Research

Preliminary Determination of Density and Distribution of Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis Olivaris) in the Susquehanna River and Select Tributaries

Flathead Catfish records in the Atlantic Slope drainage of Pennsylvania date back to the early 1990s; however, 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 drainage. The impacts of introduced Flathead Catfish on migratory and resident fishes […]

Investigation of Chemical Signals for Improving Trapping Efficiency and Preventing Further Expansion of Invasive Crayfish Species

Invasive crustacean species disturb existing food webs, macrophyte, benthic invertebrate and fish populations, and negatively affect overall ecosystem function (Hill and Lodge, 1999; Khulman and Hazelton, 2007). In Central Pennyslvania, the invasive Orconectes rusticus and Orconectes obscurus have invaded aquatic habitats, dominating the Susquehanna River and many of its tributaries while displacing native species (Lieb […]

Determination of Invasive Round Goby Populations Within the Main Stem of French Creek and Their Potential Impact on Benthic Fishes

The introduction of Round Gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) in the French Creek Watershed (Lake LeBoeuf) was probably via bait bucket and were first discovered in 2014. This was the first documented invasion outside of the Lake Erie Basin in Pennsylvania. This was alarming in large part because the Round Goby has become the most abundant benthic […]

Occurrence of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in Stream (Raw) and Drinking-Water (Finished) Samples in the Susquehanna and Delaware Watersheds 2007–2009 Compared to 2016 and in the Lake Erie Watershed in 2016

This study investigated whether or not concentrations of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) have changed in raw samples near drinking-water intakes in the Susquehanna and Delaware Watersheds in the last 10 years. The study also determined whether concentrations of PPCPs in raw water samples near drinking-water intakes and in treated (finished) waters in the […]

Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Municipal Water Supplies from Lake and Riverine Sources

Humans use a large variety of chemicals in their everyday lives, including prescription drugs, overthe-counter medications, and personal care products. The chemicals that are in these products enter the wastewater treatment systems during the manufacturing process and when consumers use them. These chemicals, collectively referred to as PPCPs (pharmaceuticals and personal care products), have been […]

Evaluating the Sources and Fate of Triclosan in a Watershed Traversing a Rural to Urban Gradient in Southeastern Pennsylvania

The environmental fate of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP) in regional waterways is of growing concern. One such product, an antimicrobial agent known as triclosan (TCS), has been the focus of recent investigation. Once released into waterways, TCS can photochemically degrade to form even more toxic contaminants like dioxins. The focus of this 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 […]

Research

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