Presenters: Ikaikaolahui Danner, College of Science, Biology
Authors: Clayton Rawson, Will Pacheco, Ikaikaolahui Danner, Jonathan Chapman, Taylor McEntire, Joshua Jackson, Dr. Eddy Cadet
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Eddy Cadet, College of Earth Science, Earth Science
Institution: Utah Valley University
Phragmites australis, an invasive species throughout North America, is spreading along the shores of Utah Lake. The current method of removal involves aerial application of glyphosate-based herbicides followed by mowing, leaving the roots in the sediment. While it is important to control the proliferation of P. australis for ecosystem stability, its removal must be done holistically and thoughtfully. This study evaluates the effects of Phragmites spp. destruction by AquaNeat herbicide on the concentration of trace metals in Utah Lake water and sediment. Five replicate plant, water, and sediment (0-45 cm depth) samples were collected where AquaNeat herbicide had been applied. Samples were collected in June 2016, one month prior to aerial treatment. Following treatment, samples were collected at the same site once each month for five consecutive months to determine changes in trace metal concentration in the remaining plant, water, and sediment. All samples will be acid digested, filtered, and analyzed for trace metal content (As, Cd, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Cu) using the ICP-OES. To understand the behavior of trace elements in each respective site, parameters such as temperature, pH, organic matter (OM), electrical conductivity, redox potential, dissolved oxygen, particle size distribution, total nitrogen, and total phosphate will be determined. Preliminary results show that there was a significant increase in concertations for water, sediments, and plants for most of the trace metals evaluated during the first month following AquaNeat application. During months three and four, water quality improved. However, sediment quality deteriorated. In terms of trace metals, lithium showed a decrease in concentration at the floc layer, while chromium and nickel increased in month five. Cadmium had much higher background concertation in plants than normal Utah background levels. However, overtime Cadmium showed a decrease in concentration at the floc level.