Wetland Ecosystem Health

What parameters do scientists look at to determine pond health and how they impact the system? 

Organism Diversity

A pond that is habitat to a diverse selection of organisms contributes to a functioning food web to support the ecosystem. Without different organisms, this intricate web of interactions can fall apart. For example, if there was a lot of one single organism, that single organism would consume all the resources, and continue to reproduce. The cycle of consumption and reproduction would continue until all other life in the system is excluded. At this point, the one organism will then begin to die off as there are no more resources to sustain it. 

Nutrient Balance

A balance between the nutrients present in wetlands is essential to support life within the pond. Both macronutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and micronutrients (iron, copper, chlorine, etc) are needed in correct balance for the ecosystem to thrive. An overabundance of even a single nutrient like phosphorus can lead to destructive algal blooms and kill any other life in the wetland. 

Turbidity 

This is a measure of how “clear” the water is. Life needs sunlight to live. A murky water system will affect the depth at which life can be supported. Plants will only grow as deep down as sunlight will penetrate, which will then have an effect on the depth at which critters will thrive. Sunlight is also the main input of heat into the system. The more clear the water, the deeper the water is warmed. The temperature of the water affects the organisms that will live there, and can also have cascading effects such as oxygen levels.

Dissolved Oxygen

Just like sunlight, life needs some sort of oxygen. The primary form of oxygen for aquatic (wetland) ecosystems is that which is dissolved into the water. Critters will take up this oxygen using their gills or the oxygen will diffuse through their body depending on the type of critter. Dissolved oxygen levels need to be at an amount that can support the animals that live in the water. 

pH 

pH is a way of measuring the acidity of the water. It is a scale between 0 and 14, with 7 being neutral (think drinking water). Below 7 is considered acidic and above 7 is basic. A healthy pond is between 6.5-8.5. Fluctuating or extreme pH (acidic or basic water) can destroy ecosystems and make them uninhabitable.

In this photo is the old vernal pond at the Nature Centre with tall cattail plant and water that has a layer of green algae and duckweed on top.