5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE ROLE OF PHYLLOICUS PULCHRUS (TRICHOPTERA: CALAMOCERATIDAE) IN THE DECOMPOSITION OF LEAF LITTER: EVALUATING LEAF SPECIES AND CASE BUILDING EFFECTS Phylloicus pulchrus larvae are exclusive leaf feeders and key contributors to leaf processing in tropical streams. Previous studies have determined their feeding preferences, case building behavior and role as shredders. There is limited information on their effects on decomposition in terms of material used for consumption and case building. We determined the influence of P. pulchrus larvae on leaf litter decomposition in Puerto Rico. Our main goals were to assess the effects of leaf species and availability on leaf decomposition and evaluate the effects of leaf selection for case building. Results indicate that this shredder is able to discriminate among different leaf species that differ in structure and chemical composition resulting in differences in decomposition rates among species. Our findings indicate that leaf decomposition rates are affected by whether leaves are used for case building or consumption. P. pulchrus behavior may potentially play a major role in ecosystem processes, such as FPOM transport, since the case material is not released into the water column.

Limarie Reyes (POC,Primary Presenter), University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras, limarie.reyes1@upr.edu;


Pedro J Torres (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, torresp@denison.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INTEGRATING VISUOSPATIAL APPROACHES INTO RESEARCH READING AND WRITING Students and researchers draw on extensive sources from published literature, requiring the ability to sort source materials, while reading deeply to extract content. The cognitive burden of the material volume, alongside lower comprehension and retention rates for digital reading, may cause anxiety for novice researchers who have trouble visualizing the form of the manuscript and lack heuristics to organize and generate ideas. We present curriculum activities for reading and writing that engage visuospatial processes in the brain and critical thinking. For reading, three activities step students through a process for understanding and evaluating source material: “Analyzing Arguments” introduces vocabulary for elements of argument; “Questions to Ask a Text” steps students through categories of inquiry; and “Passage Analysis” is a tactile and spatial activity that isolates textual evidence from the parent document, allowing for students to mark up, code, and connect content with other material. For writing, students learn to “Extract and Organize Information” from the literature before outlining through an activity that pairs note-taking in PowerPoint with spatial and tactile arrangement on paper to generate arguments.

Christina Lew (Primary Presenter/Author), University of California, Berkeley, lew_christina@berkeley.edu;


Teri Crisp (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of California, Berkeley, tcrisp@berkeley.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

PROMOTING DIVERSITY IN FRESHWATER SCIENCE THROUGH MENTORING: CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF INSTARS Instars is a mentoring program for undergraduate students from under-represented groups who are interested in the study of fresh waters. This year, the program will include an orientation workshop and will sponsor a special session entitled, “Our freshwater futures: an educational session particularly for undergraduates”. Instars began at the 2011 meeting in Providence, RI with 6 Fellows and 3 graduate mentors representing 7 states and 8 institutions. Participation has expanded and at the Joint Aquatic Sciences meeting in 2014 there were 16 Fellows and 8 mentors. Three of the mentors were alumni of the program. A broad diversity of under-represented groups, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and First-Generation College students have participated in Instars, with at least 6 alumni continuing into SFS-related graduate programs. To date, funding has been provided by the Society for Freshwater Science for more than $50K with substantial assistance from partnering institutions. Institutions may help expand Instars by sponsoring undergraduates to attend the conference. We strongly encourage institutional sponsorship and are seeking resources to help provide stable funding for this growing program.

Tamara Sluss (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Kentucky State University, tamara.sluss@kysu.edu;


Checo Colon-Gaud (Primary Presenter/Author), Georgia Southern University, jccolongaud@georgiasouthern.edu;


Krista Capps (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Georgia, kcapps@uga.edu;
Research in Krista Capps's lab is dedicated to understanding how anthropogenic activities alter community structure and ecosystem processes (e.g., productivity, decomposition, and biogeochemical cycling) in freshwater ecosystems. Much of her research has focused on the impacts of consumers on basal food resources, community structure, and nutrient dynamics in streams and wetlands. To translate scientific knowledge to actionable outcomes, she actively works with community groups and local, state, and federal employees to develop programs that integrate stakeholder concerns into research planning.

Christina Lew (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of California, Berkeley, lew_christina@berkeley.edu;


Judy Li (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Oregon State University, judyli@comcast.net;


Marcelo Ardon-Sayao (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), East Carolina University, ARDONSAYAOM@ecu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

PREDICTING THE CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE ON POND-BREEDING SALAMANDERS IN THE MIDWESTERN UNITED STATES Global climate change has become of increasing concern for herpetologists over the past decade because of its potential effects on physiological responses. Few studies have focused on modeling climate change effects on amphibians in the United States and those that have are limited to the areas of diverse amphibian species richness (e.g., southeastern United States). Other geographic regions of the United States such as the Midwest have not been examined. Pond-breeding salamanders are the most common taxonomic genus of salamander in the Midwest and localized extinctions in the Midwest are of increasing concern. My research objectives were to (1) use Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to quantify distributional changes and (2) define criteria for areas of conservation priority for pond-breeding species in the Midwest. An ensemble of distributions were created as a result of modeling three decades (current, 2050, and 2070) along with two global circulation models, with two carbon dioxide outputs (rcp26 and rcp85) per GCM. These data show large changes in the distribution of pond-breeding salamander species across the Midwestern United States and highlight the importance for further study.

Brock Struecker (Primary Presenter/Author), Loyola University Chicago, bstruecker@luc.edu;


Armand Cann (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Loyola University Chicago, acann@luc.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CANCELED A COMPARISON OF SILVER CARP HABITAT AVAILABILITY IN A 10-KM STRETCH OF THE WABASH RIVER Silver carp (Hypopthalmichthys molitrix) is an invasive species of growing concern in the United States. Silver carp directly compete with larval fish and planktivores, including bigmouth buffalo and gizzard shad. Ecological niche modeling of silver carp has provided detailed habitat information and niche overlap with competing species. However, temporal variation in preferable habitat is rarely investigated. We evaluated available habitat for silver carp for a 10-km stretch of the Wabash River during a dry year (2012), a typical year (2013), and a wet year (2014). Temporal variation of available habitat will allow us to further understand invasion risks of silver carp.

Luke Etchison (Primary Presenter/Author), Ball State University, letchison2@bsugmail.net;


Mark Pyron (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ball State University, mpyron@bsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ALGAL AND MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES OF TWO VERNAL POOLS AT TIDD-OAKES FARM, HARDIN COUNTY, OHIO Limited research has been conducted on lower trophic levels in vernal pools despite their significant contributions to food web dynamics. In May 2013, two vernal pools located in two different habitats (prairie and woodland) were sampled at the Ohio Northern University Tidd-Oakes Farm in Hardin County, Ohio, USA, to determine the vascular plant, algal, macroinvertebrate and amphibian community composition and their corresponding physicochemical conditions. Each pool was dominated by different vascular plants - herbaceous species at the prairie pool (Eleocharis erythropoda and Leersia oryzoides) and woody species (Acer saccharum) at the woodland pool. The prairie pool was also characterized by different dominant taxa and higher taxa richness for a variety of aquatic or semi-aquatic organismal groups (macroalgae, macroinvertebrates and amphibians). Preliminary results suggest that a combination of high light levels, greater macrophyte density and increased spatial heterogeneity in the prairie pool could be contributing to higher taxa richness in this habitat. Current analysis of periphyton communities will be used to characterize an additional trophic level, further expanding our understanding of food webs in vernal pools.

Kelsey Weidner (Primary Presenter/Author), Ohio Northern University, k-weidner@onu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CAUSAL FACTORS OF RECOVERY OF ISOËTES ECHINOSPORA AND I. LACUSTIS IN TWO ACIDIFIED SOFTWATER LAKES Quillworts (Isoëtes) represent highly specialised flora of softwater lakes that is sensitive to acidification. Environmental drivers of recovery of Isoëtes echinospora and I. lacustris were studied in two acidified lakes in Bohemian Forest (Central Europe). Both populations survived a 30-year period of severe acidification, when they failed to reproduce. Unlike I. lacustris in Cerné Lake, a renewal of I. echinospora in Plesne Lake has been observed since 2005. Our experiments revealed that germination of the quillworts has been controlled by lake water acidity and aluminium toxicity as well as species-specific phenology. Analyses of environmental forcing of the I. echinospora recovery showed that sporeling growth is related to pH and aluminium thresholds while later, growing juveniles are responsive to water temperature and phosphorus availability. As quillworts do not grow clonally, the long-term survival of both populations relies entirely on the resistance of long living adult plants. Our study brings novel findings to recently discussed issues of long-term degradation of softwater lakes, which represent an important component of the European biodiversity.

Martina Ctvrtlikova (Primary Presenter/Author), Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Czech Republic, sidlatka@email.cz;


Jaroslav Vrba (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Czech Republic, vrba@hbu.cas.cz;


Petr Znachor (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Czech Republic, znachy@hbu.cas.cz;


Jiri Kopacek (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Czech Republic, jkopacek@hbu.cas.cz;


Petr Hekera (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Palacký University Olomouc, Department of Ecology, Czech Republic, Hekera@prfholnt.upol.cz;


Jiri Jarosik (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Czech Republic, jiri.jarosik@seznam.cz;


Andrew Wade (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science, The University of Reading, UK, a.j.wade@reading.ac.uk;


Shovonlal Roy (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science, The University of Reading, UK, shovonlal.roy@reading.ac.uk;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SENSITIVITY OF SEEPAGE LAKES IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN TO ACID DEPOSITION The ability of a lake to buffer acid deposition is mediated by the hydrological delivery of solutes through surface runoff or groundwater. Although acid deposition has declined in northern Wisconsin, seepage lakes in this region remain sensitive to acidification due to their small catchment areas. This sensitivity may vary due to differences in hydrology and catchment features. The objective of this study is to present a framework by which to classify the vulnerability of these lakes to acid deposition through geochemical mixing analysis. We present data from synoptic surveys of more than 90 seepage lakes across northern Wisconsin that ranged in size from 1.6 to 75 ha, sampled during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Mixing model analysis revealed that inputs to these lakes are dominated by precipitation (accounting for 63-100% of lake water). Groundwater input is also positively correlated with absorbance and dissolved organic carbon concentrations, important factors in controlling the organic acidity of these lakes. These results suggest that hydrology is a dominant factor in determining the sensitivity of these systems to environmental change.

Nora Casson (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Winnipeg, n.casson@uwinnipeg.ca;


Steve Sebestyen (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USFS, Northern Research Station, ssebestyen@fs.fed.us;


Randy Kolka (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, rkolka@fs.fed.us;


Emily Stanley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin - Madison, ehstanley@wisc.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

WIDESPREAD OCCURRENCE OF A SUBTERRANEAN AMPHIPOD IN ACIDIC SURFACE STREAMS OF SOUTH-CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA Amphipods are common and abundant in springs, caves, and groundwater, particularly in karst regions, and several hundred exclusively stygobiont species are known. Stygobromus allegheniensis, the most widespread subterranean amphipod in the Ridge and Valley Province, is known from surface streams, though most published records are from caves or groundwater. In the course of other research, we collected macroinvertebrates from 41 sites in 20 first through third-order streams and springs in the Susquehanna and Potomac drainages. S. allegheniensis was widespread in our region, and showed a striking association with low-pH, low-conductance surface streams. We found S. allegheniensis in 90% (18/20) of sites with pH < 5.5, at densities ranging from 0.7-20/m2, and in 5% (1/20) of sites with pH > 6.0. The pH of sites with S. allegheniensis averaged 4.70 (±0.11), whereas limestone-influenced valley-floor sites with spring-associated amphipods (Gammarus minus and G. fasciatus) averaged 7.63 (±0.15). Sites lacking amphipods were mainly circumneutral mountain sites with mean pH 6.17 (±0.18). The strong association of this subterranean species with acidic streams may reflect their distinctive hydrogeology and/or relative lack of fish predation.

Theo Light (Primary Presenter/Author), Shippensburg University, tsligh@ship.edu;


Alicia Helfrick (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Shippensburg University, ah5511@ship.edu;


Natasha Wingerter (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Idaho, wing4979@vandals.uidaho.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

PATTERNS AND DRIVERS OF LAKE STOICHIOMETRY ACROSS A 17-STATE REGION IN THE U.S. The stoichiometry of limiting nutrients affects important ecosystem functions, ranging from carbon sequestration to energy transfer in food webs. Lake N:P is affected by diverse nutrient loading ratios that are related to land cover and use. Internal lake processes may also influence N and P in contrasting ways because of differences in biogeochemical pathways of these constituents. We hypothesized that stoichiometry across lakes would be related to land use at broad spatial scales, but that differences in morphology and related features (e.g., sedimentation, residence time) alone could create divergent patterns in stoichiometry. Lake nutrient, landscape and morphological data were used to assess stoichiometry in 2,013 lakes across a 17-state region of the U.S. The mean TN:TP (molar) of all lakes was 88.7, and variability in TN:TP across lakes (CV=0.94) was higher than variability within lakes (CV=0.43). Lakes in watersheds with high development (>60%) generally had lower TN:TP (n = 107, mean = 69.9), but maximum depth was positively related to TN:TP in these lakes (R²=0.14, p=0.005). This may suggest that in deep lakes, permanent burial of phosphorus promotes high TN:TP.

Samantha K Oliver (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin Madison, skoliver@wisc.edu;


Sarah M Collins (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wyoming, sarah.collins@uwyo.edu;


Emily Stanley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin - Madison, ehstanley@wisc.edu;


Patricia A Soranno (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Michigan State University, soranno@anr.msu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF CRAYFISH IN TWO FLORIDA SPRING-FED RIVERS Freshwater provides valuable ecosystem processes and services like nutrient cycling, food and potable water. Animals, particularly invertebrates, impact nutrient cycling in freshwater through consumption, burrowing and waste production. Crayfish are an economically and ecologically important invertebrate. They are a common food source for humans and are commercially harvested and farmed worldwide. Crayfish ecology research in native habitats, particularly in Florida, is limited. This study will investigate patterns of abundance and distribution of crayfish in two Florida spring systems. Do crayfish abundance and distribution patterns vary by abiotic and biotic habitat parameters and season? I will implement a systematic sampling design in Wakulla and Silver River using minnow traps to catch crayfish. Abundance will be assessed with N-mixture models and with parameters such as vegetation, detritus composition, water depth, dissolved oxygen, distance to spring and season. This study will fill knowledge gaps on Florida crayfish ecology. These results can help managers tailor practices to understand and prevent negative impacts to these fauna. Understanding crayfish ecology is important to nutrient cycling, an ecosystem process.

Tiffani Manteuffel (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Central Florida, tmanteuffel@knights.ucf.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

A PROPOSAL FOR THE INTEGRATION OF LONG TERM BENTHIC COMMUNITY VARIABILITY IN CURRENT ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS It is now widely accepted that modern assessment systems cannot rely on the assumption that community composition is stable through time and that the vast majority of the observed changes are mechanisticly linked to anthropic activities. Long term biological datasets collected in southern Ontario using the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) protocol were matched with relevant environmental variables, including water quality, hydrological and land use data. A comparison of several biological community descriptors, including presence absence composition, relative abundance metrics and a number of common biological metrics were employed to compare the relevance and the intensity of such temporal variability. The analysis showed that communities vary substantially among years both in terms of species turnover and on community assemblage, while some metrics, such as CEFI and Hilsenhoff index showed limited temporal variability. A number of potential approach to minimize the impact of such source of variability on current ecological assessment in use in Canada are suggested.

David G. Armanini (Primary Presenter/Author), Western University & Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Geography 1151 Richmond St, London ON N6A 5B7, Canada, d.armanini@protheagroup.com;


Almudena Idígoras Chaumel (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Prothea Srl, Milan, Italy, almudena.idigoras@hotmail.com;


Wendy Monk (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Environment and Climate Change Canada @ Canadian Rivers Institute, Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada, wmonk@unb.ca;


Adam G. Yates (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western University & Canadian Rivers Institute, adam.yates@uwo.ca;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

VARIATION IN MORPHOLOGY OF NORTHERN CRAYFISH (ORCONECTES VIRILIS) DUE TO LATTITUDE, SEXUAL DIMORPHISM, AND WATERSHED AREA Variation in latitude, gender, and watershed area can lead to dramatic changes in the morphological characteristics of aquatic organisms. In an open agricultural landscape, watershed area greatly affects the flow regime of a stream. We tested these effects on Northern crayfish (Orconectes virilis) in Illinois by analyzing specimens collected by the Illinois Natural History Survey. The dorsum of each specimen was photographed and analyzed for variation using geometric morphometrics. We discovered a strong effect of watershed size on male crayfish morphology as well as a latitudinal effect that could be related to climate. These results indicate a need for further study to aid in conservation of threatened species, and predict ecosystem effects on invasive species of crayfish worldwide.

Robert Shields (Primary Presenter/Author), Ball State University, rcshields@bsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CARBON LIMITATION PATTERNS IN BURIED AND OPEN URBAN STREAMS Urban streams alternate between darkened buried segments dominated by heterotrophic processes and lighted open segments dominated by autotrophic processes. We hypothesized that labile carbon leaking from autotrophic cells would reduce heterotrophic carbon limitation in open channels, whereas the lack of carbon fixation in buried channels would reduce labile carbon production and exacerbate heterotrophic carbon limitation. To test this hypothesis, we deployed nutrient diffusing substrata (NDS) with increasingly labile forms of carbon (cellobiose, arabinose, glucose) and a control into paired open and buried reaches in three streams seasonally. Expressed on an areal basis, heterotrophic respiration on the carbon-amended NDS was higher than the control in all reaches (2-way ANOVA, p<0.001), but there was no carbon lability effect. Therefore, heterotrophic respiration was carbon limited in all reaches, despite the presumed availability of labile carbon from autotrophic processes in open reaches. However, heterotrophic respiration expressed on a biomass basis did not differ among carbon types or between stream reaches. Thus, heterotrophic biofilms in open and buried reaches were carbon limited and accrued biomass in response to the addition of even relatively recalcitrant carbon.

Clay Arango (Primary Presenter/Author), Central Washington University, arangoc@cwu.edu;


Jake J. Beaulieu (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), United States Environmental Protection Agency, beaulieu.jake@epa.gov;


Ken Fritz (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, fritz.ken@epa.gov;


Brian Hill (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Environmental Protection Agency, hill.brian@epa.gov;


Colleen Elonen (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Environmental Protection Agency, elonen.colleen@epa.gov;


Michael Pennino (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Maryland, michael.pennino@gmail.com;


Paul Mayer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), United States Environmental Protection Agency, mayer.paul@epa.gov;
Dr. Paul Mayer is an Ecologist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Sujay Kaushal (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Maryland, skaushal@umd.edu;
Dr. Sujay Kaushal is currently a Professor in the Department of Geology & Earth System Science Center at the University of Maryland, College Park, and he has been in this position since 2010. Prior to that, Dr. Kaushal was an assistant professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science from 2005-2010. His research expertise deals with: investigating causes and consequences of freshwater salinization, understanding the impacts of stormwater management and stream restoration on water quality, elucidating fate and transport of urban pollutants; and tracking sources of nonpoint pollution using geochemical approaches and tracers. Dr. Kaushal has authored over approximately 100 peer-reviewed papers in journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Reviews Earth and Environment, and Nature Sustainability, and he has received awards such as the UMD College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences Junior Faculty Award and the IRPE Prize in limnetic ecology (https://www.int-res.com/ecology-institute/eci-prize-awarding/eci-award-ceremony-2012/). From the perspective of education and training, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the Cary Institute from 2003-2005. He received his PhD from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and he received his bachelors degree from Cornell University.

Adam Balz (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), United States Environmental Protection Agency, balz.adam@epa.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

TERRESTRIAL LEAF LITTER INCREASES SEDIMENT OXYGEN DEMAND AND ALTERS NUTRIENT FLUX IN SEDIMENTS FROM A SMALL MAN-MADE POND IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA The importance of terrestrial leaf litter in streams is well established but less is known about the impact of leaf litter in lentic systems, particularly man-made ponds. We hypothesized that leaf litter would increase sediment oxygen demand (SOD) and reduce the flux of inorganic N and P out of the sediments. Litter-free pond sediment from a 0.06 ha man-made pond in central Virginia was incubated in the dark for 22 days unamended, with added leaf litter, with added inorganic N and P, or with both added leaf litter and inorganic N and P. Sediment oxygen demand and nutrient flux was determined on 5 dates during the incubation. Our results show that sediments with leaf litter had greater SOD during the first week of the experiment but returned to control levels by day 22. Nutrient additions also significantly increased SOD but there was no interaction between the effects of leaf litter and nutrient additions. The leaf litter altered the timing and magnitude of nitrate and nitrite flux but had a smaller effect on ammonia and ortho-phosphate.

