Comparative Analysis of Water Quality and Nutrient Levels at the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Jacque Kelly
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability
Abstract
This study will be conducted at the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center to compare and evaluate the water quality and chemistry of two ponds: the Waterfowl Pond and the Cypress Pond. The Waterfowl Pond receives runoff from three different sources, which makes it more susceptible to nutrient loading and pollution. In contrast, the Cypress Pond is fed by the Waterfowl Pond through a connecting creek and a freshwater aquifer source, which may influence the chemical composition and quality of the pond water. Water samples from the Waterfowl Pond and Cypress Pond will be collected shortly after a rain event as well as after a period of dry weather. This allows the comparison of the impact of storm runoff and how it impacts the water chemistry. The samples will be tested for pH, temperature, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which are commonly used to assess the health of the ecosystem. This study aims to determine if there are measurable differences in overall water quality and nutrient levels due to the influx of runoff into the ponds. The measurements of the water samples will also provide the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center with possible signs of pollution or a nutrient imbalance, and will help determine if there are any impacts on water quality for wildlife.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-21-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-21-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Love, Delaney, "Comparative Analysis of Water Quality and Nutrient Levels at the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 11.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/11
Comparative Analysis of Water Quality and Nutrient Levels at the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center
Savannah Ballroom
This study will be conducted at the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center to compare and evaluate the water quality and chemistry of two ponds: the Waterfowl Pond and the Cypress Pond. The Waterfowl Pond receives runoff from three different sources, which makes it more susceptible to nutrient loading and pollution. In contrast, the Cypress Pond is fed by the Waterfowl Pond through a connecting creek and a freshwater aquifer source, which may influence the chemical composition and quality of the pond water. Water samples from the Waterfowl Pond and Cypress Pond will be collected shortly after a rain event as well as after a period of dry weather. This allows the comparison of the impact of storm runoff and how it impacts the water chemistry. The samples will be tested for pH, temperature, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which are commonly used to assess the health of the ecosystem. This study aims to determine if there are measurable differences in overall water quality and nutrient levels due to the influx of runoff into the ponds. The measurements of the water samples will also provide the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center with possible signs of pollution or a nutrient imbalance, and will help determine if there are any impacts on water quality for wildlife.
