- Quantify the impacts of acute hypoxia events on fishes, using the Chicago Area Waterway System as a test environment
Results
The Population Dynamics and Ecology of Zebra Mussels in Inland Lakes
The main objectives of this project are to:
- Describe the population dynamics of zebra mussels in nine inland lakes (seven in Michigan, one each in Indiana and Ohio).
- Measure reproductive output, larval abundance, recruitment and adult growth adult mussel density, size distribution and availability of suitable substrata within each study lake.
The Socio-Environmental Implications to Urban Waters in The Driverless City
Cities can be shaped to mitigate potential risks and improve the safety of citizens. However, modifying the urban setting to expand autonomous vehicle safety could negatively impact the community’s water systems health. This graduate student scholars research project aims to leverage a shift in transportation technologies, in a period of climate crisis, for the benefit and safety of people and natural systems – including water systems. This researcher will compile ideas on a multidisciplinary effort, representing different aspects of the city and diverse effects on the influence of technology in urban water systems to present a comprehensive document that questions the possible outcomes in the physical, political, and social aspects.
Toxic byproducts generated in disinfected drinking water contaminated with pharmaceuticals
- Analyze source water contaminated with the X-ray imaging contrast pharmaceutical iopamidol before and after disinfection with chlorine
Trace organics in Lake Michigan: concentration and detection frequency of pharmaceuticals in the near-shore water column
- Quantify pharmaceutical abundance in near-shore Lake Michigan habitats by addressing the question: How do pharmaceutical concentrations vary spatially along the Indiana-Illinois shoreline of Lake Michigan?
Urban stream naturalization – a systems context for practice implementation
- Develop a method to define in stream hydraulic habitat (fluvial habitat unit – FHU)
- Map low-flow and high stage floodplain units to determine spatial
distribution and connectivity - Use dynamic mapping to 1) relate low flow stage FHUs with Best Management Practices (BMPs) and channel geomorphology to develop structure specific ecological performance measures based on aquatic community needs; 2) determine the availability of high-stage refuge habitat at a watershed scale; and 3) complete a watershed specific ecosystem potential analysis that considers organism sources, system connectivity, and both low and high stage habitat to assess system capacity for the development of sustainable aquatic ecosystems
- Evaluate research findings to provide guidance for BMP design and placement to achieve watershed management goals established by local agencies and stakeholders along Southern Lake Michigan.