Kaitlyn Peters (Primary Presenter/Author), Longwood University, kaitlyn.peters@live.longwood.edu;


Jonathan Milisci (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Longwood University, jonathan.milisci@live.longwood.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

NITROGEN TURNOVER AND RAPID CYCLING OF ALGAL EXUDATES IN EPILITHIC BIOFILMS We examined the response of N turnover in epilithic biofilms to increasing nitrate concentrations. Cobble substrates were collected from 9 streams in western New York and were incubated in recirculating chambers in the lab. Across all streams, nitrate uptake by biofilms repeatedly showed a consistent, unexpected inhibition response to the sequential increases in nitrate concentration. Nitrate uptake rates increased with concentration between 0.1 – 0.5 mg-N/L, but then sharply decreased at concentrations higher than 0.75 mg-N/L. The apparent nitrate inhibition pattern was due to rapid increases in ammonium concentration and increases in the production of algal exudates that coincided with the highest nitrate concentrations. Microbial enzyme activities showed that the biofilms had elevated leucine-aminopeptidase (LAP) activities, indicating a capacity to rapidly break down peptides within the biofilm. This rapid increase in algal exudate production and breakdown may explain the sudden elevation in ammonium concentrations and decrease in nitrate uptake. Our research suggests that rapid production and breakdown of algal exudates within epilithic biofilms may act as a controlling mechanism for nitrogen cycling in streams.

Jonathan O'Brien (Primary Presenter/Author), Canisius College, obrien46@canisius.edu;


Ryan Koch (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, kochr@canisius.edu;


David Kerling (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, kerling1@canisius.edu;


Courtney Marlinski (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, marlinsc@canisius.edu;


Molly Christie (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, christ13@canisius.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

NITRATE LOADING REDUCES THE CAPACITY FOR NITRATE UPTAKE IN EPILITHIC BIOFILMS Field studies have noted a loss of nitrate uptake efficiency in streams with increasing nitrogen loadings, but the mechanisms behind this pattern have not been explored. We conducted laboratory incubations of epilithic biofilms to assess how increases in nitrate concentrations effect the capacity for nitrate uptake. Cobble substrates were collected from Cattaraugus Creek in western New York and were incubated for 3 weeks in recirculating chambers in the lab at four different nitrate treatments (0.1, 0.5, 5 and 25mg/L). At the end of the incubation period, nitrate uptake was measured at four concentrations of nitrate (100, 200, 500, and 1000 ug/L) to access the functional response. The functional response of nitrate uptake was linear across all nitrate treatments; however, the slope of the linear response decreased with increasing nitrate loading. Our results show that chronic nitrate loading did not saturate nitrate uptake, but the chronic nitrate loading did decrease the biofilm’s affinity for nitrate. These results support the findings of the field studied and provide a mechanism for the efficacy loss pattern.

Ryan Koch` (Primary Presenter/Author), Canisius College, Kochr@my.canisius.edu;


David Kerling (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, kerling1@canisius.edu;


Courtney Marlinski (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, marlinsc@canisius.edu;


Molly Christie (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, christ13@my.canisius.edu;


Jonathan O'Brien (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, obrien46@canisius.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

FURTHER INSIGHTS INTO DOM-METAL INTERACTION BY PARAFAC ANALYSIS COMBINED WITH TWO-DIMENSIONAL CORRELATION SPECTROSCOPY Fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) quenching titration coupled with parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis is a widely used tool to characterize DOM-metal interaction, while information on the metal binding with non-fluorescent substances cannot be obtained. In this study, the metal binding properties of both fluorescent and non-fluorescent substances in a eutrophic algae-rich lake were investigated by using PARAFAC analysis combined with two dimensional fourier transform infrared correlation spectroscopy (2D-FRIR-COS). PARAFAC model showed that fluorescent tyrosine- (logKM > 5.21) and humic-like substances (logKM > 4.84) in natural organic matter (NOM) fraction exhibited higher metal binding capacities than those in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. Furthermore, algal EPS was characterized with a high metal-tryptophan-like substances affinity (logKM > 5.08). 2D-FTIR-COS, however, demonstrated that the binding susceptibility of organic ligands in both NOM and EPS followed the same order: 3400 > 1380 > 1650 cm-1, indicating the significant contribution of non-fluorescent ligands in metal binding. Additionally, the orders of logKM values calculated were consistent with those derived from asynchronous correlation spectroscopy. PARAFAC analysis combined with 2D-COS can provide a deeper understanding on DOM-metal interaction.

Huacheng Xu (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, hcxu@niglas.ac.cn;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT NATURAL ORGANIC MATTER ON PYRENE AND BENZO[A]PYRENE BIODEGRADATION IN FRESHWATER SEDIMENTS The biodegradation of pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were investigated in freshwater sediments with amendment of seven different organic matters including cyanobacteria-derived organic matter (COM), plant-derived organic matter (POM), and humic substances (HS). During the 210 days of experiments, the amendment of COM or HS enhanced significantly the removal of pyrene and BaP in sediments, especially with fresh COM (FCOM) treatment much superior to HS. On the contrary, degradation of these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was not significantly improved and even inhibited in POM-amended sediments. The first-order rate constants of pyrene and BaP degradation in the FCOM-amended sediments reached 0.00540±0.00017 d-1 and 0.00517±0.00057 d-1 respectively, and were about three and five folds of those in the control treatment. The enhanced PAHs degradation in FCOM-amended sediments was related to higher PAH-degrading bacteria number and bioavailability with a result of biostimulation and priming effect by labile carbon and high-value nutrition in FCOM. Thus, this study improved our understanding about effects of settled biomass from cyanobacterial blooms, which occurred frequently in eutrophic aquatic ecosystems, on the natural attenuation of PAHs in sediments

Zaisheng Yan (Primary Presenter/Author), State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, zshyan@niglas.ac.cn;


Helong Jiang (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing , hljiang@niglas.ac.cn;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF RESUSPENSION ON METAL DYNAMICS AND SPECIATION IN CONTAMINATED LAKE SEDIMENTS Evolution and fate of metals are strongly regulated by the coupling of hydrodynamic transport and biogeochemistry in sediments and pore waters. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand how they interact to affect the mobility of metals in sediments. We conducted a series of experiments to study the effects of flow hydrodynamics, especially resuspension, on mobilization and redistribution of metals in sediment. Characterization of dissolved Zn revealed that surficial pore water was source of the Zn efflux to overlying water and resuspension events facilitated the release of Zn to surficial pore water and overlying water. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis showed oxidation of surficial sediments promoted the formation of weakly bound metal species and liberated aqueous Zn. XAS analysis also indicated ongoing dissolution of resuspended sediment particles liberated Zn during the resuspension event. The results clarified oxidation and dissolution of Zn-sequestered species in sediments are the primary mechanism that controls the mobilization of Zn in sediments. Episodic sediment resuspension enhances dissolution and contributes to a net efflux of Zn to pore water and overlying water.

Minwei Xie (Primary Presenter/Author), Northwestern University, minwei.xie@gmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CANCELED NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY AND STOICHIOMETRIC PATTERNS IN TWO DRIFTLESS AREA STREAMS LOCATED IN SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN Nutrient cycling can dictate relationships among organisms and is of special interest in areas where anthropogenic activities dominate nutrient input. Coon Creek (CC) and Spring Coulee Creek (SC) are both located in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, and are dominated by agricultural land cover. Nutrient availability and the stoichiometric composition of C:N:P were determined between macroinvertebrates, their food sources, and the stream water. Mean N values differed significantly (t-test, P<0.05) between CC, µN=2.66, and SC, µP =3.31; however, mean P values did not differ significantly throughout the sampling period (P=0.09). SC exhibited an N:P ratio of 57.2 whereas CC had a N:P of 12.8. Additionally, Brachycentrus collected from CC demonstrate a possible feeding imbalance with their periphyton food source with an imbalance C:N ratio of 15:1. Collectively, these results suggest nitrogen limitation in CC and show trends that SC is more phosphorus limited. Because of similar land use between the streams, future research includes analyzing how differences in nutrient availability have occurred.

Brittany Maule (Primary Presenter/Author), River Studies Center and Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, maule.brit@uwlax.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MODELING OF CARBON PHOTO-MINERALIZATION ALONG ARCTIC RIVERS The primary driver of CO2 production in arctic inland waters is photo-mineralization, the oxidation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to CO2 by light. DOC movement in rivers alters its availability and reactivity, yet has been overlooked in estimations of CO2 production. To better understand what controls the fate of carbon in the arctic, we developed a stochastic model that represents DOC behavior in the Kuparuk River, Alaska by accounting for advection, dispersion, and photochemical reaction in the river water column. Vertical mixing in the water column replenishes DOC concentrations in the photo-active near-surface region, therefore increasing the rate of CO2 production. The interfacial exchange with underlying sediments, on the other hand, reduces the rate of CO2 production by storing DOC in a region where photo-mineralization does not occur. DOC movement must be modeled to accurately assess photochemical reaction of carbon in arctic rivers. This model enhances our understanding of the interactions between hydrological and photochemical controls on CO2 production in surface waters, and improves modeling capacity on carbon processing in fluvial environments.

Angang Li (Primary Presenter/Author), Northwestern University, angang-li@u.northwestern.edu;


Antoine Aubeneau (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Purdue University, aubeneau@gmail.com;


Tyler King (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Utah State University, tylerking@aggiemail.usu.edu;


Rose Cory (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Michigan, rmcory@umich.edu;


Bethany Neilson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Utah State University, bethany.neilson@usu.edu;


George Kling (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Michigan, gwk@umich.edu;


Diogo Bolster (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Notre Dame, diogo.bolster.5@nd.edu;


Aaron Packman (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Northwestern University, a-packman@northwestern.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF HELOPHYTES ON AQUATIC NUTRIENT DYNAMICS: RESULTS FROM A MESOCOSM EXPERIMENT Plantation of macrophytes is a common technique used for the restoration of riverine floodplains. Here we use an outdoor mesocosm experiment to investigate the effects of helophyte Iris pseudachorus L. on pore water quality of floodplain ecosystems. We set up a two crossed factor experiment with two levels of porosity (high and low) and plant presence. Three replicated plots per treatment, making a total of twelve mesocosms, are flooded with water from the effluent of a waste water treatment plant. Pore water samples have been collected at three different sediment depths and analyzed for carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. Further, we link the effect of helophytes on the spatial and temporal dynamics of nutrients, with porosity and dissolved oxygen profiles. Water samples from the different sediment types showed differences in the range of oxygen and nutrient concentrations, indicating that porosity is a primary driving factor to the observed biogeochemical processes. The above exploratory experiment will provide knowledge about how to enhance riverine floodplains’ role as buffer zones and retention areas and will serve as a basis to our further research.

Myrto Nikolakopoulou (Primary Presenter/Author), Dep. Ecology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, mnikolakopo@gmail.com;


Alba Argerich (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Missouri, alba.argerich@oregonstate.edu;


Esperança Gacia (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Center for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Spain, gacia@ceab.csic.es;


Eugènia Martí (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Center for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), eugenia@ceab.csic.es;


Albert Sorolla (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Naturalea Conservacio S.L., albertsorolla@naturalea.eu;


Francesc Sabater (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Universitat de Barcelona, fsabater@ub.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

COMPOSITION AND FLUX OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER FROM THE LOWER MILWAUKEE RIVER Physical, chemical and biological processes directly influence the transport, composition, and fluxes of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in watersheds. A literature search to date finds no comprehensive accounting of DOM in the Milwaukee River. Monthly water samples were collected between Feb-2014 and Jan-2015 for the measurements of hydrographic parameters, bulk dissolved organic carbon (DOC), chromophoric-DOM and fluorescent-DOM to determine temporal variations in source and composition of DOM in the lower Milwaukee River and fluxes of DOM to Lake Michigan, as well as influence of human activities in the river basin. Preliminary data showed that the concentration of DOC varied from 318 µM-C under the ice to 1,189 µM-C in spring season, with an average of 826±246 µM-C. Absorption coefficient (a254nm) averaged 80 ±37 m^-1, and shows a significant correlation with DOC. Non-chromophoric DOC represents ~29% of the bulk DOC in the river. Applications of EEMs coupled with PARAFAC modeling identified 3 major fluorescent DOM components, all terrestrial humic-like components. Average DOC flux to Lake Michigan was estimated at 6.27×109 g-C/yr.

Tarek Teber (Primary Presenter/Author), School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, tateber@gmail.com;


Stephen DeVilbiss (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - School of Frehswater Sciences, devilbi3@uwm.edu;


Zhengzhen Zhou (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, zhengzhen.zhou.eagles@gmail.com;


Peng Lin (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, lin25@uwm.edu;


Laodong Guo (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, guol@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

OPTICAL AND SIZE CHARACTERIZATION OF SOIL DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER Soil organic matter is an important source for dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aquatic environments. However, composition, size, and degradation are less understood. Three soil samples were collected from northern Alaska, the Milwaukee River basin (MRB), and Gulf coastal saltmarsh. Soil DOM was extracted for measurements of bulk dissolved organic carbon, optical properties using UV- and 3-D fluorescence spectroscopy, and size spectra using flow field-flow fractionation, and for degradation.The Arctic soil contained higher leachable DOM compared to soils from the MRB and saltmarsh, with more terrestrial humic-like DOM component. Fluorescence EEM spectra showed three major DOM components: two humic-like (peaks A & C) and one protein-like (peak B), with more protein-like component in the MRB soil.Soil-DOM mainly partitioned in the <4nm size range with additional peaks in the 4-8nm and >20nm, containing mainly humic-like and protein-like components, respectively. DOM-compositions of each size fraction showed matching EEM characteristics.The saltmarsh sample contained more mid-sized (4-8 nm) protein-like DOM and larger sized (>20 nm) humic-like DOM.Results on the degradation of soil DOM will also be presented.

SHIMAA KTEEBA (Primary Presenter/Author), School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Egypt, shimaakteeba@yahoo.com;


Zhengzhen Zhou (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, zhengzhen.zhou.eagles@gmail.com;


Laodong Guo (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, guol@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SIMULATING STREAM TEMPERATURE MODULATION OF BENTHIC NITRATE REMOVAL PATTERNS ACROSS STREAM NETWORKS Widespread anthropogenic alterations to stream networks include increasing nutrient loads and increasing stream temperatures. Previous work has shown reduced denitrification efficiency of streams with increased nitrate loading, but the potentially confounding effects of stream temperature have not been considered. We present a stream network denitrification model based on an empirical relationship between denitrification uptake velocity, nitrate concentrations, and respiration rates, with respiration rate governed by stream temperature. We apply this model to the upper North Saint Vrain basin in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, with parameterizations to represent a range of temperatures and pre- and post-industrial rates of nitrate loading. The application of this model reveals the opposing effects of increased nitrate loading and temperature on network-scale patterns of nitrate removal efficiency.

Sam Carlson (POC,Primary Presenter), Montana State University, sam.p.carlson@gmail.com;


Geoffrey Poole (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Montana State University, Montana Institute on Ecosystems, gpoole@montana.edu ;


Robert O. Hall (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, bob.hall@flbs.umt.edu;


Natalie Day (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wyoming, nataliekateday@gmail.com;


Ellen Wohl (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colorado State University, ellenw@warnercnr.colostate.edu ;


Bridget Livers (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colorado State University, bridgetlivers@gmail.com ;


Hilary Madinger (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wyoming, hilary.madinger@gmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

RIVERPACE: RESULTS OF A NATIONAL SURVEY OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS IN US RIVERS AND STREAMS BY UNIVERSITY STUDENT GROUPS We collaborated with 27 student groups from universities across the US to sample 42 sites for pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in river water and sediments. PPCPs were found in 93% of water samples and 56% of sediment samples. The most common compounds were carbamazepine, cotinine, sucralose, sulfamethoxazole, triclosan, and venlafaxine, all present in over 50% of samples. Sucralose was most common, found in 83% of samples at concentrations up to 12,000 ng/L. Triclosan was found in 50% of samples, at concentrations up to 6,800 ng/L. Most other compounds, when detected, were found at relatively low concentrations (below 1,000 ng/L). Sites with higher concentrations of PPCPs tended to have a greater number of compounds, with three sites having total PPCP concentrations of 12,000 ng/L - 28,000 ng/L and 17 - 18 detectable compounds. There was a gradient from sites with higher concentrations of cotinine, gemfibrozil, and norcodeine to sites with more azithromycin, desvenlafaxine, trimethoprim, and venlafaxine. This study further confirms the ubiquity of PPCP compounds in aquatic systems and the influence that urban areas have on downstream receiving waters.

Jesse Becker (Primary Presenter/Author), Ball State University, jcbecker@bsu.edu;


Melody Bernot (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ball State University, mjbernot@bsu.edu;


Thomas Lauer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ball State University, tlauer@bsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

IMPACTS OF EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES (MART.) SOLMS STRESS ON THE NUTRIENTS AND MICROCYSTIN RELEASE FROM MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms is effective in assimilating nutrients from eutrophic waters. However, it is not clear whether E. crassipes has an adverse impact on the waters in which heavy blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa occur. The objective of this study was to understand the interactions of E. crassipes with toxigenic M. aeruginosa and the consequences on environmental safety. Our results from co-existence experiments indicated that the cell death of M. aeruginosa occurred at a quicker pace due to the presence of E. crassipes. Energy harvest and electron transfer processes in the photosystem of M. aeruginosa might be disturbed by E. crassipes due to its damage of phycocyanin and a change in the phycocyanin/allophycocyanin ratio. E. crassipes significantly inhibited the rise of ammonia nitrogen concentration in water and was more advantageous to the removal of total dissolved phosphorus released from M. aeruginosa. After this 12-day experiment, the level of extracellular microcystin-LR was significantly eliminated from 212.68±25.05 ?g?L^-1 to 18.98±0.35 ?g?L^-1 and the microcystin-LR production in M. aeruginosa was not stimulated by the influence of E. crassipes.

Qing Zhou (Primary Presenter/Author), Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, qqzhouqing@hotmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE USE OF TRAITS IN CORRELATIVE MODELLING OF WHOLE BODY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN AQUATIC MACROINVERTEBRATES Despite advances in the understanding of uptake and bioavailability, whole body concentrations of aquatic macroinvertebrates remain hard to predict from environmental conditions. In this study, field data was collected to develop a multiple regression model to predict metal accumulation in macroinvertebrates from concentrations in water and sediment. Traits allowed to adapt the model to multiple taxa: the affinity of the species for certain trait categories (i.e. gatherer collectors) were used as parametric terms within the model. The models for different metals (Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Al) were able to explain over 50% of the variance (adjusted R2).The significant parameters conveyed information on different uptake mechanisms. The significance and positive or negative coefficients of traits could be used to identify sensitive traits and taxa. Preliminary prediction trials showed that the influence of environmental conditions and of different types of taxa needs to be tested further to improve predictive power. Overall, the study confirmed that the adaptation of models to different species and environmental conditions remains challenging but that the use of traits is a promising approach.

Dorothea Hug Peter (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Geneva, dorothea.hugpeter@unige.ch;


Emmanuel Castella (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Geneva, emmanuel.castella@unige.ch;


Vera Slaveykova (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Geneva, vera.slaveykova@unige.ch;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INFLUENCE OF GROWING SEASON STREAM FLOWS ON PERIPHYTON GROWTH Water extractions for irrigation in the lower Flint River Basin (LFRB) can reduce summertime stream flows below historic levels, particularly during droughts. Anecdotal evidence suggests that these low-flow conditions promote periphyton growth. We conducted controlled experiments to examine how flow conditions affect summertime periphyton growth, biomass, and composition in Ichawaynochaway Creek, a tributary of the lower Flint River. Creek water was pumped through replicate artificial stream channels lined with tiles to achieve 5 discharge treatments ranging from 0.25 to 5 gpm. Tiles were collected bi-weekly for four weeks to quantify periphyton biomass and calculate growth rate. Noticeable growth occurred in all discharge treatments, but growth rates and final biomass increased with discharge. Flow also affected periphyton taxonomic composition as higher discharge promoted development of thick diatom mats and lower discharge were dominated by filamentous green algae. Additional experimentation (to be reported) examined the influence of nutrient and stream herbivores interaction responses to flow-related differences in periphyton growth and composition. These findings provide insight into how alterations to summertime flow regimes affect stream ecological conditions within the LFRB.

