office of Water, "5.5 Turbidity").
Turbidity levels vary across the lake, with surface areas generally exhibiting lower turbidity (average of
approximately 9.9 NTU) compared to depths and specific shoreline locations, which show higher turbidity
(average of roughly 16.3 NTU).
Nitrates Concentrations:
Nitrates are a form of nitrogen in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Excess nitrates can cause hypoxia (low
dissolved oxygen levels) and be toxic to warm-blooded animals at higher concentrations. Nitrate levels can
affect dissolved oxygen, temperature, and other water quality indicators (United States Environmental
Protection Agency, "5.7 Nitrates").
The nitrates' concentrations remain consistent across different lake areas, with an average of approximately
12.5 mg/L, indicating a balanced nitrogen cycle within the ecosystem. This consistent level of nitrates may
indicate a stable presence of nitrogen compounds in the water, contributing to the overall nutrient balance of
the ecosystem.
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Surface J2 12.5 mg/L
The test uses a quadrant to count the species within a specific area, providing an overall idea of the
ecosystem's biodiversity. The quadrants were randomly placed in multiple areas along the shoreline,
allowing for the identification of different plants and creatures. This sampling method estimates the overall
biodiversity without the need to individually measure and count every organism present, which would be
impractical (Glen, "Simpson’s Diversity Index: Definition, Formula, Calculation").
The result was 0.044 (low biodiversity). Out of the recorded data, the dominant species were insects. The
most commonly found insects were ants, which were counted 24 times. Rorippa palustris and Malva
neglecta are the most common plants found in Duck Lake and are counted ten times.
Silver carp, grass carp, and Koi fish were the most recorded fish species in the lake. Silver carp are native to
China and help filter water by eating plankton and debris ("Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys Molitrix) |
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service"). Furthermore, koi fish can help control water quality by filtering expelled
materials from lakes and grinding food with powerful teeth at their throats. It is commonly found in streams
where grass carp, which are native to China, can be found.
The purpose of the test is to assess the biodiversity and ecological health of the lake ecosystem. Benthic
macroinvertebrates are reliable indicators of water quality and ecosystem conditions because they have
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different tolerances to pollution and respond to human disturbance in predictable ways. By studying the
composition and abundance of other taxa, scientists and environmental professionals can gain insights into
the overall health and functioning of the lake ecosystem (“Benthic Macroinvertebrates (BMI’s)”).
High-tolerance insects, such as scuds, roundworms, sowbugs, and mayflies, are prevalent in ecosystems and
account for 61% of the total insect count. These insects, with a tolerance level above five, are the most
dominant in the population.
Meanwhile, those with a tolerance level equal to or below 5, including dragonflies, beetles, stoneflies, and
craneflies, comprised only 3% of the total. The insects with medium tolerance levels had moderate counts—
not too low nor too high. Thus, these trends support that the higher the tolerance level, the more familiar a
species is. Since insects with high tolerance levels are more versatile, their reproduction rate is probably
higher since they are adaptable to harsh environments. Thus, they have a large population.
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these areas. Furthermore, protecting areas can also help regulate human activities threatening the lake's
ecosystem, such as pollution or overfishing. With this proactive approach, Duck Lake can remain a healthy
and thriving environment for wildlife and future generations. By creating and maintaining these protected
areas, we can help ensure the survival and abundance of fish populations, including both native and
migratory species (“Discover the Abundant Wildlife of Lake: A Fascinating Exploration | Twin Creeks”).
Aquatic plants, such as submerged and shoreline vegetation, are also vital to the lake ecosystem. These
plants provide essential habitats and food sources for many marine animals, including fish, insects, and
amphibians. They help maintain water quality by reducing nutrient runoff and sediment erosion.
Establishing protected areas can help preserve and promote the growth of these vital aquatic plants,
supporting the overall health and balance of the lake ecosystem (“Lakes”).
V. Conclusion
Duck Lake has a healthy ecosystem with a slightly alkaline pH, stable nitrate concentrations, and varying
dissolved oxygen levels. However, dissolved oxygen levels and turbidity variations suggest potential spatial
and depth-related changes, possibly influenced by temperature, photosynthesis, respiration, and local
environmental disturbances. The stable nitrate concentrations suggest a balanced nutrient cycle, supporting
the lake's ecosystem by providing essential nutrients for aquatic organisms. The fluctuating turbidity levels
may indicate localized disturbances or variations in sediment and particulate matter, requiring further
investigation to assess their impact on the lake's health.
A healthy ecosystem supports diverse species, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Biodiversity
is essential for maintaining the stability and resilience of ecosystems, as different species play unique roles
in ecological processes. Preserving biodiversity helps ensure the long-term survival of various species and
the ecosystem's overall health. It is also essential for human well-being. These services include the provision
of clean air and water, nutrient cycling, pollination of crops, regulation of climate, and the provision of food
and raw materials. Ecosystem services contribute to human livelihoods, economic activities, and overall
quality of life.
In conclusion, understanding and addressing the factors affecting the Duck Lake ecosystem, including
human activities and natural processes, is essential for preserving its health and biodiversity and its
numerous benefits to the environment and human well-being.
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