Abiotic and biotic tests were conducted on an unnamed perennial first-order tributary of Sni-A-Bar Creek in unincorporated eastern Jackson County, Missouri. Like many waterways in the area, the tributary exhibited both steep and severely undercut banks due to periodic localized flooding from the runoff of adjacent pastures and row crops. Benthic collection was accomplished by submerging six leaf pack LaMotte® mesh bags containing senescent leaves previously collected from trees on the tributary’s banks. Individual bags of a single air-dried leaf type (Burr Oak, Paw Paw and Sycamore) were tied to cinder blocks and placed in 0.4 m of water on both east and west banks. Approximately seven weeks later, in January, bags were retrieved and transported to the Chillicothe Correctional Center for analysis by both offenders and correctional officers enrolled in Environmental Science classes.
Results/Conclusions
Benthic analysis yielded a total of 108 organisms representing 12 taxa. Significant differences in numbers and types of organisms were observed between leaf packs placed 2 m apart on east and west banks of the Sni-A-Bar tributary. Burr Oak contained the highest taxon number (11), followed by Sycamore (8) and Paw Paw (7). Although multiple indices indicated the average water quality was good, the value resulted primarily from one of two Burr Oak leaf packs which yielded 40% of all collected organisms (n=43) and together they contained 52% of all organisms (n=56). Leaf Pack Network Biotic indices varied from 5.79 (excellent water) for the west bank, with the high-yielding Burr Oak pack, to 12.26 (poor water) for the east bank. Stoneflies accounted for 38% of all organisms producing an EPT value of 46%. The experiment engaged non-science majors in a literature survey, classification of benthic organisms, statistical analysis of data, and multiple drafts of a scientific paper and poster. The challenges and positive impacts of engaging in a collaborative research project in a correctional facility, with offenders and staff, will be presented including the value of publicly presenting their research both on campus and at the Missouri Academy of Science.