Aquatic Bird Densities and Water Quality: An empirical study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3480Keywords:
Birds, Water Quality, Water Parameters, StatisticsAbstract
Aquatic birds are effective bioindicators because their populations can reflect water quality parameters. This study examines the relationship between bird populations and water quality parameters across six freshwater sites in the North Carolina Piedmont region. Bird density data was obtained from eBird, and water samples were collected from each site with different testing kits to measure parameters including pH, metals, nutrients, and hardness. Correlations analysis revealed strong positive and negative associations between certain birds and water quality parameters. Species like the Prothonotary Warbler and the Osprey had lower numbers in areas with elevated metals, ammonia, and other parameters. Overall, the results support the use of aquatic birds as indicators of localized water quality conditions and long term monitoring to inform conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems.
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