David Diaz (Primary Presenter/Author), Odum School of Ecology, UGA, davidldiazufl@gmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SIZE STRUCTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PREDATORY AQUATIC INSECTS AMONG MESOSCALE HYDRAULIC HABITATS This research examines how mesoscale streamflow dynamics can filter aquatic insect communities based on their trait expression. As water levels change seasonally, depth and velocity fluctuate temporally and spatially within the channel. Invertebrates select these mesoscale habitats based in part on their physiological requirements. Therefore, the environment is a strong selective force acting on organismal traits to determine site-level taxonomic composition. We use high-resolution habitat data including, depth, average and bed velocity, shear stress, and Froude number collected in conjunction with invertebrate sampling in the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, Canada in July and September 2010 to investigate flow-environment relationships for five orders of aquatic insects (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Odonata, and Megaloptera). Here, we focus on the distribution of predatory invertebrates and their potential to interact with other invertebrates within mesoscale habitats. Predators also demonstrate the greatest magnitude of growth, which was tracked over time. By mapping the movements and morphological characteristics of invertebrates, particularly predators, we can better understand their habitat requirements throughout development - a necessary component for establishing connections to larger-scale hydrologic processes and environmental flow regulations.

Summer Aldabbeh (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin - Parkside, aldab001@rangers.uwp.edu;


Jessica Orlofske (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin - Parkside, orlofske@uwp.edu;


Wendy Monk (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Environment and Climate Change Canada @ Canadian Rivers Institute, Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada, wmonk@unb.ca;


Donald Baird (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Environment and Climate Change Canada @ Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada, djbaird@unb.ca;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF EXUVIA FROM CO-EMERGING RIVERINE DRAGONFLIES USING GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS Among many evolutionary pressures, the physical environment plays a significant role in refining organism morphology. The purpose of this study is to determine whether geometric morphometrics can be used to differentiate or characterize shape variation among species and sexes of co-emerging riverine dragonflies, including two rare species in New Brunswick, Canada: Ophiogompus howei and Gomphus ventricosus. Exuvia from 26 locations along the St. John and Miramichi Rivers were collected in June 2013. Exuvia were identified to species, photographed, and landmarks were digitized on digital micrographs of the dorsal and ventral surfaces. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to test for differences in body shape between species and sexes within a species. We expect to find significant levels of variation among species in support of taxonomic diagnosis, but fewer differences between sexes within a species. A detailed analysis of shape will help to confirm the presence of rare and protected species at these sites. Furthermore, this analysis provides a necessary first step toward the examination of phenotypic variation of these species based on differences in habitat hydrology.

Valerie Riehl (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin - Parkside, veriehl0416@gmail.com;


Jessica Orlofske (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin - Parkside, orlofske@uwp.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INVESTIGATING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN NATURAL FLOW REGIMES AND MACROINVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGES IN THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN In 2009, The Nature Conservancy, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers collaborated to identify ecosystem flow needs for the Susquehanna River and its tributaries. This collaboration resulted in a set of flow recommendations for maintaining the long-term hydrologic variability necessary to support ecological processes and biotic integrity of streams throughout the basin. These recommendations were derived from published literature and expert consultation rather than from novel quantitative analyses or field studies. SRBC established a flow monitoring network between 2010 and 2012 with the goal of verifying proposed hydrology-ecology relationships. The current network consists of 19 stations in Pennsylvania and New York and focuses on minimally disturbed streams in order to isolate ecological responses from anthropogenic impacts. Data from the five stations monitored from 2010 to 2014 were used to quantify relationships between flow regime and macroinvertebrate community composition. The results of this study will be used to advise SRBC management decisions regarding mitigation of consumptive water use and establishment of passby flows for surface water withdrawals in the Susquehanna River basin.

Brianna Hutchison (Primary Presenter/Author), Susquehanna River Basin Commission, bhutchison@srbc.net;


Graham Markowitz (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Susquehanna River Basin Commission, gmarkowitz@srbc.net;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CANCELED PRESENCE OF THE INVASIVE NUISANCE DIATOM DIDYMOSPHENIA GEMINATA IN RIVERS OF TIERRA DEL FUEGO ISLAND, SOUTHERN CHILE Didymosphenia geminata is an invasive diatom, capable of producing large algal blooms, which cover the benthic substrate of freshwater environments. The first positive identification of Didymo in Chile was reported in 2010 in the Futaleufú and Espolón rivers, about 1700 km north of the Magellan region. Here we reported the first record of Didymo in Magellan region, specifically on Tierra del Fuego Island, Chile (53°53'35.21"S, 68°52'55.42"W). The study area comprised 73 freshwater sources within the Magellan region (53-56°S), which were classified according their anthropic use: fishing, kayaking, trekking, etc. The results obtained showed the presence of Didymo in two rivers of Tierra del Fuego (Grande and Blanco), covering an area of approximately 58 km of river affected continuously with positive samples of Didymo. The survey of rivers and lakes, established that most of the rivers in the Magellan region constitute an ideal environment for the settlement of Didymo, so the eventual spread of the microalgae is imminent, if the prevention and biosecurity measures are not considered. This is the southernmost record of Didymo and the only record from Chile.

maximo frangopulos (Primary Presenter/Author), Fundacion CEQUA, maxfrangopulos@gmail.com;


marco pinto (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Fundacion CEQUA, marcoapintot@gmail.com;


Carolina Diaz (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Amakain Consultora Ambiental, carolina.diaz@amakaik.cl;


Sebastian Ruiz (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Fundacion CEQUA, sebastian.ruiz.paredes@gmail.com;


Guillermo Alvarado (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Fundacion CEQUA, guillermo.biomar@gmail.com;


Rodrigo Torres (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), CIEP, rodrigo.torres@ciep.cl;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF PH ON DIDYMOSPHENIA GEMINATA DISTRIBUTION, METABOLISM, AND PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE Didymosphenia geminata is a nuisance diatom that is often most abundant in a neutral to slightly basic pH (~7-8.8). Surveys in the upper Tennessee River watershed indicated that D. geminata abundance was best correlated with stream pH. Maximum cell abundance was found at a pH of 8.03, and no cells were found in streams with a pH below 6.2. We investigated how pH effects mat function to better link pH and D. geminata distribution. We incubated D. geminata mats in pH treatment of 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, and 8.1 for 6 d in 10 L recirculating chambers and measured mat metabolism, phosphorus uptake, and cell survival at the end of the incubation. Gross primary productivity consistently increased with increasing pH and was 38% greater at 8.1 than 5.1. Mat respiration did not differ among treatments. Phosphorus uptake was greatest at pH 7.1. This was ~16% greater than the other treatments which did not differ from one another. Chronic acid deposition has occurred in Southern Appalachian watersheds, and this deposition may be regulating D. geminata distribution and function in this region.

Lucas Hix (Primary Presenter/Author), Tennessee Tech University, lahix42@students.tntech.edu;


Justin Murdock (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Tennessee Technological University, jnmurdock@tntech.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INFLUENCE OF DIDYMOSPHENIA GEMINATA MATS ON STREAM METABOLISM AND NUTRIENT CYCLING Didymosphenia geminata can produce copious amounts of stalk material creating thick benthic mats that may alter stream processes and function. Although many researchers are investigating controls on D. geminata and its distribution, the effects of D. geminata mats on stream ecosystem functions remain unclear. Our objectives were to compare D. geminata mat influence on metabolism and nutrient cycling in three lake outlets in Grand Teton National Park, WY. Lake Creek had thick mats covering >70% of substrate, Taggert Creek had patchy mat development, and Bradley Creek had no mat presence. Although mats may increase respiration, the photosynthesis of the epiphytic algae in the mat matrix may also increase leading to altered P/R ratios. Nitrogen fluxes, including nitrogen fixation and denitrification, can increase with D. geminata mat presence. D. geminata mats in Lake Creek removed an average of 68% of P added to chambers, which is 3 times more P uptake than Bradley Creek during 4 h incubations. Quantifying how D. geminata mats alter stream processes is important for understanding the ecological and economic impacts of mats.

Jaime Haueter (Primary Presenter/Author), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, jaime.haueter@mines.sdsmt.edu;


Lisa Kunza (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, lisa.kunza@sdsmt.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

HISTORICAL ABUNDANCE OF DIDYMOSPHENIA GEMINATA IN GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING Didymosphenia geminata, a freshwater diatom, produces thick nuisance mats in oligotrophic streams. While considered native to boreal North America, the historical distribution of D. geminata has not been established, beyond literature observations. To investigate historical abundance, we examined cores dating to approximately 150 years BP from three sites in Grand Teton National Park: Phelps Lake, Bradley Lake, and the oxbow bend of the Snake River. The outlet of Phelps Lake, Lake Creek, has contained annual mats of D. geminata up to 4 cm thick since the early 2000s. In contrast, Bradley Lake outlet and the oxbow bend lack documented occurrence of D. geminata. In addition to D. geminata, we recorded the incidence of sister taxa, Cymbella mexicana and Cymbella janischii, and also Asterionella formosa, an indicator of increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition. D. geminata valves were rare in recent Phelps Lake sediments, while C. mexicana proved abundant. We demonstrate that paleolimnological methods may expand the historical distribution of D. geminata. These results will contribute to correctly interpreting natural versus introduced (or invasive) distributions that are relevant to management of aquatic resources.

Christopher Schiller (Primary Presenter/Author), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, christopher.schiller@mines.sdsmt.edu;


Jaime Haueter (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, jaime.haueter@mines.sdsmt.edu;


Lisa Kunza (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, lisa.kunza@sdsmt.edu;


Sarah Spaulding (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Geological Survey, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado Boulder, sarah.spaulding@colorado.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE INFLUENCE OF D. GEMINATA ON BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE RESOURCE AVAILABILITY IN RAPID CREEK, SOUTH DAKOTA Benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI) are structured to process the resources present in fluvial ecosystems and can alter their foraging strategies dependent upon stress and availability of resources. Didymosphenia geminata, a nuisance freshwater diatom, forms mats of extracellular stalk material that can blanket stream/river substrates. In 2014, D. geminatamats in Rapid Creek, SD at times covered 80+% of the stream substrate with mat thickness up to 3.5cm. Ultimately, D. geminata mats alter resource composition and availability for the BMI community. We examined BMI diet composition and resource availability shift in relation to the presence and growth of D. geminata mats. With variable D. geminata mat thickness and patchiness depending upon season and location in Rapid Creek, we structured our experimental design to examine seasonal and longitudinal trends. Our objectives were to examine the influence of D. geminata on the quantity and availability of benthic resources and BMI diet selection. Due to flows 5 times the average daily discharge, flow regime altered D. geminata mat thickness throughout 2014 and lead to an observable decrease in BMI abundance and resource availability.

Russell Marlow (Primary Presenter/Author), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology , russell.marlow@mines.sdsmt.edu;


Lisa Kunza (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, lisa.kunza@sdsmt.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

COUPLING FRESHWATER MUSSEL ECOLOGY AND RIVER DYNAMICS USING A SIMPLIFIED DYNAMIC INTERACTION MODEL To better understand freshwater mussel population dynamics as a watershed scale, we developed a long term, dynamic, process-based interaction model coupling streamflow, suspended sediment, phytoplankton, and mussel abundance under the hypothesis that chronic exposure to increased suspended sediment and food limitation, both driven by streamflow, are the primary factors controlling native mussel population density in a Midwestern U.S. agricultural river basin. The model was calibrated and validated with extensive mussel survey data from multiple time periods and used to evaluate changes in mussel abundance at a sub-basin scale over decades. Sensitivity of simulated mussel densities was evaluated across a range of mussel mortality rates and initial mussel population densities. Scenarios representing potential changes in sediment concentrations, as might occur with climate or land use induced changes in streamflow or sediment generation rates, showed critical thresholds in suspended sediment concentrations which bracket a dynamic response in mussel population density. This biophysical process-based approach to modeling mussel population dynamics facilitates identification of mussel population limiting factors and priority locations for restoration activities.

Amy Hansen (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Kansas, amy.hansen@ku.edu;


Jonathon Czuba (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Minnesota, czuba004@umn.edu;


Jon Schwenk (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Minnesota, schwe387@umn.edu;


Anthony Longjas (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Minnesota, alongjas@umn.edu;


Mohammad Danesh-Yazdi (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Minnesota, dane0049@umn.edu;


Dan Hornbach (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Macalester College, hornbach@macalester.edu;


Efi Foufoula-Georgiou (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Minnesota, efi@umn.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MINI-BIOBLITZ EVENTS HELP “BRIDGE THE GAP” FOR BIODIVERSITY AT GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER NATIONAL MONUMENT, MISSOURI AND BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER, ARKANSAS HTLN established baseline inventories of important indicators of ecosystem health, or ‘vital signs’ for all its network parks. Long-term monitoring of these ‘vital signs’ are used by park managers to make good, science-based decisions in managing natural resources. BioBlitz events involve professional scientists, students, and citizen scientists working together to find and identify as many different taxa as possible using scientific methods. They provide taxa level information not easily obtained during routine monitoring. BioBlitz events help bridge the gap. In addition, students are provided career based networking opportunities with professional scientists. Historically, NPS has focused on ‘all taxa’ BioBlitz events that involved long term planning, major funding, and substantial park and volunteer participation. A much simpler one-day event was conducted at George Washington Carver National Monument, Missouri (2013, 2014) and Buffalo National River, Arkansas (2014) that focused on six taxa groups. This event resulted in the identification of 143 taxa never before documented in the parks. Conducting multiple smaller mini-BioBlitz events may be just as effective as a large one-time event.

Janice A. Hinsey (Primary Presenter/Author), National Park Service (NPS), Heartland Inventory & Monitoring Network (HTLN), Jan_Hinsey@nps.gov;


Theresa M. Johnson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), National Park Service (NPS), Heartland Inventory & Monitoring Network (HTLN), Theresa_Weiss-Johnson@partner.nps.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ANTHROPOGENIC LITTER DENSITY ON LAKE MICHIGAN BEACHES: ROLE OF RIVER MOUTH PROXIMITY AND FISHING ACTIVITY AS REVEALED BY CITIZEN SCIENCE DATA COLLECTION The abundance and distribution of anthropogenic litter (i.e., garbage; AL) is well studied in oceans, but freshwater research lags behind. Marine studies have used data from volunteer beach clean-ups to quantify AL density and infer sources, such as inputs from rivers and fishing. We analyzed data collected by volunteers in the Alliance for the Great Lakes Adopt-A-BeachTM program on AL density and composition at 214 Lake Michigan beaches (N = 49,718 volunteers; 2,953,479 AL items; 3,804 data sets). First, we categorized AL by use (e.g., smoking-, food-, and fishing-related) to infer the major sources across beaches. Next, sites were categorized by distances from river mouths (?0.5 km, 0.5-1 km, 1-4 km, and >5 km) to determine potential riverine AL sources. Finally, beaches were categorized by shore-fishing activity (i.e., high and low) based off of the states’ Department of Natural Resources data. We compare absolute and relative abundance of fishing-related AL to well-studied marine beaches. Results from the ongoing analyses will guide refinement of protocols directed at efficient AL clean-ups and prevention on beaches in the Great Lakes and elsewhere.

Meagan Westhoven (Primary Presenter/Author), Loyola University Chicago, mwesthoven@luc.edu;


Timothy Hoellein (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Loyola University Chicago, thoellein@luc.edu;
Dr. Hoellein is a freshwater ecologist at Loyola University Chicago. His research interests are focused on ecosystem processes and biogeochemistry. His research lab explores these areas in associate with the movement and biological transformation of elements, energy, and pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Jamie Cross (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Alliance for the Great Lakes, JCross@greatlakes.org;


Olga Lyandres (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Alliance for the Great Lakes, OLyandres@greatlakes.org;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF RESTORED RIPARIAN BUFFER LENGTH ON MACROINVERTEBRATES IN RANGELAND STREAMS In agricultural landscapes, riparian woody revegetation can provide benefits including trapping fine sediment, providing shade and leaf litter, increasing habitat complexity, and slowing flows. However, the benefits from these reach-scale restoration projects are variable, likely due to variations in both site characteristics and restoration design. Riparian buffer width and position are known to affect macroinvertebrate communities and instream conditions, but less is known about the impact of buffer length. Greater continuous lengths of woody riparian vegetation should result in an increase in macroinvertebrate collector-gatherers and shredders and decrease in scrapers, while substrate should become more coarse. I present preliminary results evaluating the effect of buffer length on instream conditions in the mediterranean-climate rangelands of west Marin, California. I compare physical habitat and macroinvertebrate communities at sites along a gradient of upstream buffer lengths to determine whether there is a positive cumulative effect of multiple reach-scale restoration projects in these landscapes. Information about the impact of buffer position and length will help managers better place restoration projects.

Bronwen Stanford (Primary Presenter/Author), University of California, Santa Cruz, bstanfor@ucsc.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

QUANTIFYING DENITRIFICATION RATES AS A FUNCTION OF NITRATE AVAILABILITY IN VEGETATED AGRICULTURAL DITCHES Application of external nitrogen (N) inputs to agricultural systems has increased food production to meet growing demands worldwide. However, excess N inputs also contribute to significant environmental impacts including eutrophication of fresh and coastal waters. Widespread implementation of best management practices (BMP) that reduce N inputs to aquatic ecosystems are needed. Denitrification is a biologically-mediated removal mechanism that decreases nitrate transport to downstream waterbodies. Recent work demonstrated that ditch sediments planted with Leersia oryzoides have significantly higher denitrification potential than bare sediments or those planted with Typha latifolia. Other factors including temperature, oxygen concentrations, nitrate availability, and organic matter content also influence denitrification rates. In this study, we explored the effects of nitrate availability on denitrification in agricultural ditch sediments vegetated with L. oryzoides. Denitrification rates were measured as N2 production from intact vegetated sediment cores using Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry. We will present denitrification rates and efficiency as a function of nitrate concentration in experimental cores using Michaelis-Menten kinetics. This study will contribute to the development of future models that predict denitrification rates associated with vegetated ditch BMPs.

Shannon Speir (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Arkansas, slspeir@uark.edu;


Thad Scott (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Baylor University, Thad_Scott@baylor.edu ;


Jason M. Taylor (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Sedimentation Lab, jason.taylor@ars.usda.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH? EXPLORING POTENTIAL CONSERVATION THRESHOLDS IN AN AGRICULTURAL WATERSHED. We are quantifying the water quality benefits of the watershed-scale implementation of winter cover crops (e.g., ryegrass) planted after cash-crop harvest (i.e., corn/soybeans). Our goal is to determine how relative cover crop coverage influences stream nutrient export in the Shatto Ditch Watershed (SDW, Kosciusko Co., IN). As part of a larger study, after cover crop planting in Fall 2013, we collected water samples and measured discharge every 14d for one year at 10 longitudinally-distributed sites along 8 km of stream. Using GIS and the site-specific drainage area estimated from our longitudinal sampling sites, we identified nested sub-watersheds (size range= 60-880 acres) within the larger 3000-acre SDW. We then calculated the total acreage and percent cover crop coverage (range=10-90%) in each sub-watershed, and explored the relationship between stream nutrient yields and cover crop coverage. We found that average daily N yield (kg NO3-N/acre/day) decreased as percent cover crop increased. These results suggest a direct relationship between landscape cover crops and improved water quality in agricultural watersheds, at small to large spatial scales, which will be useful in developing targeted conservation planning.

Anna Kottkamp (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Notre Dame, kottkamp.anna@gmail.com;


Brittany Hanrahan (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USDA Agricultural Research Service, br.hanrahan@gmail.com;


Jennifer L. Tank (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Notre Dame, tank.1@nd.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MODELING REFERENCE NUTRIENT CONDITIONS WITH QUANTILE REGRESSION EXTRAPOLATION Idaho streams generally endure low levels of disturbance in their catchments, especially in mountainous terrain where agricultural activities and urban development are sparse. However, streams in the plains, plateaus, and broad valleys (PPBV) are different than the mountainous sites in both natural and disturbance characteristics. They are generally lower gradient, warmer, and subject to drier climatic conditions. These flatter areas are also more suitable to human activities resulting in higher rates of disturbance with respect to nutrients and nutrient-sensitive ecosystems. Reference sites in the PPBV are the best available sites and have greater intensities of stressors compared to the set of mountainous reference sites. We used frequency distributions of nutrient concentrations in reference sites to characterize reference nutrient conditions. In the mountains, the best reference conditions were observable as the 75th quantile of reference site data. In the PPBV, we extrapolated the 75th quantile to the expected, but not observed, best reference conditions using quantile regression along a gradient of urban and agricultural land uses. This technique allows refinement of reference expectations for nutrients in areas with ubiquitous development.

