Sessions
Concurrent Session: Wetland challenges
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM Wed
Co-authors: Jered Studinski, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Title: Assessing the effects of contaminants on restored wetland invertebrate communities
Abstract: Pesticides and excess nutrients are well-known for moving from agricultural areas to wetlands, streams, and groundwater. Since the mid-1990s, neonicotinoid insecticides have become commonly used. Few studies have examined the effects of neonicotinoids on aquatic organisms, and field-based studies are especially lacking. I will discuss a study that looks at the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on aquatic invertebrate growth rates and community structure. In 2021, we collected aquatic invertebrates and water samples from 21 ponds on 14 conservation easements throughout central Wisconsin. We found detectable concentrations of neonicotinoids in 6 of 21 ponds. We assessed differences in aquatic invertebrate communities and overall abundance of common taxa across all ponds as well as the potential effects of neonicotinoids. I will discuss confounding variables (e.g., presence of other pesticides, excess nutrients, and variation in pond characteristics such as mean temperature and depth). Results from this study may guide future restoration efforts and may provide insight for pesticides application guidelines.
Bio: Macayla Greider received a bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology from UW-Stevens Point. During her undergraduate career, she worked in the ABL, processing macroinvertebrate samples. Her field experience focused on habitat management for wetland birds in the Midwest. She is earning her master's degree in natural resources at UW-Stevens Point. In partnership with USDA-NRCS, she is assessing the quality of restored agricultural wetlands.