AQUATIC MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES 

IN URBAN WATERS OF FORT COLLINS, CO

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Presenter(s)

Anna Hall, Cailin Stevens

Abstract or Description

The expansion of urban areas has become a significant threat to biodiversity, and aquatic macroinvertebrates are among the species that are affected by ongoing urbanization. These small organisms are distributed worldwide, and urban water bodies are not exempt from their presence. Understanding their distribution is crucial, as they are known to serve as indicators of ecosystem health. To shed light on this topic, we conducted a study during the fall of 2022, sampling 27 different urban water bodies in Fort Collins, CO. Our team collected data by subsampling and identifying the organisms to their respective species order. Our preliminary findings indicate a correlation between species biodiversity, resilience, and distribution, as well as habitat type and habitat health. Our study shows that ponds tend to have the highest level of biodiversity, while ditches and canals have lower levels. These results have significant implications for the urban ecosystem health of Fort Collins, as pollution and land use have increasingly impacted the area. However, further research into community structures is recommended to gain a comprehensive understanding of the environment. In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of monitoring and preserving the health of urban water bodies and the biodiversity they support.

Mentor

Dr. Stacy Lynn