Benjamin Jessup (Primary Presenter/Author), Tetra Tech, Inc., benjamin.jessup@tetratech.com;


Joshua Schultz (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Idaho DEQ, Josh.Schultz@deq.idaho.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

HIGH-FREQUENCY NITRATE MONITORING TO QUANTIFY UNCERTAINTIES OF SAMPLING STRATEGIES IN AGRICULTURAL WATERSHEDS Understanding highly dynamic processes such as nitrate (NO₃^-) loading to agricultural streams requires optimization of monitoring strategies. The expansion of a spatially distributed, high-frequency water quality monitoring network covering ~40% of Iowa (USA), provides direct observations of in situ NO₃^- concentrations at a 15-minute resolution. Systematic subsampling of this NO₃^- record allows quantification of uncertainty in concentration and load estimations for conventional sampling regimes and frequencies. Using this data, we asked: What is the optimal sampling regime/frequency to sufficiently characterize NO₃^- concentration and load estimations? Furthermore, are watershed characteristics (e.g. size or flashiness) predictors of optimal monitoring strategies? We subsampled records for 47 site-year combinations for three sampling regimes: completely random, discrete time-interval and flow-induced (i.e. event-based/storm-chasing). Daily sampling frequency is optimal based on uncertainty alone; however, for most systems and monitoring campaigns this is not an economically viable option. The time-interval sampling regime provides the most reliable annual mean NO₃^- concentration estimation regardless of frequency, while even infrequent storm-chasing (i.e. flow-induced sampling) sufficiently characterized NO₃^- loads. High-frequency NO₃^- records allow reliable evaluation of concentration and flux uncertainties promoting future optimization of sampling strategy based on monitoring objectives.

Kaycee Reynolds (Primary Presenter/Author), School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, kaycee.n.reynolds@gmail.com;


Terrance D. Loecke (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Kansas, loeckete@gmail.com;


Amy Burgin (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Kansas, burginam@ku.edu;


Caroline A. Davis (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Iowa, caroline-davis@uiowa.edu;


Diego Riveros-Iregui (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of North Carolina, diegori@unc.edu;


Steven Thomas (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Alabama, sathomas16@ua.edu;


Martin St. Clair (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Coe College, mstclair@coe.edu;


Adam Ward (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Indiana University, adamward@indiana.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INSECT MORPHOLOGY REFLECTS ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABILITY IN TROPICAL LOWLAND STREAMS, COSTA RICA Environmental variability has been shown to cause alterations on macroinvertebrate morphology. Organisms might reflect stress conditions by changes on structural shape (i.e., symmetry) and body size. We assessed fluctuations in insect morphology: directional asymmetry (DA), antisymmetry, fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and body size, and their relation to environmental fluctuations (e.g., discharge, changes in pH). Ephemeroptera adults were collected weekly for 3y (2001-2003) with emergence traps. Environmental variables were measured and related to morphological changes. Nine traits were measured. Differences between the measurements of the right and left side were used on data analyses. The results showed no evidence of DA and antisymmetry on mayfly characters. In addition, there were no significant differences in the interaction between Side and Individual, indicating a lack of FA. However, differences among individuals were significant, suggesting patterns related to size. Trait size was correlated to body size, which was associated to several environmental variables. Our results suggest that changes in size are the strategy to face stress conditions rather that FA. Small sized individuals were associated with periods of environmental adverse conditions.

Pablo E. Gutiérrez-Fonseca (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Costa Rica, pabloe.gutierrezfonseca@gmail.com;


Alonso Ramírez (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), North Carolina State University, alonso.ramirez@ncsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EPHEMERAL POND HYDROLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS EFFECTS ON PEAT ACCUMULATION The purpose of this study is to determine relationships between peat depth and wetland hydrologic characteristics in ephemeral ponds. These ponds provide habitat for many different plant species, which shed organic matter that accumulates as peat. In addition, surrounding forests contribute substantial leaf litter. There may be a feedback loop between peat depth and hydroperiod that is important because peat provides nutrients for plant and animal species as well as stabilizes hydroperiod. Data on peat depth and hydrologic characteristics were collected in 39 ephemeral ponds in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. We also measured seasonal water depth range, mean water depth, and standard deviation to capture hydrologic variability. We hypothesized that increased hydroperiod and mean water depth will lead to increased peat accumulation, while increased range and standard deviation will decrease peat accumulation. Peat accumulation varies in small and large ephemeral ponds, with small ponds dependent upon water depth and large ponds dependent upon sedge and Sphagnum formation. Increased peat accumulation may cause longer hydroperiods due to its impermeability – creating a positive feedback loop.

Anna Winfield (POC,Primary Presenter), , winfielda0355@my.uwstout.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SEASONAL TRENDS IN WATER CHEMISTRY IN THE PERMANENT AND EPHEMERAL WETLANDS OF WISCONSIN’S CHIPPEWA MORAINE We investigated seasonal differences in pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen concentrations between permanent and ephemeral wetlands within the Chippewa Moraine region of Wisconsin. We used general linear models to compare the effects of wetland type (ephemeral vs. permanent) and sample period (nested within wetland type) on the water chemistry attributes. Specific conductivity was significantly higher in ephemeral wetlands than permanent wetlands, with no significant change over the growing season. Dissolved oxygen was significantly higher in permanent wetlands, but significantly decreased between sample periods. There was no significant difference in pH between permanent and ephemeral wetlands, but pH showed significant fluctuation between sample periods. Similar fluctuations were observed between the two types of wetlands over time. Ephemeral wetlands exhibited a higher specific conductivity and temperature which is likely due to their small size. pH fluctuations between sample periods may be affected by vegetation or soil conditions. The hydroperiod of a wetland seems to be an important factor affecting water chemical characteristics. Our findings provide a framework for investigating relationships between water chemistry and biological communities.

Pamela Gehant (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin-Stout, gehantp0108@my.uwstout.edu;


Amanda Little (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Stout, littlea@uwstout.edu;


Matthew Church (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Flathead Lake Biological Station, matt.church@flbs.umt.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE EFFECT OF HYDROPERIOD ON FALL ZOOPLANKTON ABUNDANCE IN SMALL FLOODPLAIN PONDS (BLACK FORK OF THE MOHICAN RIVER, OH) Typically, permanent floodplain ponds show year-round water retention and temporary ponds show seasonal drying and filling. We previously found fall zooplankton abundance in a permanent pond was relatively high and consistent across years (101-121 L^-1). In a temporary pond, it was more variable between years (77 vs. 16 L^-1 for dry summer/wet fall vs. wet summer/wet fall). Therefore, seasonal drying followed by significant flooding linked to stronger zooplankton population growth in temporary ponds; there are alternative hypotheses for how this may work. We measured habitat qualities, quantified common zooplankton, and obtained precipitation and water-level data. For this study, we compared several ponds and included a year with a dry summer/dry fall (i.e. all ponds dried, then refilled gradually Oct-Dec). Zooplankton abundance in rewetted permanent ponds was ca. 20% of abundance in wet autumns. In rewetted temporary ponds, zooplankton were abundant (111 L^-1), consistent with the greater accumulation observed in a previous year with a dry phase. Overall pond diversity and among-year differences in zooplankton dynamics within each pond relate to differences in consumer success and species richness in this landscape.

Patricia A. Saunders (Primary Presenter/Author), Ashland University, psaunder@ashland.edu;


Rosalie Sepesy (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ashland University, rsepesy@outlook.com;


Olivia Macek (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ashland University, omacek@ashland.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF RIVER NARMADA USING BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES The Narmada river of Khargon district at Mandleshwar in Madhya Pradesh was chosen to assess the impact of alteration of the flow regime on water quality, due to the formation of the dame. The sites were chosen at Pre-commissioning and post-commissioning stage of the Maheshwar Dame .The present study involved sampling, pre-identification and identification of macro-invertebrates and computing the % occurrence of families of various taxonomic groups and conducting physico-chemical analysis of samples from selected location. Macro-invertebrates chosen were identified up to family level, and bio assessment at various locations has been done using NEPBIOS score system. It was found that out of total 39 genus belonging to 12 families of taxonomical group like Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Plecoptera, Coleoptera, Heteroptera, Odonata, Diptera Mollusca, Oligochaetes etc.have been found in different composition inhabiting the river. The results further show that all the locations assessed for quality using macro-invertebrates and physico-chemical analysis are in the range of water quality class II(Good)during Pre-Commissioning stage of the Maheshwar dame,while during post-commissioning stage of theMaheshwar ,the water quality class is III (Moderately Polluted) .

SHAILENDRA SHARMA (Primary Presenter/Author), * Department Of Zoolgy & Biotechnology, Adarsh Institute Of Management & Science Dhamnod (M.P.)INDIA, shailendra.b.sharma@gmail.com;


Rupali Mandloi, (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLGY,MAA UMIYA GIRLS COLLEGE, INDORE(M.P.)INDIA., rupali.mandloi@yahoo.com ;


Shitika Barkale, (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department Of Zoolgy & Biotechnology, Adarsh Institute Of Management & Science Dhamnod (M.P.)INDIA, sbarkale5@gmail.com ;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE CASPIAN CRAYFISH AS A MARKER OF WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE KAZAKHSTANIAN AREA OF OIL PRODUCTION The necessity of environment regular monitoring is a permanent change of its quality. It is necessary to organize a number of nature protection events in the area of increasing technogenic loading on ecosystems. The aim of the present research is realizing the macroscopic and morphometric study of the Caspian crayfish (?stacus caspius Rathke 1837) under the conditions of Aktau, the most important port for oil transportation of Kazakhstan. Twenty-five crayfish were collected and defined the morformetric indexes according to standard methodologies in August. There were 22 females and 3 males in the aggregation that conforms with literature data on the predominance of females in autumn. The reliable distinctions had been found for some morphometric parameters: their common length, length and width of cephalothorax and rostrum. All the caught crayfish were two years old and infected by septocelendroze. It may be the cause of organ regeneration delay and their underdeveloped. It is revealed in morphological ugliness and their body asymmetry. When doing microscopic research of gepatopancreas the structural changes of all cell types: F, B and K can be found.

Z. M. Biyasheva (Primary Presenter/Author), Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, zarbiya@mail.ru;


N. A. Ibragimova (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Kazakh-German University Almaty, Kazakhstan, nailya.73@mail.ru;


R. B. Esenov (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, rahat.esenov@mail.ru ;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

FOOD WEB COMPLEXITY STABILIZES SEASONAL VARIABILITY IN RIVER–TERRESTRIAL LINKAGES Aquatic–terrestrial trophic linkages play a role in transporting materials from rivers to adjacent ecosystems. Although the trophic links have often been conceived as static and depicted as a single pathway, there are a variety of links containing seasonal variations. We investigated how donor prey (aquatic insects) and recipient consumer diversity (ground beetles) interact to stabilize seasonal variability of the material flow from rivers to adjacent gravel bars. Surveys were conducted in the Tottabetsu River, Hokkaido, Japan. Based on CN isotopic information and biomass of each consumer species, we estimated how material flow through aquatic insect–ground beetle links has changed over time (June to October). The seasonal variability of material flow mediated by individual trophic links (measured as CV) was high, and each had its own seasonal peak. However, they changed in a compensatory way and greatly stabilized the summed material flow at the community level. This suggests the importance of temporarily-resolved perspective on food webs.

Akira Terui (Primary Presenter/Author), Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, hanabi0111@gmail.com;


Takumi Akasaka (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, t.akasaka@obihiro.ac.jp;


Junjiro Negishi (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Hokkaido University, negishi@ees.hokudai.ac.jp;


Fumihiko Uemura (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Hokkaido University, uemura.fu@gmail.com;


Futoshi Nakamura (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Hokkaido University, nakaf@for.agr.hokudai.ac.jp;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE FOOD WEB OF A TROPICAL ISLAND STREAM Quantitative food webs describe the connectivity between consumers and resources, but also combine diet analyses with taxon-specific production estimates to determine energy flow between species. The resulting web tells us how much each food source is responsible for the production of each species and their trophic position. In this study we estimate annual secondary production and develop a quantitative food web of the benthic insect communities present in two small streams at the Luquillo Experimental Forest (LEF), Puerto Rico. We examined the gut content of the dominant aquatic insect groups: Leptophlebiidae and Baetidae mayflies, Calamoceratidae and Hydropsychidae caddisflies and Chironomidae midges and found that these groups rely heavily on plant tissue and amorphous detritus. Overall, aquatic insects in the LEF have low biomass; therefore, their production is relatively low compared with available estimates. Secondary production appears to rely more on allochthonous organic matter, rather than primary production. This study is one of the first to quantify the production and food web of the benthic insect community in tropical island streams.

Keysa G. Rosas (Primary Presenter/Author), Georgia Southern University, kr03925@georgiasouthern.edu;


Checo Colon-Gaud (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Georgia Southern University, jccolongaud@georgiasouthern.edu;


Alonso Ramírez (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), North Carolina State University, alonso.ramirez@ncsu.edu;


Tavis Anderson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Georgia Southern University, tkanderson@georgiasouthern.edu ;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

LARGE WOOD ENHANCES RESOURCE AVAILABILITY IN A LOWLAND RIVER AS DEMONSTRATED BY COMBINED STABLE ISOTOPE AND FATTY ACID ANALYSES We examined whether large wood (LW) may influence the availability and quality of trophic resources for benthic macroinvertebrates in a lowland sand-bed river. Samples were collected from LW, surrounding sediment, and control sediments away from LW. Diets were estimated through stable isotope (SIA) and fatty acid (FA) biomarkers. The three locations had distinct macroinvertebrate communities, and abundance and taxa richness were greatest in wood locations. SIA suggested all communities were largely supported by seston from a nearby lake, and in wood locations, also by the phytobenthos. FA did not directly detect seston, but instead differentiated between allochthonous and autochthonous origins. Autochthonous resources contained the highest concentrations of polyunsaturated FA, and macroinvertebrate profiles were enriched in polyunsaturated FA in wood locations. The joint use of SIA and FA in this study was complementary, particularly for addressing the mix of lacustrine and riverine resources. Our study suggests that the availability of LW may alter the diversity and biomass of the macroinvertebrate community by increasing the diversity and quality of available food resources, primarily through increasing autochthonous phytobenthos production directly on wood substrates.

Matthew Cashman (Primary Presenter/Author), U.S. Geological Survey, mcashman@usgs.gov;


Francesca Pilotto (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB-Berlin); School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London , francesca.pilotto@gmail.com ;


Gemma Harvey (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Queen Mary University of London, g.l.harvey@qmul.ac.uk;


Geraldene Wharton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Queen Mary University of London, g.wharton@qmul.ac.uk;


Martin Pusch (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB-Berlin) , pusch@igb-berlin.de;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

RESILIENCE OF AQUATIC COMMUNITIES IN NATURALLY FISHLESS LAKES IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK TO FISH STOCKING For nearly 100 years, many of the naturally fishless lakes in Yellowstone National Park were stocked with six species of fish. Sixty years after the fish-stocking program ended, some lakes have returned to a fishless state, while other lakes continue to maintain fish populations. The purpose of this study is to use a paleoecological approach to evaluate how and why these lakes responded differently to fish stocking through time. Using fossil diatom, zooplankton, and invertebrate assemblages and historical records of fish stocking, we are reconstructing the food web of each lake before, during, and after fish stocking to examine how the introduction of new predatory species affected the trophic structure. The lakes in this study are grouped into paired replicates, including control lakes that were never stocked, to evaluate how abiotic characteristics, such as lake morphology, bedrock, and regional microclimate, influence the resilience of the biotic community. The reconstructed time series of ecological change are being viewed within the context of resilience theory, defined as the ability of a system to buffer disturbances without significantly changing structure and function.

Victoria Chraibi (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, vchraibi@huskers.unl.edu;


Sherilyn Fritz (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, sfritz2@unl.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CORBICULA FLUMINEA FOOD WEB ECOLOGY: AN EXPERIMENTAL TRANSPLANT APPROACH IN A KARST RIVERINE SYSTEM

The Asiatic clam Corbicula fluminea is a filter-feeding habitat generalist. Carbon isotopic composition (?¹³C) of C. fluminea body tissue was compared between reaches of Kentucky’s Green River that differ in Cladophora proliferation. Corbicula fluminea from an upstream reach with little Cladophora was translocated to a downstream reach with high Cladophora levels. Individuals from both reaches were placed in mussel silos in the same downstream reach in autumn 2012 and again in 2013 for 77 and 119 days, respectively. Flow during 2012 consisted of no high flow events until late autumn. Flow patterns in 2013 were consistently higher and more variable. In 2012 the upstream C. fluminea were ¹³C-depleted over time compared to no temporal change in the downstream C. fluminea. The trend was opposite in 2013. Upstream C. fluminea were more ¹³C-enriched over time whereas, again, there was no temporal change in the downstream C. fluminea. Estimated dietary contributions of basal resources using IsoSource found between-year trends that suggested that Cladophora fragments may represent an important food component during years with low flows and dense macroalgal growth.

Autumn Smith (Primary Presenter/Author), Western Kentucky University, autumn.smith381@topper.wku.edu;


Scott Grubbs (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western Kentucky University, scott.grubbs@wku.edu;


Albert Meier (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western Kentucky University, albert.meier@wku.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

TROPHIC DYNAMICS IN AGRICULTURAL STREAMS: LONGITUDINAL AND TEMPORAL PATTERNS IN ISOTOPE RATIOS OF BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES FROM THE MINNESOTA RIVER BASIN, USA Longitudinal trends in food web dynamics, such as those described by the River Continuum Concept, represent a foundational concept in stream and river ecology. While stream food webs have been studied extensively in forested systems, less is known about the trophic structure of open-canopy or agricultural stream communities. Agricultural activities may affect stream food webs in various ways, by altering riparian habitat conditions and nutrient, sediment and flow regimes. Here, we use carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to describe variability in the trophic structure of benthic macroinvertebrate communities collected over time from a stream network in an intensively managed agricultural setting (the Minnesota River Basin, USA). In particular, we identify the importance of autochthonous vs allochthonous sources of organic matter to the diets of different functional feeding groups and specific macroinvertebrate taxa at five study sites ranging from small open-canopy drainage ditches to mid-size forested river sites. These sites exhibit differences in suspended sediments, light availability and riparian vegetation, all of which may affect the availability of food resources and consequent macroinvertebrate trophic structure.

Christy Dolph (Primary Presenter/Author), Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, dolph008@umn.edu;


Amy Hansen (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Kansas, amy.hansen@ku.edu;


Jacques Finlay (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Minnesota, jfinlay@umn.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF LEAF LITTER BREAKDOWN IN NINE HEADWATER STREAMS LOCATED ALONG A REGIONAL THERMAL GRADIENT Leaf litter forms the base of foodwebs in low-order forest streams, which tend to be characterized by relatively low mean temperatures. Climate change may impact detrital carbon processing in these ecosystems, but the temperature dependence of litter breakdown is not well constrained. Moreover, relative responses of microbe- and invertebrate-mediated breakdown of particulate detritus are poorly understood. Warming of streams may not alter absolute rates of litter breakdown, but could cause shifts towards relative importance of microbial decomposition, altering carbon pathways. We incubated fine-mesh (microbe-mediated breakdown) and coarse-mesh litterbags (microbe+invertebrate-mediated breakdown) for ~1-month increments over a 1-year period in 9 headwater streams located along a natural temperature gradient from north Georgia to central Alabama, U.S.A. The temperature dependence of breakdown rates in both mesh sizes deviated from expectations based on the metabolic theory of ecology. Specifically, the “activation energy” of litter breakdown was 0.27 eV (95% confidence interval 0.22-0.33 eV) for fine-mesh breakdown and 0.25 ev (0.11-0.39 eV) for coarse-mesh breakdown, suggesting that other factors (e.g., nutrient limitation) can constrain the temperature dependence of litter breakdown in temperate forest streams.

Oliver J Wilmot (Primary Presenter/Author), The University of Alabama, ojwilmot@crimson.ua.edu;


Jonathan P. Benstead (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The University of Alabama, jbenstead@ua.edu;


Alexander D Huryn (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The University of Alabama, huryn@bama.ua.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

A NOVEL METHOD FOR RAPID MEASUREMENT OF AMMONIUM ISOTOPE RATIOS WITH TIME-OF-FLIGHT MASS SPECTROSOPY The use of 15-nitrogen (N) stable isotope tracers is a valuable tool for understanding N cycling in aquatic ecosystems, and experimental techniques using 15-N tracers range from mesocosms to stream reaches. Analytical measurement of 14-N:15-N ratios has traditionally involved incubations to concentrate N onto filters for analysis by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. This process is time-consuming and often requires large sample volumes, a challenge for mesocosm experiments. Here, we present a technique for measuring 14-N:15-N in ammonium using ESI-TOF mass spectrometry. Small volumes of sample (<10 ml) are complexed with phenol using the Bertheiot reaction producing the traditional indophenol blue complex (mass 198 AMU). Excess reagents are removed and the indophenol concentrated using automated C18 solid phase extraction. The extracts are run through a spectrometer to measure total NH4+ concentration and passed to the ESI-TOF to obtain the 14-N:15-N ratio. We have successfully produced standard curves of 14-N:15-N as low as 5 ?M N. We will illustrate the method utility to calculate N transformation rates including uptake, regeneration and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in lake, river and estuarine ecosystems.

