Center for Embedded Network Sensing

The impacts of anthropogenic inputs on streams in urban watersheds include seasonal algal blooms, high bacteria levels, elevated nutrient concentrations, and altered channel morphology, all of which are commonplace in southern California urban streams. Although it is clear that urbanization effects stream health, the complex mechanisms leading to symptoms such as elevated algal biomass are not well understood. In order to better understand the relationship between urbanization and stream health, the temporal and spatial variation of stream water parameters in urban streams need to be known. Understanding these patterns will help elucidate the driving mechanisms leading to stream degradation and allow for improved management practices. Using various water quality sensors and NIMS technology, the temporal (daily, weekly, and monthly) and spatial (cross sectional and reach scale) variation in Medea Creek in Agoura Hills, CA is being monitored. By analyzing the correlations between these parameters we will be able to determine the driving biotic and abiotic mechanisms leading to the excess algal biomass and nutrient concentrations in Medea Creek.