The effects of water quality from natural and man-made resources on wildlife and livestock

• In Event: Poster Presentation and Judging for: Anthropology; Botany; Conservation Ecology; Environmental Science; Freshwater Science; Geosciences; Mathematics & Computer Science; Neuroscience; Physics & Eng; Science Education; Terrestrial Ecology & Management.
  In Poster Session: Environmental Science Poster Session

Abstract

Poor water quality resulting from agricultural and storm water runoff, domestic, and industrial discharge, erosion, and landfills impact the health of both plant and animals through natural water sources and man-made water developments such as tanks. Very few long-term studies have surveyed the impact of water quality on wildlife and livestock leaving the overall health impact widely unknown and open to speculation on the level of concern. We believe that the health of wildlife will be negatively impacted by the quality of the water found in tanks and natural streams as a result of pesticides, metals, and runoff from rainwater and other sources. In this study, we use water quality tests and hair follicles collected from various mammals to identify potential health impacts of various water resources on a ranch in Runnels county, Texas. Data collected from this study can prove beneficial to the development of improved water quality for land management practices centered on both wildlife and livestock.

Authors

• Elizabeth Lopez, Hardin Simmons University

• Abbie Housden, Hardin Simmons University

• Brittney Poor, Hardin Simmons University

• Kassidy Hooper, Hardin Simmons University

• Wendi K Wolfram, Hardin-Simmons University