Project Number: 6408-13660-006-09
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jul 17, 2006
End Date: Apr 30, 2011

Objective:
The objectives of this cooperative research project are to conduct research (1) on the use of plants and wetland ecosystems to reduce agricultural contaminants that contribute to Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLS) and (2) that contributes to a better understanding of the causes of aquatic impairment and recommendations for contaminant reduction, with emphasis on the hill lands and Delta of Mississippi called for by TMDL legislation. This relates directly to objectives two, five, and six of the unit's research project plan.

Approach:
Controlled experiments using biological and water quality indicators in microcosms, mesocosms, and constructed wetlands will be used to evaluate the extent of impairment and, conversely, recovery from specific agricultural contaminants that are of TMDL concern, i.e. sediments, nutrients, and pesticides. Plants will be tested for their ability to process runoff products from agriculture. Riparian vegetation will be examined for additional ways that it can be used to restore ecological integrity within the stream corridor concept.