Histological and Geospatial Analysis of the Mystery Snail (Bellamya spp.) Populations in the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers Utilizing Citizen Scientist Participation

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dc.contributor.advisorSklarew, Dann M.
dc.contributor.authorRyan, Jeanne Michelle
dc.creatorRyan, Jeanne Michelle
dc.date.accessioned2016-04-19T19:28:49Z
dc.date.available2016-04-19T19:28:49Z
dc.date.issued2015
dc.description.abstractBellamya chinensis and Bellamya japonica are two non-native gastropods commonly referred to as “mystery snails.” Originally transported from Asia and sold as a food commodity or ornamental garden species more than 100 years ago, the snails are now found across North America, including areas within the Potomac River watershed near the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mason Neck State Park, Belmont Bay, and Occoquan Bay. These areas comprise the study area for this research. Despite their widespread distribution, the morphology and possible impacts of B. chinensis and B. japonica on native freshwater ecosystems are poorly understood in North America, as is the taxonomic classification of the two species. The purpose of this study was to perform a spatial analysis of Bellamya spp. within the waters of the study area for relationships with water quality metrics (pH, water temperature, oxidation reduction potential (ORP), and electrical conductivity (EC)), and a histological analysis of collected snails for morphological variation. Findings from the spatial and water quality measurements revealed a correlation between the snails’ external shell measurements and ORP, and the mystery snails have adapted to larger ranges of pH, electrical conductivity, and temperature than previously noted in the literature. Additionally, the histological studies reveal conflicting results for species identification. Results from these studies will aid natural resource managers in developing invasive species management activities for Bellamya spp. within the Potomac River watershed, and will contribute to the scholarly debate concerning the snails’ taxonomic assignments.
dc.format.extent143 pages
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1920/10172
dc.language.isoen
dc.rightsCopyright 2015 Jeanne Michelle Ryan
dc.subjectEnvironmental science
dc.subjectHistology
dc.subjectGeographic information science and geodesy
dc.subjectBellamya chinensis
dc.subjectBellamya japonica
dc.subjectCipangopalundina chinensis
dc.subjectCipangopalundina japonica
dc.subjectPotomac River
dc.subjectViviparus chinensis
dc.titleHistological and Geospatial Analysis of the Mystery Snail (Bellamya spp.) Populations in the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers Utilizing Citizen Scientist Participation
dc.typeDissertation
thesis.degree.disciplineEnvironmental Science and Public Policy
thesis.degree.grantorGeorge Mason University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral

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