Analysis and comparison of the water quality of ponds in Shruggs Wood Nature Reserve

Abstract

Water is of extreme importance and is vital in order for the survival of all forms of life.
Therefore the quality of water is also of vital importance, as it determines the quality and
quantity of life. The following study examined the water quality of 2 selected ponds in order
to identify which pond had the water quality best suited to that of aquatic invertebrates.
The 2 ponds were selected in light of their management. Located in Shruggs Wood Nature
Reserve, the 2 ponds serve as two different purposes, one acts as a fishing pond, managed
by Shurggs Wood Angling Club, and the other acts as a recreation pond for the public,
managed by the South Ribble Borough Council. This study involved the analysis as to
whether or not management implications have an effect on the water quality.
There is little evidence suggesting that management implications within the area have had
an effect on the water quality. However introduction of new species of aquatic plants and
control over fish stock levels has meant that the south pond has a higher abundance of
aquatic life in comparison to the north pond.
Data suggested that water quality, based on the majority of water parameters tested, leads
to the rejection of the hypothesis that the pond managed and used for the purpose of
angling would have a higher water quality best suited to the aquatic vertebrates in the area.