Date of Award

Fall 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Anthropology and Geography

College

College of Education and Social Sciences

First Advisor

Andrew Busch

Abstract/Description

Native riparian vegetation is an extremely important part of the natural world as its adaptation to  the local environment and climate offers an increased array of ecosystem services, including soil  stabilization and water filtration. Therefore, while not the only element, native plants are a key  regulator of water quality. This study used quantitative and qualitative analysis methods to  determine how the presence or lack thereof of native vegetation affects water quality in both  landscaped ponds and natural wetlands on Coastal Carolina University’s campus. It was concluded  that there is a slight correlation between the two variables, mainly being in that a lack of native  plants often prompts poorer water quality compared to areas with native vegetation. This project is significant as it bridges the gap between environmental science and urban planning,  offering opportunities to improve health and wellbeing locally, and its wider application to the global sustainable development goals from the United Nations.

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