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Effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of citalopram during early development on behavior and learning in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)

Principal Investigator: Leah Turner
Affiliation: Ball State University
Initiation Date: 2024

This study will evaluate the extent to which exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of a representative SSRI (citalopram) during early development (embryonic and larval stages) impairs learning and cognition and alters innate behaviors in a model species for ecotoxicological research, fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Specifically, this study will test the hypothesis that exposure to SSRIs alters the behavior of fish at vulnerable early life stages in ways that reduce fitness (i.e., reduced ability to learn during foraging, impaired risk perception and social behavior).

This research will expand our comprehension of pharmaceutical water pollution in the Great Lakes— specifically behavioral effects on key prey species–which is relevant to the IISG’s focus on healthy coastal ecosystems. Forage fish are primary food sources for many important recreational fish species in the Great Lakes. Individual-level changes in learning, cognition, and perceptions of fear that increase early mortality, can translate into long-term population and community impacts. Furthermore, this work will aid in efforts to address threats like legacy contaminants and emerging pollutants, to mitigate environmental degradation in these crucial waterbodies. The outcomes of this research will allow a more complete understanding of organismal health and fitness in urban-impacted waters and improve ecosystem stability in lake Michigan.


The Utilization of Great Lakes’ Dredged Sludge in Cementitious Composites: Investigation and Assessment

Principal Investigator: Xiaoli Xiong
Affiliation: Purdue University
Initiation Date: 2024

This one-year research project is dedicated to investigating the viability of utilizing dredged sludge from the Great Lakes as a substitute for fine aggregates in cementitious composites. The research encompasses experimental investigation such as the chemical and physical properties of the dredged sludge and the fresh and mechanical performance of cementitious composites incorporating this material. Subsequently, a “cradle to gate” life cycle assessment will be conducted for cementitious composites with dredged sludge.

The primary goal of this project is to propose an innovative recycling approach for managing pollutant-laden dredged sludge, aiming to reduce the reliance on traditional sand in the construction industry.


Identifying Nitrate Pollutant sources in Southern Lake Michigan using Stable Isotopes

Principal Investigator: Christian Chimezie Obijianya
Affiliation: Purdue University
Initiation Date: 2024

it is usually not obvious where a lake’s fixed N comes from. Therefore, understanding the ratios of nitrogen and oxygen isotopes (δ15N and δ18O) in nitrate is crucial for comprehending many environmental media interactions. Fixed N for many lakes comes from fertilizer application, sewage discharge, and atmospheric deposition. But these sources’ exact contribution to the Southern Lake Michigan nitrogen budget is unknown. Recently, several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of a stable isotope approach in identifying the nitrate sources in various ecosystems, specifically, approaches that utilize dual isotopes to simultaneously analyze δ15N and δ18O nitrate values.

We propose to utilize a dual isotope approach to conduct a comprehensive research study aimed at addressing the environmental issues brought on by nitrate contamination in southern Lake Michigan. The following scientific questions will be the focus of this study.

  • What is the concentration of the nitrate pollutant in Southern Lake Michigan?
  • What are the contributions of different nitrate pollutant sources?
  • How do nitrate pollutant levels vary within Southern Lake Michigan, such as those nearSouth Haven compared to Lake Michigan near Chicago during a single summer season?

Comparing the effects of submerged shoreline stabilization structures on eco-geomorphological processes at two different coastline typographies in southern Lake Michigan

Principal Investigator: Hillary Glandon
Affiliation: University of Illinois, Illinois Natural History Survey
Initiation Date: 2024

Submerged, “reef-style” breakwaters may be a viable nature-based solution for shoreline protection and ecological enhancement. However, the lack of quantitative data on the effectiveness of such nature-based solutions limits the ability of managers to implement them within Great Lakes coastal communities.

Our goals are to use monitoring data to (a) inform habitat restoration and protection efforts around Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes, and (b) provide the much needed geomorphic and sediment-routing context to help assess the regional impacts of such structures (and their broader utility). We will accomplish these goals through the following objectives: Obj 1) Determine the effect of the two different artificial reefs on aquatic species abundance and diversity through comparisons to long-term (2016-present) ecological monitoring sites co-located with the reefs. Obj 2) Quantify bathymetric changes to the nearshore environment surrounding the reefs and topographic changes to the adjacent beach environment, evaluating post-reef morphodynamics in context of available pre-construction data (post-2018 at Site 1). Obj 3) Engage a variety of coastal stakeholder groups by way of discussion forums, workshops, fact sheets, or other meeting types. 


Bridging the Gap: Developing Water Resource Assessment Tools for Underserved Communities in the Southern Lake Michigan Region

Principal Investigator: Vlad Iordache
Affiliation: Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Initiation Date: 2024

The crucial role of sustainable, safe, and affordable access to water in achieving human rights and economic prosperity is globally recognized (United Nations Resolution 64/292). For more than a century, local governments have sought the expertise of the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) to inform their infrastructure decisions and improve their understanding of water supply issues. However, there are still areas, such as southern Cook and eastern Will Counties (the South Suburbs), that lack the resources and coordination to initiate their own study. These areas rely on both Lake Michigan (for public drinking water) and groundwater (for public drinking water, backup and private domestic supply), and some municipalities may be forced to switch to Lake Michigan as their groundwater quality declines, impacting the allocation of Lake Michigan water for the entire region.

The primary outcomes of this study will be a refinement of and an increase in access to our collective knowledge regarding the suitability of available water resources to meet the demands of the South Suburbs. The overarching goal of ISWS, Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency, and our numerous supporting partners, in undertaking this endeavor is to provide for a more equitable position for these, otherwise underserved, communities to plan for and negotiate their water resource futures.


Bioaccumulation assessment of PFAS from contaminated sediments

Principal Investigator: David Lampert
Affiliation: Illinois Institute of Technology
Initiation Date: 2024

The widespread utilization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has resulted in their appearance in soil, air, water, and biological tissues across the planet. One potential route of PFAS bioaccumulation into people is via consumption of contaminated fish. Previous research has demonstrated that low-level bioaccumulation of pollutants from contaminated sediments into benthic invertebrates is a key route of exposure into the food chain affecting human health. Contaminated sites are often located in areas populated by disadvantaged communities, and therefore consumption of fish by populations in areas of historic pollution is an important environmental justice consideration. PFAS accumulation in commercial fisheries is also an important consideration for the seafood industry and its workforce. This project will improve knowledge of bioaccumulation and other fate and transport processes in saturated media and develop new insight into public perceptions of risks of PFAS exposure through this pathway. The objectives are to: (1) understand the fate and transport processes, including competitive sorption, of complex PFAS mixtures from shallow groundwater to organisms in surface sediments, (2) identify key PFAS that are likely to drive bioaccumulation risk assessments for benthic invertebrates, (3) assess the potential for a passive sampling device to act as a biomimetic for PFAS bioaccumulation, and (4) understand public perceptions of risks posed by PFAS-contaminated fish tissue to inform public policymaking.


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