Denise Bruesewitz (Primary Presenter/Author), Colby College, dabruese@colby.edu;


Whitney King (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colby College, dwking@colby.edu;


Brenda Fekekete (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colby College, blfekete@colby.edu;


Rebecca Chmiel (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colby College, rjchmiel@colby.edu;


Emma Berger (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colby College, egberger@colby.edu;


Rebecca Forgrave (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), LUMCON, forgrave.becky@gmail.com;


Dylan Plaskon (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colby College, dplaskon@colby.edu;


Timothy Hoellein (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Loyola University Chicago, thoellein@luc.edu;
Dr. Hoellein is a freshwater ecologist at Loyola University Chicago. His research interests are focused on ecosystem processes and biogeochemistry. His research lab explores these areas in associate with the movement and biological transformation of elements, energy, and pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Chester Zarnoch (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Baruch College, City University of New York, Chester.Zarnoch@baruch.cuny.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EXAMINING METHANE PROCESSES AND METHANE DERIVED CARBON IN FOOD WEBS IN NORTH CAROLINA PIEDMONT STREAMS Methanogens utilize reactants found in organic matter to produce methane through a process called methanogenesis. Methane can be utilized by methane oxidizing bacteria to support their metabolism. When methane oxidizers are consumed by a higher trophic level, methane-derived carbon can be routed into the food web. The purpose of this study was to explore methane cycling and food web dynamics in Piedmont streams within or near Greensboro, North Carolina. Twelve Piedmont streams of varying land uses were sampled during baseflow in the summer of 2014. Representative invertebrate consumers, surface sediment, seston, and water samples were collected for methane concentration and stable carbon isotope analysis. Preliminary data demonstrated that pore water had significantly higher methane concentration and significantly lower methane del 13C values than surface water. Furthermore, del 13C of invertebrate consumers strongly suggested that Corbicula fluminea (Asian clam), but not hydropsychid caddisflies, were utilizing methane derived carbon as part of their diet, with Corbicula possessing del 13C values significantly lower than that of sediment or seston. This is most likely a result of differences in their feeding behaviors.

Joshua Brigham (Primary Presenter/Author), University of North Carolina Greensboro, jsbrigha@uncg.edu;


Anne Hershey (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, aehershe@uncg.edu;


M.T.K. Tsui (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, tmtsui@uncg.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF SALINITY ON AQUATIC METABOLISM IN A NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL WETLAND Global climate and local land use change are causing increases of high salinity waters to former freshwater wetlands. While it is well known that salinity directly hinders plant productivity, the indirect effects of salinity on aquatic metabolism have not received as much attention. Salinity could indirectly affect metabolism by increasing light penetration through increased flocculation of dissolved organic matter. Here we examined direct and indirect effects of salinity on aquatic metabolism in a coastal wetland. We estimated aquatic metabolism using three years of continuous dissolved oxygen measurements and conducted laboratory assays to estimate flocculation and changes in light attenuation. Analyses are still underway, but preliminary results show that gross primary production is low (0.84 g O2 m-2 d) compared to respiration (1.91 g O2 m-2 d). We did not see large effects of salinity on GPP or ER, but salinity was relatively low during the study period. Laboratory assays showed that flocculation increased even with low levels of salinity. Our results suggest that even low levels of increased salinity could indirectly alter aquatic metabolism through flocculation by increasing light availability.

Tori Goehrig (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), East Carolina University, goehrigt14@students.ecu.edu;


Eva Gallardo (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), East Carolina University, gallardoe12@students.ecu.edu;


Marcelo Ardon-Sayao (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), East Carolina University, ARDONSAYAOM@ecu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

METABOLIC HETEROGENEITY AND OXYGEN DISTRIBUTIONS IN BIOFILMS Bacteria generally colonize surfaces in matrix-protected, organized communities referred to as biofilms. Biofilms are commonly found on solid surfaces in lakes and streams. Although biofilm growth is highly dependent on oxygen availability, very little is known about the oxygen dynamics within biofilms. We used planar optodes to observe the oxygen concentration profile within Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm colonies. Optodes provide a useful tool to examine oxygen patterns within biofilms under fluctuating environmental conditions (e.g. media flow, influent oxygen, biomass). Quantifying the metabolic activity of biofilms at the microscopic level is a useful step towards understanding the relationship between metabolism of riverbed biofilms, spatial patterns in habitat conditions, and net ecosystem metabolism and biogeochemistry.

Molly Baker (Primary Presenter/Author), Northwestern University, mollybaker2014@u.northwestern.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ECOSYSTEM STOICHIOMETRY: BASAL C:N:P RATIOS AND NUTRIENT CYCLING IN TROPICAL STREAMS Ecological stoichiometry is an important framework for evaluating trophic energy transfer in ecosystems and is a valuable way to assess quality of biomass available in food webs. Previous research shows that nutrient uptake in streams depends on available nutrient ratios. However, how the stoichiometry of uptake translates through trophic levels is not well known and is important because of direct impacts on food chain efficiency. Furthermore, while the stoichiometry of nutrient uptake by microorganisms affects the quality of nutrients available to food webs, most studies focus on carbon, nitrogen or phosphorus alone or in pairs. In order to examine how the stoichiometry of nutrients translates across trophic levels, we used TASCC to measure the N:P stoichiometry of nutrient uptake in the context of ambient DOC availability in Ecuadorian streams spanning a 2500m range, which contains a broad range of variation in terrestrial vegetation and groundwater inputs. We compared stoichiometry of ambient nutrients and nutrient uptake rates with the stoichiometry of microbial assemblages. Preliminary data support our hypothesis that stoichiometry of ambient nutrients correlates with both uptake rates and biofilm stoichiometries.

Keeley MacNeill (Primary Presenter/Author), Oregon State University, keeleymacneill@gmail.com;


Brady Kohler (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wyoming, kohlerbrady@gmail.com;


Steven Thomas (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Alabama, sathomas16@ua.edu;


Emma Rosi (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, rosie@caryinstitute.org;


Alexander Flecker (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA, asf3@cornell.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

POTENTIAL MICROBIAL METHYLMERCURY PRODUCTION IN NORTH CAROLINA PIEDMONT STREAM SEDIMENTS Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent toxin that is primarily produced by sediment dwelling anaerobic microbes. Documented mercury methylating microbes include sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), iron reducing bacteria (FeRB), and methane producing archaea (MPA). SRB and MPA compete for acetate and hydrogen, and when sulfate is in excess SRB can outcompete MPA for these resources. SRB have been established as the dominant MeHg producers in many freshwater environments, but one study implicated MPA as the dominant methylators in lake periphyton. The potential contributions of these microbial groups in MeHg production in North Carolina Piedmont streams, where substantial methanogenesis is known to occur, is being evaluated in this research. Preliminary data from one stream suggested that when the activity of MPA was inhibited, mercury methylation remained unchanged. However, when the activity of SRB was inhibited there was low MeHg production, similar to when both microbial groups were inhibited. These preliminary data suggested that SRB were the dominant MeHg producers, and MPA and microbes other than SRB and MPA (including FeRB) had minor roles in sediment MeHg production in North Carolina Piedmont streams.

Peter Blum (Primary Presenter/Author), The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, pwblum@uncg.edu;


M.T.K. Tsui (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, tmtsui@uncg.edu;


Anne Hershey (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, aehershe@uncg.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MODELING HYDROLOGIC PARAMETERS AND NITRATE UPTAKE IN EMMONS CREEK, A HIGH NITRATE COLD WATER STREAM IN EAST CENTRAL WISCONSIN High nutrient streams often exhibit saturation behavior including low nutrient uptake velocity and nearly-conservative nutrient transport. Consequently, nutrient spiraling studies in high nutrient streams are more difficult and less common because of this lower uptake. In October 2014, we performed tracer releases in a 400-m reach of Emmons Creek, a high NO₃^- (2.56 mg N/L) cold water stream in central Wisconsin to measure NO₃^- uptake and the hydrologic parameters affecting NO₃^- transport. We conducted a sustained injection of the dye Rhodamine WT and measured downstream concentrations to model hydrological parameters using the advection dispersion equation. A Mathematica notebook visualization tool was used for rapid initial parameter estimation and OTIS-P was used for final parameter optimization. A slug release of Rhodamine WT plus NO₃^- was used to measure NO₃^- uptake and data were analyzed with the breakthrough curve integration method. The calculated nutrient spiraling metrics (S_w = 4963 m; V_f = 0.018 mm/s) were similar to those measured on other systems of similar NO₃^- concentration and discharge. Application of the TASCC method was not successful on this dataset.

Eric Strauss (Primary Presenter/Author), River Studies Center and Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, estrauss@uwlax.edu;


Carly Olson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, colson41@unl.edu;


Nathaniel Strauss (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department of Physics and Astronomy, Carleton College, straussn@carleton.edu;


Robert Stelzer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, stelzer@uwosh.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SEEING THE UNSEEN - COMBINING SOLUTE TRACERS WITH GEOPHYSICAL IMAGING TO MAP HYPORHEIC FLOWPATHS The hyporheic zone is important for many biogeochemical, hydrological, and ecological stream processes. However, it has remained difficult for researchers to sufficiently describe solute transport within the hyporheic due to our inability to “see” the subsurface directly. Our study, built on the experimental configuration of others, was designed to locate areas in a stream reach that exhibit relatively high rates of hyporheic exchange. We employed time-lapse electrical resistivity imaging combined with the addition of electrically conductive salt tracers to measure the subsurface dynamics of a stream in Wyoming’s Snowy Range, yielding a longitudinal profile of the hyporheic zone. Solutes in our study reach travelled over 1 m deep into the hyporheic zone and flushed relatively quickly (~1 h). This new experimental configuration shows promise in its ability to illustrate where along a stream reach that hyporheic exchange is most prominent and where it is less significant, allowing for future studies to better describe these active regions using more elaborate electrode arrays and solute transport modeling.

Brady Kohler (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wyoming, kohlerbrady@gmail.com;


Robert O. Hall (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, bob.hall@flbs.umt.edu;


Matt Provart (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wyoming, mprovart@uwyo.edu;


Brad Carr (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wyoming, bcarr1@uwyo.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

USING PRECISION GRADIENT AND TURBULENCE MEASUREMENTS TO DETERMINE AQUATIC GAS FLUXES AND THE POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF NON-DISSOLVED GASES Streams are disproportionately important sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) exchange relative to their small surface area. The gas transfer velocity (k) determines the rate of diffusive gas exchange with the atmosphere. Our objectives were to use high precision methods for determining k and to quantify GHG fluxes from primarily agricultural streams. Gas transfer velocities for CO2 and CH4 in streams across Dane County, WI were measured and compared using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter and a suspended flux chamber technique. Additionally, dissolved and atmospheric gas gradients were measured directly using a GHG analyzer and gas equilibrator. Gradients for many streams were surprisingly large; some were > 10,000 ppm CO2 and 1,000 ppm CH4. Temperature-corrected k of both gases agreed closely for almost all streams. However, k values diverged for a fraction of sites, indicating potential vectors of non-Fickian exchange. As it is usually assumed that all gas exchange in streams is Fickian, it is important to consider that previously derived k and flux values could be artificially deflated. Additionally, these non-Fickian exchange pathways may contain other important GHG or biogenic gases.

Nicholas Gubbins (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin - Madison, gubbinsnick@gmail.com;


John Crawford (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Geological Survey, jtcrawford@usgs.gov;


Emily Stanley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin - Madison, ehstanley@wisc.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

A COMPARISON OF THE POTENTIAL RATES OF METHANOGENESIS AND METHANE OXIDATION IN SEDIMENT SLURRIES OF TWO URBAN AND TWO FORESTED STREAMS. Methanogenesis is the dominant process for anaerobic decomposition, but has not been extensively studied in streams. Streams are often supersaturated in methane. Methane originates from both allochthonous and autochthonous sources. Here, we focused on autochthonous methanogenesis. CH4 oxidation by methanotrophs partially mitigates CH4 production. The urban stream syndrome describes how urban streams are ecologically degraded, undermining the ecosystem services provided compared to their forested counterparts. We hypothesized that the rate of methanogenesis would be higher in urban compared to forested stream sediments. Fieldwork was conducted on sediments from two urban and forested streams in NC. Sediment slurry experiments were conducted to evaluate methanogenesis and methane oxidation in surficial and deep sediments of all streams. Results showed the rate of methanogenesis was several orders of magnitude higher in urban stream sediments compared to forested stream sediments. The rates of methane oxidation were higher in surficial sediments of the urban streams compared to the forested streams of similar stream order. These results indicate the potential for greater importance of methane cycle processes in small, urban streams compared to their forested counterparts.

Allison Bullard (Primary Presenter/Author), The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, aebulla2@uncg.edu;


Anne Hershey (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, aehershe@uncg.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MEASURING NET DENITRIFICATION FLUX USING MEMBRANE INLET MASS SPECTROMETRY IN MOUNTAIN RIVERS Denitrification removes nitrate in streams with high anthropogenic nitrate concentrations. In subalpine forest, forest type influences the density of logjams and thereby stream complexity, which we hypothesize increases aerobic respiration and denitrification. We measured net denitrification in six streams in the Front Range, Colorado and Wyoming, USA. Sites differed in forest type and thereby logjam density and stream complexity. Study sites also had high nitrate concentrations (0.15 mg NO₃^--N/L). We used dark bottle assays and oxic incubations to measure change in dissolved nitrogen and oxygen relative to argon gas concentrations to measure net denitrification flux and respiration from stream sediments. We found no relationship between organic matter content and the net denitrification flux. Net denitrification increased with respiration. With a whole stream respiration of -4 g O m^-2 d^-1, we estimated a whole stream net denitrification flux of 107 mg N₂ m^-2 d^-1, which accounted for one third of whole-stream nitrate uptake.

Molly Plemel (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wyoming, m_plemel13@hotmail.com;


Robert O. Hall (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, bob.hall@flbs.umt.edu;


Hilary Madinger (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wyoming, hilary.madinger@gmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INSIGHTS INTO SULFUR BIOGEOCHEMISTRY IN ALKALINE, CARBONATE-DEPOSITING HEADWATER STREAMS Sulfur is a highly reactive element and its biogeochemical cycle is often linked to those of carbon, nitrogen, and/or phosphorus. While most studies of sulfur biogeochemistry pertain to the ecological effects of acid rain, we consider sulfur cycling in alkaline streams. For over three years (2011 – 2014), we monitored stream water chemical composition in headwater streams in the Huachuca Mountains of southern Arizona, USA. These montane streams are characterized by low nutrient concentrations and active calcium carbonate deposition. Across the streams, sulfate concentrations are positively correlated with calcium concentrations (r2 = 0.45, p < 0.001). Within a stream, downstream changes in sulfate and calcium concentrations are stoichiometrically constrained: 5 mol of CaCO3 are produced per 1 mol of sulfate consumed. These observations suggest microbial sulfate reduction may be influencing calcium carbonate deposition. As calcium carbonate deposition can influence phosphorus availability, a link between microbial sulfate reduction and calcium carbonate deposition may be another way in which sulfur, carbon, and phosphorus cycles are coupled.

Jessica R. Corman (Primary Presenter/Author), Arizona State University, jrcorman@asu.edu;


Amisha Poret-Peterson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Arizona State University, aporetpe@asu.edu;


James Elser (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Arizona State University, j.elser@asu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

A CHAMBER-BASED APPROACH TO ASSESS CHANGES IN STREAM ECOSYSTEM METABOLISM AND NITRATE UTILIZATION AT REDUCED NITRATE LEVELS Nutrient reduction strategies have become standard to protect stream ecosystems but we lack the tools to understand how systems respond to reduced concentrations. To fill this gap, we developed a chamber-based method which allows characterization of NO3 utilization along the two major uptake pathways at reduced levels. The chamber blocks flow by insertion into upper sediments, allows light in and sediment-water-air interactions to occur. At Gum Slough Springs, Florida, in-situ sensors measured water quality while NO3 reduced from ambient levels (1.40 mgN/L) to below regulatory thresholds (0.20 mgN/L) within one week. Daytime NO3 uptake, from plant uptake and denitrification, was consistently greater than nighttime uptake, or denitrification alone. Using this method, we compared UNO3 and GPP across multiple vegetation regimes and related GPP estimates from the chamber to reach scale. Our results suggest UNO3 and GPP differ by vegetation type, GPP can be scaled-up from the chamber to reach, algal presence potentially reduces GPP, and an overall lack of nutrient limitation. Overall, this method shows promise as a tool for in-situ ecosystem-scale assessments of nutrient retention below ambient concentrations.

Courtney Reijo (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Florida, creijo@ufl.edu;


Matthew Cohen (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Florida, mjc@ufl.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

VEGETATION EFFECTS ON NITRATE UPTAKE AND REMOVAL VIA DENITRIFICATION IN DITCH MESOCOSMS We quantified differences in N retention and denitrification rates during experimental runoff events followed by stagnant periods in mesocosms planted in three different vegetation treatments: unvegetated; cutgrass; and common cattail. All treatments retained 60% or more of NO3-N loads during the 6 h experimental runoff event, but cutgrass had significantly higher (68%) retention compared to cattail (60%) or unvegetated (61%) treatments. After the runoff event, cattail mesocosms reduced NO3-N concentrations by > 95% within 24 h and cutgrass achieved similar reductions within 48 h, whereas reductions in unvegetated mesocosms were significantly less (65%). Cores from cutgrass mesocosms had significantly higher average denitrification rates (5.93 mg m-2 h-1) accounting for 56% of the immobilized NO3-N within 48 h, whereas denitrification rates were minimal in cores from unvegetated (-0.19 mg m-2 h-1) or cattail (0.2 mg m-2 h-1) mesocosms. While vegetated treatments removed excess NO3-N from the water column at similar and significantly higher rates than unvegetated treatments, the high denitrification potential of cutgrass highlights the potential for permanent removal of excess N from agricultural runoff in vegetated ditches and wetlands.

Jason M. Taylor (Primary Presenter/Author), USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Sedimentation Lab, jason.taylor@ars.usda.gov;


Matt Moore (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Sedimentation Lab, matt.moore@ars.usda.gov;


Thad Scott (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Baylor University, Thad_Scott@baylor.edu ;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

LINKING MUSSEL GROWTH DYNAMICS TO TEMPERATURE REGIMES: PREDICTING HOW FRESHWATER MUSSELS WILL RESPOND TO A CHANGING CLIMATE Of the nearly 300 species of freshwater mussels in North America, only ~25% are considered stable, making them the most endangered major faunal group. Many studies on mussel growth have examined relationships between growth and streamflow in lotic ecosystems. However, we investigated temperature-growth relationships for mussels in lake ecosystems (where hydrologic flows are absent to minimal). We analyzed shell thin-sections of Lampsilis siliquoidea from ten lakes in northern Wisconsin and quantified population- and individual-level rates of growth and growth synchrony. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters for one population (Trout Lake, Vilas County, WI) were the lowest recorded for a Lampsiline species (K=0.015), while maximum longevity was correspondingly high (37 years). We observed a high level of synchrony in annual growth among individuals (series intercorrelation: 0.346) and mussel growth was correlated to macroclimate indices (Pacific/North American, R=0.39) (Multivariate ENSO, R=0.34). Because synchrony in growth among individuals was tightly coupled with temperature, we also explored climate-growth relationships across lakes to understand how a warming climate will differentially affect diverse mussel populations.

Vincent Butitta (Primary Presenter/Author), Center for Limnology, vincent.butitta@wisc.edu;


Emily Stanley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin - Madison, ehstanley@wisc.edu;


Andrew Rypel (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Andrew.Rypel@wisconsin.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

LIVING IN EXTREMES: DISTRIBUTION AND THERMAL TOLERANCES OF PAROCHLUS STEINENII (CHIRONOMIDAE) IN THE SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS, ANTARCTICA AND SUBANTARCTIC REGION OF CHILE (55oS) Antarctica and sub-Antarctic regions have become a focus of studies on environmental responses to regional and global change. Little is known about the life history and thermal tolerances of the widely dispersed P. steinennii in the region. The goals of this study were to contribute to the knowledge of its distribution and thermal tolerance. During Jan. and Feb. of 2014 and 2015 in a study coordinated by the Chilean Antarctic Institute we navigated to the region aboard the Chilean AP Aquiles. We surveyed and characterized habitats in permanent and non-permanent freshwater. Larval pupae, and adults were collected live to determine thermal limits in the laboratory. Our survey provides the first distribution records of P. steinenii for Deception Island. Study results reveal that P. steinenii larvae, pupae, and adults have an exceptionally wide thermal range, ranging from -9 to 35oC. Further studies are underway to understand the current distribution and thermal limits of P. steinenii in region. The ultimate goal is to establish P. steinenii as an indicator of climate change for Antarctica and Sub-Antarctic region.

