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Sprouts in the Chain
A survey of emergent vegetation along the coastline of three local urban lakes in the Central Florida area were analyzed. I separated the lakes into four quadrants (two randomly selected and two chosen) and conducted a drive-by survey, in which a crude visual identification of species occurred, followed by an in-depth transect (along a belt of 5m) survey of the vegetation. Water samples were collected and are going to be sampled and tested for phosphate concentration. In field I sampled the water with a widely accessible Vernier LabQuest 3 probe system to test dissolved oxygen, potassium, nitrate, pH, and temperature. As I progress in this research, I will be conducting statistical analysis on species diversity and comparing how that relates to wider systems of ecological development in the area, as well as looking to see if the vegetation tells any story regarding water quality. I believe that due to human interference whether through nutrient run-off, or through landscaping measure will negatively impact the presence of native emergent and coastal vegetation.