Established Hydrilla Verticillata Impacts on Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Finding Low but Stable Oxygen Concentrations around Lake Norman, North Carolina

Hydrilla verticillata invasions impact freshwater ecosystems across America, with one key factor being the depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. This study examined the relationship between Hydrilla presence and DO dynamics in a beaver pond connected to Lake Norman in North Carolina. DO levels were compared between a Hydrilla -infested pond and a clean, Hydrilla -free pond over an eight-week period. The results indicated that while Hydrilla contributed to lower DO levels, it also stabilized these levels over time, in contrast to the clean pond, where DO declined progressively over the summer. Statistical analyses revealed a significant difference in DO concentrations between the two ponds (t ₍₃₀₎ = 12.928, p < 0.001). Over time, the clean pond showed a decrease in DO levels (r = -0.644, p = 0.007), whereas the Hydrilla pond showed no significant trend (r = 0.320, p = 0.227). These findings suggest that Hydrilla may create a more consistent low-DO environment, potentially buffering against environmental fluctuations. This stability could have important implications for managing Hydrilla invasions, as it may contribute to a dangerous feedback loop in which degraded water quality fosters further invasion, complicating eradication efforts. Future research should focus on more frequent DO sampling and post-removal studies to assess potential DO recovery.