Tamara Contador (Primary Presenter/Author), Universidad de Magallanes, tamara.contador@umag.cl;


James Kennedy (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of North Texas, kennedy@unt.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INVESTIGATING THE IMPACTS OF RETROGRESSIVE THAW SLUMPS ON ECOSYSTEM STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN ARCTIC STREAMS, NWT Retrogressive thaw slumps (RTS), landscape features formed from permafrost degradation, are increasing in size and frequency in the western Canadian Arctic. The debris from RTS flows into nearby stream systems, greatly changing the physicochemical properties of the stream, however, little is known about the biological impacts of this abiotic disturbance regime. This study investigated how benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities, decomposition and benthic algal standing stock were impacted by RTS. Sampling sites were located upstream and downstream of RTS. BMIs were collected using standardized Canadian protocols (CABIN), decomposition was measured using cotton strips and benthic algal standing stock was assessed using both nutrient diffusing substrates (NDS) and artificial substrates without nutrient addition. The NDS showed that nutrients were not limiting. Moreover, RTS disturbance was associated with a significant decrease in algal biomass accumulation. Decomposition of the cotton strips showed no relationship with disturbance. Finally, BMI abundance appeared to decrease along a disturbance gradient, while diversity remained similar to reference conditions. This study shows that RTS cause a shift in the biological structure and function of Arctic stream ecosystems.

Brianna Levenstein (Primary Presenter/Author), Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunwsick, brianna.levenstein@unb.ca;


Joseph M. Culp (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Environment Canada & Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunwsick, P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, jculp@unb.ca;


Jennifer Lento (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, jlento@gmail.com;


Krista Chin (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Cumulative Impacts Monitoring Program - Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Krista_Chin@gov.nt.ca;


Steve Kokelj (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Northwest Territories Geosciences Office, Yellowknife, steve.kokelj@gov.nt.ca;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS! PROXIMAL EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND SURVIVORSHIP OF A MODEL ORGANISM (INSECTA, ODONATA: ENALLAGMA CIVILE). Current climate change predictions estimate increased air temperatures across the southern Great Plains, putting many organisms at risk from environmental changes affecting larval and adult life stages. Proximally, increased air temperatures can lead to elevated water temperatures, but experiments are lacking on potential responses in terms of ontogenetic development or survival. The familiar bluet damselfly (Odonata, Coenagrionidae, Enallagma civile) was chosen to examine these effects because this widespread and abundant species can serve as a model for responses by other aquatic and amphibious animals. Eggs were collected and reared under four water temperature regimes (26, 32, 38, and 41°C). Once eggs hatched, nymphs were placed into individual containers and were observed and fed each day. Body measurements after molts, development rate, and deaths were recorded daily. Nymphs in the two hotter treatments had reduced survivorship; individuals in colder temperatures survived to adulthood. Individuals in 32°C emerged the quickest, going from egg to adult in 38 days. Elevated temperatures can thus be advantageous and detrimental, causing concern for aquatic invertebrates in the future.

Scott Starr (Primary Presenter/Author), Biology Department, South Plains College, Levelland, TX 79336, sstarr@southplainscollege.edu;


Nancy McIntyre (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3131, nancy.mcintyre@ttu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE EFFECT OF HYDROLOGICAL AND CLIMATE VARIATION ON MACROINVERTEBRATE ABUNDANCE AND RICHNESS IN SOUTHEASTERN OHIO Southeastern Ohio is thought to be a temperate area, with four seasons. When examining stream discharge, a pattern of wet winters/springs and dry summers/falls emerged. The effect of drier or wetter conditions on macroinvertebrate communities in southeastern Ohio streams is not known. We analyzed macroinvertebrate data collected from three watersheds for seven years for patterns in abundance, taxonomic richness, and a biotic index, the Macroinvertebrate Aggregated Index for Streams (MAIS). Using Palmer’s Drought Index, wet, dry, and mid-range years were identified from seven years. For each of the year types, the relationship between macroinvertebrate metrics of that year and the variation across the timespan were correlated; this is to evaluate how each type of year compares to the overall variation. Abundance had no significant correlations to wet, mid-range, or dry years (p= .15, .16, .55, respectively). Significant correlations to all three year types were found for taxonomic richness (p = 1.87E-7, 1.39E-6, 1.63E-4) and MAIS (p = 5.46E-10, 6.28E-6, 8.98E-8), with general negative trends when graphed. The correlation between maximum flow and abundance were investigated; no significant effects were found.

Mariah Thrush Hood (Primary Presenter/Author), Ohio University, mt364608@ohio.edu;


Kelly Johnson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio University, johnsok3@ohio.edu;


Jen Bowman (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio University, bowmanj2@ohio.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

GLOBAL REVIEW OF CLIMATE-GROWTH RELATIONSHIPS FOR FRESHWATER MUSSELS Freshwater mussels are among the most endangered organisms on Earth and play pivotal roles in the structure and function of ecosystems. Recently a new science called “sclerochronology” has emerged, which is a direct analogue to tree-ring science but applied to growth rings in mussel shells. Tree-rings have been crucial to addressing fundamental long-term ecological questions in terrestrial ecosystems, and sclerochronology holds similar promise for better understanding freshwater environments. We reviewed available freshwater mussel sclerochronology studies across multiple continents and ecosystem types (n>50) and present some initial meta-analysis results. Synchrony in freshwater mussel growth (assayed as mean population-level interseries correlation) is apparently common in mussel populations (mean interseries R range: 0.27-0.99, median = 0.64. In lotic ecosystems, freshwater mussel growth is often significantly and negatively related to streamflow (low flow = above average growth). However in lentic ecosystems, annual mussel growth tends to correlate positively with temperature variability. Sclerochronology science is likely to grow rapidly in the coming years and will be useful for understanding freshwater ecosystem dynamics including conservation management implications for freshwater mussels.

Andrew Rypel (Primary Presenter/Author), University of California-Davis, andrewrypel@gmail.com;


Vincent Butitta (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Center for Limnology, vincent.butitta@wisc.edu;


Emily Stanley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin - Madison, ehstanley@wisc.edu;


Andrea Fritts (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Illinois Natural History Survey, afritts@illinois.edu;


Wendell Haag (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), US Forest Service, Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research, whaag@fs.fed.us;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CARBON STOCKS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA MANGROVES Mangrove ecosystems provide numerous ecological services that include protection from storms, regulation of water quality, nursery and feeding habitats for fish and shellfish, important sources of fuel and fiber for local human populations, and support of biodiversity through provision of habitat for many rare and endangered species. The high rates of primary productivity coupled with anaerobic soil conditions in mangrove forests provide another service in that they may offset climate change impacts through sequestration and long-term storage of carbon (C). Although preliminary studies have demonstrated that C stocks in these ecosystems are among the highest of any forest type, their potential as C sinks continues to be ignored in many Southeast Asian countries. This includes Papau New Guinea, where some of the largest intact and diverse mangrove forests exist and that support high densities of trees that are often > 100 cm DBH. Initial carbon data will be presented from coastal mangroves of Manus Island as well as compared to other carbon stocks from other mangroves in this region.

Charlie Yak (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Papua New Guinea, aleifreddie@gmail.com;


Freddie Alei (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Papua New Guinea, freddie@gmail.com;


Peter Katapa (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USAID/IUCN MARSH Project, Peter.Katapa@iucn.org;


Joko Purbospito (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Sam Ratulangi University, jpurbop@gmail.com;


Richard MacKenzie (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USDA Forest Service, rmackenzie@fs.fed.us;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CANCELED ANALYSIS OF LONG-TERM DISCHARGE TRENDS IN LOTIC SYSTEMS OF KENTUCKY, USA Streams and rivers are vital for drinking water, recreation, aquatic life, agriculture, municipal, and industrial uses in Kentucky, USA and extreme levels jeopardize human health and the local economies. Discharge data for lotic systems across a range of watershed sizes (1000 to 2X10^5 km2) in Kentucky, USA, were obtained from the USGS and analyzed for long-term (>70 years) trends. Annual mean, maximum, minimum, standard deviation were analyzed with time (water years 1940-2013). Data were highly variable and relationships were weak (R-squared=0.01-0.3). However, the annual mean and minimum in 4/5 systems (all but the smallest and unregulated stream) increased while the annual maximum and standard deviation for the same systems decreased and may indicate prolonged high discharge events or management to increase minimum levels. Recent water projects such as municipal pipelines and flood management might have contributed to the variability within the study years along with potential climate change influences. Including more systems, assessing duration of flow events, and continuous monitoring are imperative for informed water management and planning decisions in light of discharge variability.

Jean Branttie (Primary Presenter/Author), Kentucky State University, jean.branttie@kysu.edu;


Tamara Sluss (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Kentucky State University, tamara.sluss@kysu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SPATIAL VARIATION AND CONNECTIVITY OF SPRING COMMUNITIES IN JOHN BRYAN STATE PARK. Freshwater springs are often associated with high species diversity. Compared to rivers, springs often have unique physicochemical characteristics and a reduced number of disturbance events. Often, though, springs flow directly into larger, more highly disturbed lotic systems. Despite the prevalence of these confluences, few studies have examined spatial variation in community structure across both habitats. The objective of this study was to examine community structure and the distribution of selected taxa across two springs and the Little Miami River within a limestone gorge at John Bryan State Park (Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA). In each spring, we measured selected physical/chemical parameters and collected periphyton, macroalgae and macroinvertebrates. Similar collections and measurements were conducted in three riffle sites in the Little Miami River, corresponding to upstream, downstream and in between the river and spring points of confluence. Amphipods and isopods were dominant in both springs, but absent from the river. Many diatom genera were found in both habitats (e.g. Navicula), though some displayed more restricted distributions (e.g. Meridion). These results suggest that springs may act as refugia for some macroinvertebrate taxa.

Jamie Bonino (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, j-bonino@onu.edu;


Schelby Rosebrook (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, schelbyrosebrook@gmail.com;


Mira Lukkarila (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, m-lukkarila@Onu.edu;


Leslie Riley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, l-riley.1@onu.edu;


Robert Verb (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, r-verb@onu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ENVIRONMENTAL DNA (eDNA) SUCCESSFULLY DETECTS INVASIVE RUSTY CRAYFISH (O. rusticus) AT LOW ABUNDANCES Early detection is vital for the management of species invasions, and environmental DNA (eDNA) is emerging as an important monitoring tool to this end. We tested the ability of eDNA to detect invasive rusty crayfish (O. rusticus) presence and represent abundance of this species in 12 lakes of Vilas County, Wisconsin, representing a known gradient of O. rusticus absence to high abundance during the summer of 2014. We estimated O. rusticus abundance by baited trapping at lakes, and paired these trap locations to 10 surface water samples per lake that were filtered for eDNA and sequenced as quantitative PCR (qPCR) on primers developed for O. rusticus. We successfully detected O. rusticus presence by eDNA down to catch-per-unit effort (CPUE) of 0.17 crayfish per trap, and the proportion of water samples yielding positive detections of O. rusticus increased with increasing CPUE. Our study demonstrates that eDNA may have high utility in monitoring for early detection of invasions by crayfish like O. rusticus, and we anticipate that further methodological advancements may yet improve on these results.

Matthew Dougherty (Primary Presenter/Author), Catholic Theological Union, matt.dougherty@snc.edu;


Eric Larson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Shedd Aquarium, lars9570@uw.edu;


Mark Renshaw (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Notre Dame, Mark.A.Renshaw.2@nd.edu;


Crysta Gantz (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Portland State University, cgantz@pdx.edu;


David Lodge (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Notre Dame, lodge.1@nd.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

PATTERNS AND DRIVERS OF SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE RIVERS We deployed a network of high frequency sensors measuring specific conductance (SC) and discharge (along with a variety of other parameters) throughout New Hampshire in streams (n = 10) with a variety of land cover. Streams with anthropogenic influence have higher conductance, likely a result of road salt application as indicated by a correlation with basin % impervious surface. Estimated Cl- concentrations indicate urbanized streams often exceed the US EPA chronic toxicity standard for aquatic life (230 mg Cl-/L). SC generally dilutes with stormflow, although in our most urbanized stream SC increases with discharge in the winter and dilutes the rest of the year. Timing of the minimum SC during storms is different among streams, indicating different sources and flow paths, which has the potential to provide insight into the biogeochemistry of other ions such as nitrate. From a management perspective, decreased salinization of our surface waters is critical and practices that reduce the use of road salt and minimize impervious surface area could lead to improvement of water quality.

Jody Potter (Primary Presenter/Author), University of New Hampshire, jody.potter@unh.edu;


William H McDowell (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of New Hampshire, bill.mcdowell@unh.edu;


Lisle Snyder (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of New Hampshire, lisle.snyder@unh.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

WADEABLE STREAM PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN TWO ECOREGIONS OF THE NORTHERN PLAINS With rising concerns over water consumption and quality, regional baseline data of aquatic resources are important to inform management decisions. However, northern prairie streams remain largely under-described. Streams were sampled using modified EPA REMAP protocols in the Northern Glaciated Plains (NGP, 2010 and 2011) and Northwestern Great Plains (NWGP, 2014 and 2015) in South Dakota. Our objective was to evaluate LIII and LIV ecoregion differences in physical and chemical characteristics. Ecoregion comparisons were made with Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. The NGP had higher total phosphorus concentrations (mean = 0.56 mg/L) and a lower proportion of clay substrate (mean 0.9%) than the NWGP (mean = 0.19 mg/L and mean = 13.2%, respectively). Level IV ecoregion differences were more numerous from the NWGP than the NGP, suggesting greater intraecoregion variability. The Big Sioux Basin and James River Lowland appeared highly distinct in the NGP as did the River Breaks, Sagebrush Steppe, and Moreau Prairie in the NWGP. Pronounced intraecoregion variation must be a consideration to maximize effective monitoring and management of northern prairie streams.

Lyntausha Kuehl (Primary Presenter/Author), South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management, lyntausha.kuehl@sdstate.edu;


Chad Kaiser (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management, chad.kaiser@sdstate.edu;


Katie N. Bertrand (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management, katie.bertrand@sdstate.edu;


Nels H. Troelstrup, Jr. (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management, nels.troelstrup@sdstate.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

BRINGING THE LABORATORY OUTDOORS: WHAT CAN WE LEARN WITH AN EXPERIMENTAL STREAM? Experimental studies provide insight into river and stream processes by controlling for key environmental variables such as flow. To investigate the interactions between flow, vegetation, and biota, however, requires that experiments be conducted at full scale conditions. The Outdoor StreamLab (OSL) at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) enables high-resolution local measurements in an outdoor sand bed stream (3 m wide) constructed in 2008 with a vegetated floodplain (40 m by 20 m). Because both water and sediment feed can be controlled, the OSL facilitates experiments on the physical, chemical, and biological interactions between a channel and its floodplain. This system, fed by Mississippi River water, is capable of a wide range of flows from baseflow (44 L/s) to large overbank floods (1200 L/s). A synthesis of major OSL research findings since 2008 will be presented including: surface water-groundwater interactions, stream and floodplain biogeochemistry, invasive species management and stream restoration. This presentation will address the following questions: what can we learn from field-scale stream experiments, what are the limitations of these experiments, and what opportunities exist for future research?

Jessica Kozarek (Primary Presenter/Author), St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota, jkozarek@umn.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE AQUATIC EFFECTS OF HEMLOCK DECLINE IN HEADWATER STREAMS IN SOUTH-CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA In recent decades, eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) has declined in the eastern United States due to invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). Based on comparative studies, aquatic systems are expected to change with the replacement of hemlock by deciduous tree species, but few have tested this hypothesis directly. We sampled macroinvertebrates, fish, and riparian vegetation in 15 hemlock-dominated sites of varying conditions in south-central Pennsylvania. Neither hemlock cover nor condition directly influenced fish or water quality variables. However, excluding streams with heavy rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) cover, black birch (Betula lenta) canopy cover was positively associated with the decline of understory hemlock. In turn, stream temperature declined, whereas nitrate levels increased, with increased birch canopy cover. Fish biomass and density were influenced by pH and water temperature, but not hemlock cover or condition. Macroinvertebrate data is still being processed, but we expect to see taxonomic and functional feeding group differences due to forest succession. In these sites, adelgid-infested riparian hemlock was rapidly replaced by birch, which in turn altered the aquatic environment with possible influences on fish and macroinvertebrates.

Alicia Helfrick (Primary Presenter/Author), Shippensburg University, ah5511@ship.edu;


Theo Light (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Shippensburg University, tsligh@ship.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

AN EVALUATION OF THERMAL CRITERIA IN WYOMING SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS Temperature is a significant determinant of fish distribution due to its impact on fish metabolism, reproduction, and behavior. Because surface water thermal regimes are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic influence, states must establish management standards in order to maintain thermal conditions suitable for aquatic life. The objective of this study is to evaluate the Wyoming surface water temperature standards and propose revisions where needed. We will present our approach for developing temperature standards to adequately protect Wyoming aquatic life, focusing on our division of fish species into multiple management guilds based upon their thermal requirements. We will also discuss our development of the instantaneous and weekly allowable thermal maxima used to define each guild. An improved understanding of Wyoming fish species’ thermal requirements will allow for better management of Wyoming surface waters.

Caitlin Peterson (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wyoming, cmpeterson78@gmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

LINKING HYDROLOGIC REGIME, RAINFALL AND LEAF LITTER FALL IN A RIVERINE FOREST WITHIN THE RAMSAR SITE HUMEDALES CHACO (ARGENTINA) We analyze the pattern of leaf litterfall and the breakdown rate in a mixed gallery forest that covers the levees of the Paraná River oxbow lake. Litter fall was collected biweekly for four year that represents different rainfall and hydrologic regime of the Paraná River including flood and prolonged drought. Litter bags were incubated on the forest floor during flooding conditions and dry conditions and in the oxbow lake. Our results suggest that with the increasing severity of the dry season and decreasing hydrologic connectivity, the annual leaf litterfall increases, whereas its seasonal pattern does not change. Regardless of the seasonal pattern of rainfall and hydrological regime in each study period, leaf fall occurred throughout the year. Leaves decomposed fastest in oxbow lake, and the leaf breakdown on the forest floor was slower during flooding conditions than in dry conditions. Regular floods are natural occurrences that not affect the leaf production of the mixed forest and the leaf processing depends on the oxygen concentrations. Prolonged droughts led to high annual leaf production, which is mainly processed within this forest.

Sylvina Lorena Casco (Primary Presenter/Author), CECOAL (CONICET-UNNE) Argentina, sylvina.casco@gmail.com;


María Eugenia Galassi (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), FACENA (UNNE). Argentina, megalassi@gmail.com;


Eliana Karina Alejandra Mari (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), FACENA (UNNE). Argentina, elianamari125@hotmail.com;


Alicia Susana Guadalupe Poi (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), CECOAL (CONICET-UNNE). FACENA (UNNE). Argentina, guadalupepoi@gmail.com;


Juan José Neiff (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), CECOAL (CONICET-UNNE) Argentina, jj@neiff.com.ar;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE CALIFORNIA DROUGHT: BIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF LARGE RIVER SALMONIDS AND EMERGENT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES As California endures the 4th consecutive year of below normal precipitation and runoff, the state's reservoirs are at an all time low storage condition. As a consequence, instream flows that support a variety of threatened and endangered salmonid species have also been at record low levels. The biological responses of the federally listed winter-run Chinook salmon, spring-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and Central Valley steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)populations, as well as Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta pelagic species such as Delta smelt(Hypomesus transpacificus), have resulted in extremely low abundance estimates and poor overall fish health. This poster summarizes California's hydrologic conditions over the past decade and links resultant impacts of the drought conditions to both adult escapement and juvenile production estimates in California's major inland salmon rivers over that same time span. We will also examine local, state, and federal regulatory actions both in response to the extreme hydrologic regime and in preparation for continued, ongoing drought conditions.

craig anderson (Primary Presenter/Author), us fish and wildlife service, craig_anderson@fws.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

COMPARING ENERGY DENSITY OF THREE COMMON FOOD ITEMS IN A GREAT LAKES COASTAL RIVER SYSTEM Sources of energy available to resident stream fish populations have been widely studied. Although stream insects are often considered the basis of stream fish energetics, other energy sources may be available seasonally, particularly during adfluvial fish spawning runs. We compared the energy density of adult caddis (spring), Chinook salmon eggs and muscle (fall), and larval white suckers (spring) in the Manistee River system, MI using Parr micro-bomb calorimetry. Energy densities of Chinook muscle, Chinook eggs, caddis adults, and larval white suckers were 4,853.4 cal/g, 6,158.8 cal/g, 6,743.2 cal/g, and 6,150.1 cal/g respectively. Given the large number of individuals that return to coastal rivers during seasonal spawning runs and the high caloric density which is comparable to adult caddis, adfluvial fish may supplement energy available to fish populations in coastal stream systems.

