Impacts of Migrating Waterfowl on Escherichia coli Levels in Water Bodies within the Erie National Wildlife Refuge.

Baumgardner, Corey

Impacts of Migrating Waterfowl on Escherichia coli Levels in Water Bodies within the Erie National Wildlife Refuge.

Persistent URL

http://hdl.handle.net/10456/41430

Author(s)

Baumgardner, Corey

Date Issued

April 4, 2016

Abstract

Birds of the United States have been studied for many reasons, however, one category of birds have long been overlooked as one of the most important in biological diversity: waterfowl. Historically, waterfowl have suffered population declines within the United States, but thanks to conservation techniques, specifically the National Wildlife Refuge System, populations are again healthy. With a population of waterfowl once again at high numbers, during their migration, they leave behind bacteria (i.e. E. coli) that can be found on land and in water. This study aimed to determine how migrating waterfowl impact E. coli levels specifically within impoundments located in the Erie National Wildlife Refuge located in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania during the peak of the fall 2015 migration season. Waterfowl Surveys were conducted once a week from mid-August to mid-December. Escherichia coli levels were measured at three separate times during fall migration. Data was analyzed and reviewed using graphs and figures. Canada Geese were found to be most populous. Migration itself was delayed due to altered weather conditions resulting in a later migration season. Overall, waterfowl abundance was highest post-migration while E. coli levels were generally not impacted by waterfowl abundance. A longer, smaller scale, project with more sampling in specific impoundments would offer additional information.

Major

Environmental Science

First Reader(s)

Bradshaw-Wilson, Casey R.