| dc.description.abstract | Lake Couchiching, located in Ontario, is a vital freshwater ecosystem providing numerous
ecological, recreational, and economic benefits. As human activities and property development
increase in the region, it is important to understand their impact on water quality and
zooplankton communities. This study explores spatial and temporal variation in water quality
parameters and their influence on the structure of zooplankton communities (ZCS) in Lake
Couchiching over an annual cycle.
Extensive field studies were conducted, and water samples were collected from multiple
locations within the lake across various seasons throughout the year. The water quality
parameters measured included chlorophyll-a, conductivity, pH, total phosphorus, and nitrate
levels. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified the primary factors driving variability in
the zooplankton community, and cluster analysis grouped similar sampling sites based on water
quality characteristics.
Both natural factors and human activities drove these characteristics. Conductivity was
significantly affected by water quality changes, except in areas directly impacted by effluent
discharge from the Orillia Wastewater Filtration Plant. Seasonal variations were observed, with
conductivity, total phosphorus, and nitrate levels changing significantly between summer and
winter. [...] | en_US |
