Small aquatic ecosystems are critical contributors to freshwater biodiversity and freshwater ecosystem services. Ponds in particular house more rare and unique species than any other small freshwater ecosystem. However, little research has been done into measuring the ecosystem integrity of small aquatic ecosystems due to few evaluations in the effects of anthropogenic activities on these ecosystems. In this proposal, we aim to evaluate the ecosystem integrity of small aquatic ecosystems local to the Amherst, Massachusetts area by (1) determining their flora biodiversity, (2) measuring their quality of the matter economy, and (3) identifying sustainable architecture structures around them. We will use Simpson’s biodiversity index as a simple measure of plant biodiversity, use soil core samples as a timeline of the matter economy, and we will compare the number of current sustainable architecture structures with previous numbers. With this data, we will determine if the priority of green architecture in local construction developments have followed the same upward trend observed on a national scale. Without research into these ecosystems, we risk losing valuable oases of biodiversity and the opportunities to identify anthropogenic factors that may threaten ecosystems on a global scale.
Recent comments