Research

Using Flow Cytometry to Quantify Harmful Algal Blooms: Why are there times when some HABs not “Harmful”?

Algal blooms are a naturally occurring event in response to dynamic shifts in an aquatic environment; however unnatural elevated nutrient inputs into a watershed can result in excessive and more frequent algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) create a human health concern due to the release of toxins that can affect those that recreate or […]

Development of a Molecular Biomarker for the Prediction of Toxic Algal Blooms

Background & ObjectivesThe overall objective of the proposed research was to design and validate an innovative biomarker for the rapid and sensitive prediction of toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie area. PCR-based molecular methods have recently raised high interest for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria. Current PCR and qPCR methods for the detection of bloom-forming […]

Predictive Modeling of Harmful Algal Blooms in Presque Isle Bay

Blooms of so-called ‘harmful algae’ have occurred in Presque Isle Bay, Erie, PA, and around the Great Lakes, causing concern by environmental, public health, and water supply officials. Due to the threat posed by harmful algal blooms in the Bay, a study funded by the Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program was conducted to determine the factors […]

Evaluation of Exposure to and Human Health Risks from PCPPs in Drinking Water from Lake Erie

The overall goal of this research project was to evaluate the exposure to and human health risks associated with pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in drinking water originating from Lake Erie. Three specific research objectives were identified and completed as part of this project including: To achieve the first objective, raw and treated water […]

Development of Discovery-based Analytical Methodology for the Identification and Quantification of Legacy and Emerging Contaminants that Contribute to Current Disease in Smallmouth Bass Micropterus Dolomieu from the Susquehanna River Basin

The focus of this study was to develop methodologies to discover, identify, and quantify legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) that contribute to the negative health impairments of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu, SMB) of the Susquehanna River Basin. Many potential risk factors have been investigated in this complex issue, but […]

Impacts of Introduced Round Goby on Aquatic Community Structure in Pennsylvania Watersheds

Round Goby diet analysis was based on 177 fish; 15 fish were not included in analysis due to empty stomachs or fully digested organisms that could not be identified. Round Gobies consumed both benthic aquatic macroinvertebrates, unionid mussels, and sphaeriids. Chironomids comprised a large percentage (greater than 24%) in all size classes. Chironomids were found […]

A Carrying Capacity Analysis for Presque Isle State Park

This study used a coordinated series of visitor counts and visitor surveys to assess the recreational use of Presque Isle State Park (PISP) and its associated impacts. The study was initiated in spring 2018, with field data collection occurring over a 12-month period during the 2018 and 2019 use seasons. People and vehicles were counted […]

Four states including Pennsylvania and the Canadian province of Ontario all border Lake Erie. The Pennsylvania Lake Erie shoreline is approximately 76.6 miles and is known for its beaches, wildlife, and scenic bluff views. Unfortunately, 90 percent of that shoreline is subject to bluff recession. The topography of the area varies from sandy beaches, to […]

Comparison of Age and Growth Patterns of Flathead Catfish in Invasive and Native Populations: A Meta-analysis with Implications for Invasive Species Management

Flathead Catfish are a long-lived apex predator native to the Gulf Coast drainage including the Ohio Basin in Pennsylvania; however, they are invasive in the Atlantic Slope of Pennsylvania.  Large-scale range expansion and population increases were not realized until the late 1990s in the Delaware River drainage and the early 2000s in the Susquehanna River […]

Keystone Microtrack: Mapping Microbes and Pathogens in the Susquehanna River Basin

This project sought to characterize Salmonella in the Susquehanna River Basin, with a focus on both prevalence and which serovars were present. Additionally, we wanted to examine basic physical characteristics, as well as the bacterial communities, of those streams. Lastly, we collated this information and developed an open-source, interactive mapping tool (Keystone MicroTrack) to make […]