Emily Dean (Primary Presenter/Author), Grand Valley State University, deanem@mail.gvsu.edu;


Mark Luttenton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, luttentm@gvsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECT OF SUBMERGED VEGETATION ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF SHOAL AND BACKWATER HABITATS TO LARGE RIVER BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE DIVERSITY Variability in macroinvertebrate communities can be observed by exploring differing microhabitats in the West Branch Susquehanna River. In contrast to studying typical riffle habitats, invertebrates were collected from shoals (shallow, fast flowing, high oxygen, gravel habitats) and backwaters (deep, slow flowing, low oxygen, sand and silt habitats), both with and without vegetation (primarily water willow, Justicia americana). Invertebrates were identified to determine how community structure varies by habitat type and submerged vegetation. Backwater sites contained more vegetation, but stem densities and depth-adjusted biomass did not differ between vegetated backwaters and shoals. Shoals demonstrated higher invertebrate diversity than backwaters, but diversity was reduced in shoals with vegetation. Invertebrate diversity was similar in vegetated and non-vegetated backwaters, but density was 2x higher in backwaters with vegetation. Similar to riffle habitats, EPT’s dominated shoal habitats and were not affected by vegetation. Non-insect invertebrates and chironomids were abundant in backwater sites, and increased in number with presence of vegetation. Backwaters, although common in the Susquehanna River, are not typically sampled for invertebrates, despite contributing unique taxa and adding to our understanding of river biodiversity.

Jordan Barton (Primary Presenter/Author), Bucknell University, jab101@bucknell.edu;


Matthew McTammany (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bucknell University, mmctamma@bucknell.edu;


Matthew Wilson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Susquehanna University, mjw029@bucknell.edu;


Claire Rapp (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bucknell University, ccr004@bucknell.edu;


Ashley Bruno (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bucknell University, aeb024@bucknell.edu;


Meghan Reilly (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bucknell University, mer039@bucknell.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

REDUCTIONS IN JUVENILE MUSSEL GROWTH ALONG A RIVERINE GRADIENT OF CYANOBACTERIAL ABUNDANCE: THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICLE SIZE AND FATTY ACID CONTENT Recent increases in nutrient and sediment loading have caused observable changes in the algal community composition and may have altered the quality of mussel food in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Juvenile Lampsilis cardium and L. siliquoidea were deployed in cages for 28 d at four riverine and four lacustrine sites. Mussel foot tissue and food resources (four seston fractions and surficial sediment) were analyzed for quantitative fatty acid (FA) composition. Riverine sites were dominated by Chlorophyta, whereas Cyanophyta generally dominated lacustrine sites. Mussel survival was high (95%) for both species; however, growth varied. Lampsilis cardium did not exhibit growth (?9 and ?7 ?m/d for riverine or lacustrine sites, respectively). Overall, L. siliquoidea grew (25 ?m?d at riverine and 11 ?m?d at lacustrine sites), but not at sites where Cyanophyta exceeded a threshold of 10% of the total phytoplankton biovolume. Lampsilis siliquoidea growth was positively correlated with volatile solids (< 32 ?m fraction) and with select FA not associated with cyanophytes. Sites dominated by Cyanophyta may not provide sufficient food quality to promote or sustain mussel growth.

Lynn Bartsch (Primary Presenter/Author), U.S. Geological Survey, lbartsch@usgs.gov;


William Richardson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Geological Survey, wrichardson@usgs.gov;


Jon Vallazza (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Geological Survey, jvallazza@usgs.gov;


Brenda Moraska Lafrancois (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), National Park Service , Brenda_Moraska_Lafrancois@nps.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

RE-INTRODUCTION EFFORTS AND CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF AMERICAN EEL IN THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN Under the guidance of The Susquehanna River Anadromous Fish Restoration Cooperative (SRAFRC), The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and hydroelectric project operators have begun an effort to re-introduce the native American eel (Anguilla rostrata) to the Susquehanna River Basin. Volitional upstream passage of American eel to the watershed has been restricted by the presence of hydroelectric dams on the lower Susquehanna River since the early 20th century. A trap and transport project initiated by USFWS has resulted in over 500,000 eels being stocked upstream of the hydroelectric projects since 2008. Stocking success has demonstrated by rapid growth and dispersal of transported eels.

Aaron Henning (POC,Primary Presenter), Susquehanna River Basin Commission, ahenning@srbc.net;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

A COMPARISON OF THE BACTERIOPLANKTON ASSEMBLAGES FROM THE LARGE-RIVER FLOODPLAIN LAKES OF THE AMAZON, ARAGUAIA, PARANA AND PARGUAI (PANTANAL) RIVERS, BRAZIL With its network of lotic and lentic habitats that shift during changes in seasonal connection, the tropical-subtropical large-river systems represent possibly the most dynamic of aquatic environments. An unresolved question is if the habitat diversity and seasonal disturbance create high microbial diversity that changes with river flooding. Pelagic water samples were collected from floodplain lakes (n=16-20) in each of four flood-pulsed river systems in Brazil during the dry (non-flood) and wet periods in 2011-12. Field and laboratory measurements were taken. Samples were filtered, DNA extracted and 16S rDNA 454 next-generation sequences generated. We report a comparison of the bacterioplankton makeup of Brazil lakes and river systems with similar systems across the globe. The results indicate a surprising similarity at higher taxonomic levels, but a huge novel diversity at the generic and species level. We also compare the bacterial assemblages from the four river basins and describe the importance of river connection during the dry to wet seasons. These data better describe the bacteria community as influenced by highly dynamic river systems.

Michael Lemke (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Illinois Springfield, lemke.michael@uis.edu;


Rob DeSalle (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), American Museum of Natural History-Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, desalle@amnh.org;


Mercer Brugler (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), American Museum of Natural History-Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, mbrugler@amnh.org;


Michael Tessler (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), American Museum of Natural History-Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, mtessler@amnh.org;


Rebecca Hersch (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), 3American Museum of Natural History-Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, rhersch@amnh.org;


Luiz Felipe Velho (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Universidade Estadual de Maringa, felipe.velho@gmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM A FROZEN RIVER? WINTER OXYGEN, NUTRIENT, AND CHLOROPHYLL CONCENTRATIONS IN THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER. Winter is often neglected in the study of large rivers and the contribution of this season to nutrient cycling and primary production is poorly known. Long-term (1994 – 2013) winter data collected from floodplain backwaters within three study reaches distributed across 440 km of the Upper Mississippi River were used to examined how river discharge, snow and ice thickness affected dissolved oxygen, water temperature and flow velocity and the consequences for variation in chlorophyll, nutrient and suspended sediment concentrations. Oxygen and temperature were both significantly correlated with snow and ice thickness, but not discharge. There was a clear threshold in the response of chlorophyll, total phosphorus, and ammonia to flow velocity—maximum values were consistently observed at sites with flow velocities < 0.01 m s-1. Maximum nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations (> 100 µg L-1 chlorophyll; > 0.5 mg L-1 total phosphorus; > 4 mg L-1 total nitrogen) suggest that in some backwater areas there was substantial under-ice primary production.

Jeffrey Houser (Primary Presenter/Author), USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, jhouser@usgs.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

COMPARISON OF 13C AND 15N DISCRIMINATION FACTORS AND TURNOVER RATES BETWEEN CONGENERIC CRAYFISH ORCONECTES RUSTICUS AND O. VIRILIS Accurate results of stable isotope analyses in ecology are dependent on knowing organism-specific consumer-diet discrimination factors (?). We used an 80-day laboratory experiment to test for differences in the ?¹³C and ?¹⁵N and metabolic turnover rates (m) of two species of crayfish (Orconectes rusticus and O. virilis) fed one of two diets (algae wafers or bloodworms). Over the course of the experiment, the ?¹³C and ?¹⁵N signatures of the crayfish reached equilibrium with those of their diets. By fitting these data to a growth-based model, we found ?¹³C, ?¹⁵N and m to be largely indistinguishable between species, except in the case of ?¹⁵N and m of crayfish on the algae wafer diet. We thus pooled parameters to calculate ?¹³C (algae wafer diet: 1.57 [Confidence Interval: 0.86, 2.35]; bloodworm diet: 0.8 [0.14, 1.55]) and ?¹⁵N (bloodworm diet: 1.2 [0.32, 2.11]), and used species-specific data to calculate ?¹⁵N for the algae wafer diet (O. rusticus: 2.54 [2.06, 3.08]; O. virilis, 3.35 [2.53, 4.51]). Differences in discrimination factors between crayfish species could have important implications for field-based stable isotope studies.

Mael Glon (Primary Presenter/Author), Ohio State University, glon.1@osu.edu;


Eric Larson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Shedd Aquarium, lars9570@uw.edu;


Kevin Pangle (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Central Michigan University, pangl1k@cmich.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INVASIVE MYRIOPHYLLUM SPICATUM AND NUTRIENTS INTERACT TO INFLUENCE PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES IN THE PORTAGE WATERWAY Eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum, is a nonindigenous macrophyte that may directly compete with phytoplankton that comprise the base of aquatic food webs. We conducted a mesocosm experiment testing the effects of nutrient loading (20 µg/L P and 145 µg/L N in a 16:1 molar ratio) and presence of M. spicatum on phytoplankton communities in a full two-way factorial design (12 mesocosms, n=3 for each treatment). After 30 days, total phytoplankton biovolume was 3X greater in the nutrient-enriched mesocosms regardless of the presence of M. spicatum. Cyanobacteria such as Anabaena sp. were more common in the nutrient-enriched treatments, while attached green algae such as Cladophora and Bulbochaete spp. were more abundant in the treatments with M. spicatum. Water column chlorophyll a concentrations were highest in the nutrient treatment without plants and the lowest in the nutrient + M. spicatum treatment suggesting that the attached algae negatively interacted with phytoplankton. In conclusion, the presence of macrophytes such as M. spicatum may enable enhanced growth of attached algae, increasing competition for nutrients and causing taxonomic shifts in the phytoplankton communities.

Jade Ortiz (Primary Presenter/Author), Michigan Technological University, jeortiz@mtu.edu;


Amy Marcarelli (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Michigan Technological University, ammarcar@mtu.edu;


Kevyn Juneau (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin - River Falls, kevyn.juneau@uwrf.edu;


Casey Huckins (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Michigan Technological University, cjhuckin@mtu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

COEXISTENCE OR COMPETITIVE DISPLACEMENT? ENDEMIC AND INVASIVE FRESHWATER SNAILS IN THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE ECOSYSTEM The invasive New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) first appeared in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) in 1994 and has since spread rapidly, becoming the dominant macroinvertebrate in many streams. In two streams, Potamopyrgus overlaps the entire Wyoming range of the endemic Jackson Lake spring snail (Pyrgulopsis robusta). Our previous studies indicated that Potamopyrgus and Pyrgulopsis compete for periphyton resources and suggested that the two species were coexisting in one stream (Marmot Spring), but that Pyrgulopsis was being displaced in a second stream (Polecat Creek). The objective of this project was to test whether Pyrgulopsis was being displaced in either of these two locations by comparing current snail densities (2014) to past densities (2001 – 2007). We collected four Surber samples in riffles and three stovepipe samples in depositional areas at four sites in Marmot Spring and two sites in Polecat Creek in July 2014 that corresponded to previous snail collection sites. Preliminary analyses suggest that Potamopyrgus densities have declined in riffle habitat in both streams, while Pyrgulopsis densities are not significantly different from a decade ago.

Nicole Berry (Primary Presenter/Author), Ohio Northern University, n-berry@onu.edu;


Jonathan Stechschulte (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, j-stechschulte.1@onu.edu;


Leslie Riley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, l-riley.1@onu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

HABITAT AND ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABILITY DUE TO WATERCRESS GROWTH IN SPRINGS Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a perennial herb introduced into North America in the eighteenth century and now occurs across the United States and southern Canada. Watercress thrives in springs, where it can form dense beds. Our study examined the ecology and ecosystem effects of watercress in springs and seeps, using sites in Oklahoma. We found that light levels influenced the presence and density of watercress beds. Beds provide architecture that slows water flow within and downstream of beds, where organic matter and fine sediments accumulate. Macroinvertebrates face a trade-off between having an increase in habitat diversity because of bed structure versus possible exposure to allelopathic chemicals produced by the plants.

Kambridge Stephens (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Oklahoma, kambridge.brown@gmail.com;


Elizabeth Bergey (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Oklahoma, lbergey@ou.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE EFFECTS OF SALINITY ON GROWTH RATE AND HYDRANTH MORPHOLOGY IN THE INVASIVE COLONIAL HYDROID CORDYLOPHORA Cordylophora is an invasive colonial hydroid indigenous to the Ponto-Caspian region. The ability to survive in a wide range of salinities contributes to its global occurrence in fresh and brackish waters. To understand this hydroid’s response to various salinities, we acclimated colonies of two separate genotypes (one freshwater and one brackish) to a range of salinities from 0 to 22 ppt. Over three weeks we quantified growth rates of each colony and assessed changes in morphological characteristics. We compared growth rates and morphological differences between both genotypes at each salinity treatment. Our results indicate that optimal growth rates for both genotypes occur at salinity levels near those of their native site while growth rates decreased as the salinity increased (or decreased) from their native salinity. In addition, replicate colonies of both genotypes demonstrated that morphological plasticity of hydranth length and width, tentacle length and number is influenced by environmental salinity. These results in conjunction with molecular data will assist taxonomists in clarifying the lineages and aspects of physiological acclimation abilities in the euryhaline hydroid Cordylophora.

Nadine Folino-Rorem (Primary Presenter/Author), Wheaton College, nadine.rorem@wheaton.edu;


Corbin Renken (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Wheaton College, corbin.renken@my.wheaton.edu;


Helen Harvey (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Wheaton College, helen.harvey@my.wheaton.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA REDUCES SPERM MOVEMENT IN INVASIVE DREISSENID MUSSELS Dreissenid mussels pose a threat to many North American watersheds, displacing natural fauna and contributing to harmful algal blooms. Dreissenid mussels are known for their high reproductive rate, which contributes to their invasiveness. Examining algal factors that affect dreissenid reproduction may aid in the development of dreissenid control programs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of phytoplankton on dreissenid gamete response. Mussels were exposed to a known spawning inducer in the presence of Ankistrodesmus falcatus (a palatable green algae), and Microcystis aeruginosa (a toxic cyanobacteria). Sperm in Ankistrodesmus treatments appeared fluid and dynamic, however, sperm exposed to Microcystis were noticeably clumped and immotile (p<0.001). We also quantified movement and velocity of sperm when exposed to Microcystis and Ankistrodesmus. Our findings indicate phytoplankton can impact dreissenid reproduction; specifically that Microcystis can adversely affect gamete function. If the chemical isolate from Microcystis that disrupts sperm behavior is different from the agent that is toxic to other organisms, a chemical tool for reducing dreissenid reproduction might be derived from cyanobacteria as a control method.

Karim Alame (Primary Presenter/Author), Wayne State University, ea4852@wayne.edu;


Donna Kashian (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Wayne State University, dkashian@wayne.edu;


Anna Boegehold (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Wayne State University, az1079@wayne.edu;


Nicholas Johnson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USGS Great Lakes Science Center, njohnson@usgs.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

FAUCET SNAIL DECONTAMINATION METHOD FOR THE AVERAGE WATER ENTHUSIAST The invasive faucet snail, Bithynia tentaculata, acts as an intermediate host for many digenetic trematodes that infect and cause mortality of waterfowl. The faucet snail can resist desiccation for up to 7 days in dry containers and in mud much longer, increasing the risk of transport of viable organisms. To prevent introduction to new water bodies, proper decontamination is essential. Currently accepted decontamination methods are exposing snails to 50 C water (1 minute), or Hydrothol 191 (24 hours), but these methods are not accessible to most citizens. The objective of this study was to determine time needed to achieve 100% mortality of faucet snails by freezing (at -18.6 ± 1.3 C). Snails were subjected to five time trials (5, 10, 30, 60, and 120 min) within the freezer and controls were left at room temperature. Results indicate that snails experienced 100% mortality in 30, 60 and 120 minute treatments dry, and 100% only in 120 minute treatments for wet conditions.

Debbie Guelda (Primary Presenter/Author), Bemidji State University, dguelda@bemidjistate.edu;


Jared House (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bemidji State University, jared.house@pdtriver.org;


Sabin Adams (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bemidji State University, Sabin.Adams@live.bemidjistate.edu;


Charlotte Roy (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Charlotte.roy@state.mn.us;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SEX DESPITE THE COST: ATTACHMENT OF LIMNOPERNA FORTUNEI (DUNKER, 1857) ALTERS APPLE SNAIL ACTIVITIES EXCEPT MATING IN NATIVE POMACEA (LAMARK, 1822) Studies of non-native freshwater mollusks provide insights into invasion success and impacts on native species. The Golden Asian Mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, occurs as a non-native invasive species in South America, which is home to a high diversity of apple snail species. Although native in Uruguay, certain apple snail species within the genus Pomacea are also invasive pests worldwide. Field observations indicate that L. fortunei settle on apple snail shells. To examine potential impacts of L. fortunei settlement on apple snails, we attached bivalve shells, filled with sand to stimulate average weight, to the shells of living Pomacea sp. (N=5). We observed activities of snails (feeding, mating, respiration, resting) during a 48-hour period with a 30 minute block every four hours. The presence of L. fortunei on shells did not decrease or prevent mating activities. However, Pomacea species with bivalves attached exhibited a reduction in non-mating activities, suggesting an increased cost in terms of energy expenditure from the additional weight and drag. Future work will examine interactions between non-native populations of Pomacea and bivalve species.

Averi Segrest (Primary Presenter/Author), Animal Behavior Program, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA, segresta@southwestern.edu;


Cristhian Clavijo (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Montevideo, Uruguay, mycetopoda@gmail.com;


Kenneth Hayes (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Howard University, kenneth.hayes@howard.edu ;


Romi Burks (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department of Biology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA, burksr@southwestern.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE TOXICITY AND EFFECTS OF CARBAMAZEPINE ON DREISSENA MUSSELS (DREISSENA POLYMORPHA AND DREISSENA BUGENSIS) AND YELLOW PERCH (PERCA FLAVESCENS) The prevalence of pharmaceuticals in aquatic ecosystems is apparent; however, our understanding of the potential adverse effects of pharmaceuticals on aquatic organisms is limited. We evaluated acute and chronic toxicity of carbamazepine on invasive dreissena mussels and yellow perch. Acute toxicity experiments were conducted over 48 h to quantify response to carbamazepine concentrations across several orders of magnitude. Acute tests quantified a > 20 mg/L LC50 on dreissena mussels and a 19.93 mg/L LC50 on yellow perch. To assess chronic toxicity, dreissena mussels were exposed to 0 - 20 mg/L concentration over two weeks and mussel shell-opening size was measured as a responsive behavior. Carbamazepine exposure at 20 mg/L reduced shell-opening size compared to 0.2 mg/L concentration. Chronic toxicity tests were conducted over 65 d to quantify fish response to environmentally-relevant concentrations of carbamazepine (0 - 12 µg/L). Fish exposure to 12 µg/L resulted in reduced growth measured as lower total body length and weight and altered yellow perch behavior. These data suggest carbamazepine has adverse effects on aquatic organisms at concentrations regularly measured in freshwater ecosystems.

Jee Hwan Lee (Primary Presenter/Author), Ball State University, jlee2@bsu.edu;


Melody Bernot (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ball State University, mjbernot@bsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF NICKEL-ENRICHED LOTIC SEDIMENTS ON MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY ASSEMBLAGES Nickel in aquatic ecosystems can be toxic to aquatic invertebrates, but the cycling and toxicity of Ni is coupled to other elemental cycles. In sediments, sulfur, carbon, and iron compounds can bind Ni and limit its availability. Our study aimed to assess Ni bioavailability in sediments exposed to effluent from a Ni mine and evaluate Ni toxicity to indigenous macroinvertebrate community. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected with petite ponar grabs in 10 locations at two reference and two effluent-exposed sites, concurrently with intact sediment cores and overlying water samples. Invertebrates were identified to lowest possible taxonomic level and summarized with common community indices. Ni bioavailability was assessed through geochemical analysis of the oxic and anoxic layers of sediment. Sediments at all sites were high in Fe oxides, while effluent-impacted sites contained high concentrations of sediment Ni and AVS. EPT taxa were observed in reference and effluent sites, which suggests that high total metal concentrations are not causing biological impairment. Our results show the importance of considering coupled elemental cycles when predicting benthic invertebrate toxicity to sediment metals.

