First Name:
Chase
Last Name:
Batchelor
Major Department:
Geology
Thesis Director:
Chuanhui Gu
Date of Thesis:
Dec 2013
Hyporheic exchange (HE) controls stream water quality by regulating biogeochemical processes, ecosystem functioning, and nutrient dynamics. The objective of this study was to better understand and quantify the extent of urban impact on HE and how that affects stream nutrient uptake. Hyporheic exchange and nutrient uptake were studied through tracer injection experiments in an urban stream, Boone Creek, and a forested stream, Winkler Creek. The results show a greater extent of HE and higher nutrient uptake in Winkler Creek than Boone Creek, which indicate, urbanization can deteriorate stream ecosystem functions by reducing HE and nutrient retention capacity. As a result, extra amounts of nutrients might export downstream and create a eutrophication problem. Thus, hyporheic restoration is crucial and has to be taken into account in restoring the ecosystems of urban streams.