JDJCSET | Earth and Environmental Sciences Poster Session
Urbanization Is Damaging Northern Kentucky Watersheds
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Earth and Environmental Science
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Robin Q. Zhang; Dr. Haluk Cetin
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Northern Kentucky has experienced a rapid population growth of 22% from 2000-2020. As a result, watersheds are facing new risks associated with urbanization and land-use change. This study analyzes the relationship between urbanized areas and local watershed water quality. 90 sites were sampled from 2006-2022 in the study area (Kenton, Boone, and Campbell counties) using averaged Macroinvertebrate Biotic Index (MBI) scores ranging from good to very poor. The study found sites closer to urbanized areas had poorer water quality in comparison to sites unaffected by land-use change. Additionally, long term data on four streams from a well-vegetated area was graphed and found that healthy streams naturally fluctuate between good and fair water quality, with certain outlier years displaying poor water quality readings which may be due to anthropogenic pressure.
Fall Scholars Week 2024 Event
Earth and Environmental Sciences Poster Session
Urbanization Is Damaging Northern Kentucky Watersheds
Northern Kentucky has experienced a rapid population growth of 22% from 2000-2020. As a result, watersheds are facing new risks associated with urbanization and land-use change. This study analyzes the relationship between urbanized areas and local watershed water quality. 90 sites were sampled from 2006-2022 in the study area (Kenton, Boone, and Campbell counties) using averaged Macroinvertebrate Biotic Index (MBI) scores ranging from good to very poor. The study found sites closer to urbanized areas had poorer water quality in comparison to sites unaffected by land-use change. Additionally, long term data on four streams from a well-vegetated area was graphed and found that healthy streams naturally fluctuate between good and fair water quality, with certain outlier years displaying poor water quality readings which may be due to anthropogenic pressure.