Studies of the Flathead Basin by
Students of Linda deKort and
Sue Brown, Flathead High School
Nutrient Levels of Storm Drain Water Flowing into Ashley Creek.
Michael Greig, Flathead High School, Kalispell, MT 59901
Abstract--Water
quality in the Flathead Lake drainage is of great concern. The potential of
wetlands to reduce pollution has been established for certain aquatic pollution
parameters, especially nitrates and phosphates. This study investigated the
levels of nutrients that entered a storm drainage ditch approximately 100 meters
long that empties into Ashley Creek. The
source of water was a storm sewer that services most of east Kalispell, Montana.
Nitrate and phosphate levels were determined
at both ends of the ditch to see if nutrient levels were reduced as
runoff passed through the vegetation in the ditch. Phosphates were reduced 54%
while nitrates were reduced 90%. While I hypothesize Ceratophyllum
demersum was responsible for most of the nutrient trapping, lab studies
found Hippuris vulgaris to be the most
efficient nutrient trapper of the native plants tested. Planting additional
vegetation or meandering the ditch may be a viable
option to increase the pollution filtering process.
====================================
Evaluating Land Use Impacts
on Little Bitterroot Lake Using Biomonitors
Michelle Sienknecht, Flathead High School, Kalispell, MT 59901
Abstract--Although
research suggests that Little Bitterroot Lake has some of the best water quality
in the Flathead Valley, its quality is deteriorating due to increased
development. This study analyzed
aquatic macroinvertebrate communities to evaluate the impact of land use on lake
condition. I hypothesized that
macroinvertebrates more tolerant to pollution would be found in the more
developed East Bay compared to the less developed South Bay.
On November 13, 1999, I sampled both sites for macroinvertebrates and water quality – including: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrates, phosphates, alkalinity, turbidity, and E. coli (a bacteria associated with sewage). Macroinvertebrates were collected on artificial substrates. I found that mayflies and tubiflex worms were absent from the South Site, while amphipods were uncommon at the East Site. Of the water quality parameters, only alkalinity was found to be significantly different at the two sites.
The Difference in Amount and Type of Periphyton Diatoms Between a South
and
East Site of Little Bitterroot Lake of Marion, Montana.
Brittany Smith 501 3rd Ave.
West, Kalispell, MT 59901
Flathead High School, Kalispell, MT 59901
Abstract--This
study gathered baseline data and compared water quality at two sites on Little
Bitterroot Lake in northwestern Montana. Artificial
substrates were placed on two bays of the
lake
and were sampled from September 12, 1999, until November 26, 1999. I determined
the biomass of periphyton diatoms collected every few weeks as well as the
relative number of Cymbella diatoms in that biomass. More Cymbella were
collected from East Bay where more year-round homes are located.
Water quality tests (including temperature, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen,
phosphates, nitrates, E. coli, and
turbidity) revealed a low level of phosphates and nitrates (nutrients). Sampling
will continue this spring to determine seasonal variations in periphyton and
water quality parameters.
====================================
Seasonal Changes in Cestode Numbers Found in Fish of Flathead Lake
Jonathan Fetter-Vorm, 1040 Swan River Road, Bigfork, MT 59911
Flathead High School, Kalispell, MT 59901
Abstract--The
Flathead Valley is heavily dependent on the ecosystem of Flathead Lake. The viability of fish populations is of critical interest to
many people. Despite this,
surprisingly little is known about the relationships of both native and
introduced fish and the parasitic cestodes that use them as hosts.
The purpose of this study is to determine the role of cestodes in the
ecosystem of Flathead Lake. Samples
of native and introduced species, including the Lake Trout and the Lake Superior
Whitefish, were collected by various fishing organizations and the Montana
Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. These
specimens were analyzed through dissection and inspected for cestode presence.
Preliminary findings indicate that Lake Superior Whitefish are more
likely to be infected than Lake Trout. Those
fish with cestodes were not in significantly poorer health than those without.
The cestodes were preserved in isopropyl alcohol and will be identified by
parasitologist Jim Peterson, of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and
Parks, and with the use of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
====================================
Changes in Perlidae Populations on the South Fork of the Flathead River
5 Years after Installation of a Selective Withdrawal System on Hungry Horse Dam.
Mark Ruby, Flathead High School, Kalispell, MT 59901
Abstract--A
selective withdrawal system was added to Hungry Horse Dam in 1994 to help
downstream fish populations. To
evaluate the effects of that system on perlid stoneflies of the South Fork, I
replicated a study of the South Fork, Middle Fork, and Main Stem of the Flathead
done before the installation of the system.
I sampled in July, August, and October 1999 and in early and late March
2000. The system appeared to warm
the South Fork waters significantly in late summer months by as much as 5oC.
The temperature of the South Fork in 1999 was warmer than the
temperatures of the Middle Fork and Main Stem.
The numbers of Hesoperoperla pacifica and
Claasenia sabulosa appeared to be
lower than 1994 in all streams. No
Perlidae were identified on the South Fork in August of 1999.
====================================
Using Biomonitors to Assess Water Quality Above and Below a City Storm
Drain
Roger Rowe, Flathead High School, Kalispell, MT 59901
A variety of metrics were examined to find if there is consistency among them.
====================================