Date: Tues, March 25
Time: 3:30 pm
Place: Abbotsford Campus, B101
[hr]
Audrey Epp
Abstract: Comparing the relationship between precipitation and river geochemistry.
The geochemistry of precipitation affects the geochemistry of river water. Ideally, studies of river biogeochemistry should therefore include collection and analyses of wet deposition. The Global Rivers Observatory has studied the Fraser River near Vancouver since the summer of 2009 at roughly bi-weekly resolution. The interpretation of this temporal record of river biogeochemistry, particularly the various sources of solutes, could be improved with a better understanding of atmospheric contributions. In this study precipitation and river water will be analysed from the Fraser River basin for nutrients as well as major and select trace ion concentrations.
Rosalie Luymes
Abstract: Impact of land use on dissolved nutrient levels in four tributaries of the Fraser River, BC: Silverdale Creek, Willband Creek, Clayburn Creek and Nathan Creek.
The Fraser River basin in British Columbia is a diverse ecosystem that comprises approximately 220,000km2. The Fraser River flows 1,370 km beginning at its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains and then discharging into the Georgia Strait near Vancouver. The Fraser River basin is unique as it has diverse geological terrain, limited damming, and experiences a wide range of precipitation and climate. The study and analysis of water quality is imperative for protecting aquatic ecosystems and human use of the Fraser River and its tributaries. The water quality of the Fraser River is at risk from point and non-point source pollution due to population pressures
Michelle Bennett
Abstract: Biodiversity of Microbacteria in the Fraser River BC, for Water Quality Analysis.
The increase of anthropogenic influence threatens to decrease biodiversity of the Fraser River and tributaries. Previous models have shown that with a decrease of biodiversity correlates with a decrease of water quality, and the microbial community changes. DNA samples will be extracted from water samples of the Fraser River and several tributaries and analyzed for quantity and diversity of bacterial species. This study will compare streams affected by agriculture and pristine streams as well as the Fraser River.