Raissa Mendonca (Primary Presenter/Author), Kent State University, rmarques@kent.edu;


David Costello (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Kent State University, dcostel3@kent.edu;


Christian Schlekat (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), NiPERA, cschlekat@nipera.org;


Jennifer Daley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Michigan, jmdaley@umich.edu;


G. Allen Burton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Michigan, burtonal@umich.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

PERSISTENCE OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS FROM WASTEWATER TO LAKE WATER. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are environmental pollutants found in freshwater ecosystems that may have adverse health effects on humans and aquatic organisms. Lake Winnebago, a large eutrophic lake in Wisconsin serves as the receiving stream for multiple wastewater treatment plants, as well as a source of drinking water for over 250,000 residents in four cities. This study sought to identify and track PPCPs in wastewater influent, effluent and lake water. Lake water, wastewater influent and effluent samples were collected June to January monthly and subjected to a solvent extraction using lyophilization and sonication in methanol:acetone:water with 5% acetic acid. Sixty-four PPCPs were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Antibiotics, antimicrobials, and cholesterol-lowering drugs were among the most frequently detected in wastewater influent. A select number of these were found in wastewater effluent and lake water on some sampling days. Results indicate that wastewater treatment strategies do not fully remove all PPCPs and that select groups of PPCPs may persist in lake water. Future work will involve sampling drinking water treatment processes to determine the efficiency of PPCP removal.

Mary Seaman (Primary Presenter/Author), Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, seamanm@uwosh.edu;


Todd Miller (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, millertr@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

FIRST APPROACH TO ESTABLISHING BACKGROUND TISSUE CONCENTRATION IN MACROINVERTEBRATES OF RIVERS FROM MINING AREAS OF NORTHERN SPAIN High concentrations of Cu, Hg and As occur naturally in the sediments of mining districts in the Nalón River basin (Spain). This study is part of a research on metal impact on aquatic biota, including the assessment of metal tissue concentrations in macroinvertebrates and its relationship with impairment in their community structure in the Nalón basin. Background tissue levels of metals were estimated to correctly assess bioavailability and bioaccumulation in impacted areas of the basin. Ten taxa were studied in nine reference sites, comprising different positions in the aquatic food-web (predator, collector-gatherers and scraper-grazers), and considering different metal exposure routes (epibenthic vs endobenthic). There were signficant differences in tissue concentration (µg g-1 dw) between taxonomic groups depending on their feeding behaviour or exposure routes: higher Hg was measured in the sediment-dwelling predator Sialidae [0.19-0.70] and the (non-lumbricid) oligochaetes [0.15-0.62]; higher As in oligochaetes [2.63-16.97], whereas higher Cu in the epibenthic scraper-grazer Heptageniidae [25.48-84.24] and Ephemerellidae [14.85-90.24]. Metal background tissue concentrations reported here are below reported threshold levels in macroinvertebrates, although As and Hg are above reported values from unpolluted sites.

Pilar Rodriguez (Primary Presenter/Author), University of the Basque Country, pilar.rodriguez@ehu.es;


Leire Mendez-Fernandez (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of the Basque Country, leire.mendez@ehu.es;


Isabel Pardo (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Universidade de Vigo, ipardo@uvigo.es;


Odei Barredo (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of the Basque Country, odeib23@hotmail.com;


Maite Martinez-Madrid (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of the Basque Country, maite.martinez@ehu.es;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE AND PARAXANTHINE ON THE GROWTH, MOVEMENT, AND FECUNDITY OF THE FRESHWATER SNAIL, PHYSA ACUTA Caffeine and its metabolites are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems, but little is known about potential adverse effects on aquatic organism. The goal of this project was to quantify how caffeine and paraxanthine (a common metabolite of caffeine) affect the growth, reproduction, and behavior of a common freshwater snail, Physa acuta. Specifically, shell length, locomotion speed, number of egg sacs, and total number of eggs were measured in response to environmentally-relevant concentrations of caffeine and paraxanthine. Treatments did not influence snail growth or location. In the first trial, mean snail speed of snails in caffeine and paraxanthine decreased by 29% and 52% respectively. Speed was not affected in the second trial. Snail fecundity decreased with production of egg sacs 38% lower in caffeine and 50% lower in paraxanthine. Egg production was 32% lower in both caffeine and paraxanthine. Because Physa acuta are a keystone species, decreases in fecundity has a potential for altering both producers and consumers dynamics.

Natalie Abell (Primary Presenter/Author), Ball State University, nsabell@bsu.edu;


Melody Bernot (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ball State University, mjbernot@bsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

QUANTIFICATION OF THE BIOTURBATION ACTIVITY OF LUMBRICULUS VARIEGATUS WORMS IN FRESHWATER CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS Important biophysicochemical processes occur across sediment-water interfaces. These processes are influenced by bioturbation activities of benthic animals. Bioturbation is thought to be significant in releasing metals to the water column from contaminated sediments, but metals contamination also affects organism activity. Consequently, the aim of this study was to consider the interactions of biological activity and chemical reactions in the understanding of sediment mixing and metals fluxes. We performed experiments using Lumbriculus variegatus worms as the test organisms, and sediments with different levels of zinc contamination from Lake DePue, Illinois. The experiments were conducted in an aerated freshwater chamber. Fluorescent tracers were added to the sediment surface to quantify mixing processes and burrow formation by time-lapse photography. We analyzed the images to obtain the distribution of burrows and fluorescent particle concentrations as a function of depth in the sediments and time. The experiments indicates that bioturbation and sediment mixing was lower in higher contaminated sediments for almost all the time lapse. Therefore, is expected that these processes decrease efflux of metals from highly contaminated sediments by reducing biological activity.

Liliana Hernandez (Primary Presenter/Author), Northwestern University, lilianahernandezgonzalez2014@u.northwestern.edu;


Kevin Roche (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Northwestern University, kevinroche2012@u.northwestern.edu ;


Minwei Xie (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Northwestern University, minwei.xie@gmail.com;


Aaron Packman (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Northwestern University, a-packman@northwestern.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INVESTIGATION OF PARTHENOGENESIS IN EPHEMEROPTERA AND DEVELOPMENT OF METHODS FOR REARING NATIVE MAYFLY TAXA IN LABORTORY CULTURE Studies have indicated that elevated dissolved solids in Appalachian streams may negatively impact benthic macroinvertebrates. Specifically, field surveys have shown mayfly population declines in mining regions. However, mayfly sensitivity has not been well corroborated with laboratory testing of surrogate species prompting increased interest in testing with native organisms. Methods were evaluated for rearing field collected mayfly taxa in the laboratory to provide consistently available, healthy organisms for use in toxicity testing. Heptageniidae, Baetidae, Ephemerellidae, Isonychiidae, and Baetiscidae were collected. Additionally, the establishment of a parthenogenetic population would aid in the development of a more sustainable culture. Of the families evaluated, Baetidae was the only family to have exhibited parthenogenesis. Eggs from the genus Baetis had a hatch rate of 46 percent with incubation ranging from 11-29 days after egg collection. Eggs from the genus Pseudocloeon hatched between 17-24 days and had an average hatch rate of less than 1 percent. Several diatom species have been cultured to feed field collected and larval mayflies. Research examining the dietary preferences of mayflies using the different diatom species is ongoing.

Kevin Rowsey (Primary Presenter/Author), Marshall University, rowsey18@live.marshall.edu;


Mindy Yeager-Armstead Ph.D. (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Marshall University, m.armstead@marshall.edu;


Mandee Wilson M.S. (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Marshall University, m.wilson@marshall.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE EFFECTS OF ELEVATED DISSOLVED SOLIDS ON BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE TAXA Field-collected benthic macroinvertebrate communities were exposed to a simulated mining discharge representative of Appalachian streams with regards to elevated specific conductance. In 10--day mesocosm tests, specific conductance ranged from 100 µS/cm to 2430 µS/cm. Although all tests were initiated with communities from reference streams, some macroinvertebrate communities exhibited a response to the sulfate dominated discharge while others did not. Evaluation of the individual taxa responses indicate taxa sensitivity to the range of conditions. Within the Ephemeroptera, for example, Baetids were not found above the 600 µS/cm concentration while Ameletus sp. appeared unaffected by the increased dissolved solids. Heptagenia sp. and Maccaffertium sp. were found only at lower conductivity levels while Epeorus sp. and Stenonema sp. showed tolerance to the elevated total dissolved solids. Similar variability was seen in the sensitive orders Plecoptera and Trichoptera and may allow for diverse assemblages to exist under a range of environmental conditions.

Amanda Chapman (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Marshall University, chapman196@marshall.edu;


Mindy Yeager-Armstead Ph.D. (Primary Presenter/Author), Marshall University, m.armstead@marshall.edu;


Mandee Wilson M.S. (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Marshall University, m.wilson@marshall.edu;


Jeremy Kinney M.S. (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Marshall University, kinney6@live.marshall.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF HYPORHEIC FLOWS ON CONTAMINANT BIOAVAILABILITY TO BIOFILMS IN SEDIMENTS Sediments in human dominated watersheds are often contaminated with various pollutants, which affect a stream’s habitat suitability for organisms. Urban streams are also often channelized and have reduced subsurface interactions with groundwater. The hyporheic flows that occur in streams with connected groundwater-surface water interactions are important natural processes for biota and additionally are shown to process potential contaminants. This research utilizes field experiments to assess the effect of hyporheic flows on contaminant transport and biotic community response. Laboratory-amended contaminated sediments spiked with five concentrations of zinc were placed into streams and over four weeks the concentration of zinc was measured in the sediments. Half of the sediments were connected to hyporheic flows and half were cut off from hyporheic flows. The biotic community response to the contaminated sediments and hyporheic exchanges was measured, using biofilms as the primary indicator. This method allows for a controlled study of hyporheic influenced contaminant transport than using field-contaminated sediments and an improved understanding of how the hyporheic zone regulates contaminant uptake.

Anna Harrison (Primary Presenter/Author), Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, harri25a@cmich.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SPATIAL VARIATION IN MERCURY CONTAMINATION OF WHITE SUCKERS: SOURCE TRACKING AND PATHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS White suckers (Catostomus commersonii) are widespread, long-lived fish that are targeted in subsistence fisheries and used as sentinels of pollution impacts on the Great Lakes. We surveyed tissue mercury concentrations in white suckers across 12 sites in Lake Michigan, and analyzed tumor incidence from four of them to assess the pathological implications of heavy metal pollution. Mercury concentrations and tumor incidence varied substantially both within and between fish populations. To understand the basis for the observed variation in mercury concentration, we used mercury stable isotopes to differentiate among watershed and industrial inputs of mercury into Lake Michigan. Initial results show differences in mercury signatures of fish residing near similar watersheds. Our work suggest that spatial surveys of both concentrations and isotopes of mercury are important for designing effective control strategies, and may also elucidate the basis for fish pathologies and other ecosystem consequences of contamination.

Andy Stevens (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin-Madison Center For Limnology, alstevens2@wisc.edu;


Peter B. McIntyre (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Cornell University, pbm3@cornell.ecu;


Dr. James Hurley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI and University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center, Madison, WI, hurley@aqua.wisc.edu;


Dr. Vicki Blazer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Geological Survey Fish Health Branch, Leetown Science Center, vblazer@usgs.gov;


Dr. David Krabbenhoft (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S Geological Survey, Wisconsin Water Science Center, Middleton, WI, dpkrabbe@usgs.gov;


Dr. Evan Childress (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S Geological Survey, Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center, evan.childress@gmail.com;


Dr. Runsheng Yin (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI and University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center, Madison, WI and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China, ryin6@wisc.edu;


Ryan Lepak (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI and University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center, Madison, WI, rlepak@wisc.edu;


Dan Oele (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Science Operations Center, Madison WI, Daniel.Oele@Wisconsin.gov;


Ellen Hamann (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Madison Center For Limnology, ehamann@wisc.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EMERGING PHARMACEUTICAL AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS IN AN URBAN ESTUARY Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are found in rivers, lakes and groundwater with increasing frequency. In addition, the diversity of PPCPs in the market place continues to grow. These chemicals have been found to cause acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms. We sought to identify major PPCPs polluting an urban aquatic environment. We collected samples in six different sites along the Milwaukee River, one of three primary tributaries in the Milwaukee estuary. The water samples were then frozen, lyophilized, and PPCPs extracted with methanol:acetone:water in 5% acetic acid. PPCPs were quantified using liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) . Of the 57 PPCPs targeted we identified 13 different PPCPs in the Milwaukee River. Caffeine, sulfamethoxazole, thiabendazole, and triclosan were detected at all sites. PPCPs with the highest mean concentrations across sites were caffeine (300 ng/L), and its degradation product paraxanthine (37.6 ng/L), sulfamethoxazole (37.3 ng/L), and thiabendazole (13.3 ng/L). These data indicate that this mixture of PPCPs are most prevalent in this system. Further research is needed to know how this PPCP profile changes over temporal scales.

Ame Xiong (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee , amexiong@uwm.edu;


Todd Miller (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, millertr@uwm.edu;


Brian Gayfield (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee , gayfiel5@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EVALUATION OF DECOMPOSITION AND CONSUMPTION TABLETS (DECOTABS) AS A STANDARD SUBSTRATE FOR MEASURING STREAM ORGANIC MATTER DECOMPOSITION Decomposition and consumption tablets (DECOTABs), consisting primarily of agar and powdered cellulose, have been advocated for use as a standard substrate in measuring organic matter decomposition. DECOTABs have, however, only been tested in the laboratory. We therefore deployed DECOTABs consisting of five different recipes alongside red maple leaves in three streams of different catchment land use type (urban, agricultural, and mixed) for 30 days in autumn 2014. DECOTABs recipes consisted of 60 g/l powdered cellulose and one of the following agar-type/concentrations: 1) 20 g/l purified agar; 2) 20 g/l R2A agar; 3) 30 g/l R2A agar; 4) 10 g/l Phytagel^TM; and 5) 20 g/l Phytagel^TM. With the exception of negligible red maple leaf decomposition in the urban stream, we found few differences in daily mass loss rate among DECOTAB types or between DECOTABs and red maple. DECOTAB decomposition rates were ca. 100X greater than reported from static microcosms, but were generally consistent among streams and replicates. Faster DECOTAB decomposition rates in the urban stream compared to maple leaves may be due to increased physical abrasion associated with urban runoff.

Brent Johnson (Primary Presenter/Author), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, johnson.brent@epa.gov;


Cody Schumacher (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USEPA, schumacher.cody@epa.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DECAY OF LEAVES AND MACROALGAE AND THEIR RELATION TO DETRITAL FOOD WEBS This project is addressing if decaying macroalgae and leaf detritus play a major role in the detrital pool of a 7 ^th-order karst riverine system. Decay rates and change in carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios of Cladophora, Platanus occidentalis, and a mix of Acer negundo and A. saccharinum were tracked during summer and autumn in three consecutive years. Packs of air-dried Cladophora, P. occidentalis, and Acer were placed in mesh bags and put in groups (n=4) in wire baskets. Seven baskets were submerged in riffle (20-30 cm) and deeper run (2 m) habitats. Summer Cladophora and Acer decayed significantly faster than Platanus at both depths and across seasons. Platanus had similar decay rates between depths during each season. Seasonality had a strong influence on decay rates, leading to greater mass loss of all three species in the warm summer and fall months compared to the cooler winter months. The implication of rapid Cladophora decay during warm seasons, plus few colonizing macroinvertebrate taxa, is that the decaying macroalgae may pass through only a decomposer food web before being remineralized as CO₂.

Megan Grandinetti (Primary Presenter/Author), Western Kentucky University , Megan.grandinetti799@topper.wku.edu;


Scott Grubbs (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western Kentucky University, scott.grubbs@wku.edu;


Albert Meier (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western Kentucky University, albert.meier@wku.edu;


Delaney Rockrohr (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western Kentucky University, delaney.rockrohr214@topper.wku.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

IMPACTS OF INCREASED TERRESTRIAL DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER ON AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS Inland waters have been receiving increased amounts of terrestrial dissolved organic matter (DOM) in recent decades. This phenomenon is known as “browning” of aquatic ecosystems and may have effects on chemical, physical, and biological processes of these systems. Because important biogeochemical cycles are dependent on DOM, browning of streams could alter ecosystem processes. We investigated the impacts of three different sources of DOM on sediment microbial activity. We collected DOM leached from forest soil and agricultural soil, as well as a commercial product called “Super Hume”, a concentrate of natural fulvic and humic substances. Oxygen consumption via microbial respiration was examined for each of the sources, with and without nitrogen and phosphorus additions, and was not found to be significantly different among treatments. In short-term laboratory assays, denitrification rates were inhibited by the addition of external DOM from all three sources compared to the control, which contained only ambient DOM. Understanding the relationship between increased terrestrial, humic DOM inputs and microbial activity in aquatic ecosystems will allow for improved management of these waters.

Anne Weaver (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Indiana University Bloomington, anrweave@umail.iu.edu;


Todd V. Royer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Indiana University Bloomington, troyer@iu.edu;


Sirese Jacobson (Primary Presenter/Author), Indiana University, ssjacobs@umail.iu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF HUMAN-INDUCED DEGRADATION ON STREAM ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION Riparian vegetation provides a plethora of ecosystem services, especially as a source of organic matter critical for many aquatic organisms. Kimball Creek (De Beque, CO) is a severely degraded stream in which loss of riparian vegetation and altered hydrologic regimes may have caused a decrease in litter resources and increased light penetration, inducing a shift from an allochthonous based system to an autochthonous one. These potential shifts in primary productivity and detrital decomposition should directly affect macroinvertebrate diversity as well. In two 100-meter stream reaches with differing levels of disturbance, ash-free dry mass of benthic algae was measured in riffle habitat using ceramic tiles. Litter decomposition was quantified using a leaf pack experiment with two species, box-elder (Acer negundo) and willow (Salix sp.). Algal biomass did not differ significantly between the two sites, whereas box-elder decay rate was higher in the more disturbed reach and willow decay rates were not significantly different between reaches. Future research is needed to further investigate the effects of riparian loss on stream food web and bottom-up pathways in this and other degraded streams.

Carla Rothenbuecher (Primary Presenter/Author), Murray State University, rothcar@gmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DEGRADATION OF PHOSPHATE ENRICHED LEAVES IN ACID MINE IMPAIRED STREAMS VS. UNIMPAIRED STREAMS Leaf litter breakdown is an important source of nutrients for stream food webs, however, phosphate limitation in acid mine (AMD) impaired streams may alter biofilm formation and nutritional quality of litter to shredding macroinvertebrates. We compared breakdown of nutrient enriched and control red maple leaves in AMD impaired and unimpaired streams over two autumns. We also analyzed the macroinvertebrate communities that colonized the litter bags and measured growth rates of caged caddisflies (Pycnopsyche sp) and craneflies (Tipula sp). Samples were collected for biofilm lipid analysis. We found no significant effect of P enrichment on leaf degradation (2013 or 2014) except for an initial increase in degradation in 2013 (P<0.0001, P=0.0168). This effect was not sustained in later weeks nor was it observed in 2014. There were no significant differences in the abundances of shredders that colonized the bags, or in growth rate of either target species. Analysis of leaf biofilms may reveal more subtle effects of P enrichment, however our findings suggest that phosphate limitation in AMD streams may impact litter breakdown processes less than primary production.

Kelly Johnson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio University, johnsok3@ohio.edu;


Austin Miles (Primary Presenter/Author), Ohio University, am343011@ohio.edu;


Jared DeForest (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio University, deforest@ohio.edu;


Sam Drerup (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Trine University , drerups@trine.edu;


Morgan Vis (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio University, vis-chia@ohio.edu;


Sophia Phillips (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio University, sp033313@ohio.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY ASSEMBLAGES AND LEAF DECOMPOSITION IN THREE RIVER BASINS OF THE SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL PLAIN River systems within the Southeastern Coastal Plain are characterized by low gradients, broad floodplain connections, and limited autochthonous production, and thus derive the majority of their energy from allochthonous sources. The decomposition rate of this organic matter is a function of physical and biological factors. To assess the effects of flow regime, particularly the magnitude of discharge, and colonizing invertebrates on leaf-litter decomposition rates, packs of senesced leaves from Quercus nigra were deployed at six sites across three river basins (Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha). A total of 96 leaf packs containing 20g (± 0.15g) were deployed in mid-September 2014 and retrieved at two-week intervals over an eight-week period. During the period of study, we observed average discharges of 150.8, 75.3, and 8.2 m³/s on the Savannah, Altamaha, and Ogeechee, respectively. We predict that decomposition rates will be positively correlated with river discharge, and thus the Savannah will yield the greatest leaf mass losses. Furthermore, we hypothesize that functional composition of colonizing invertebrate communities will also differ among river basins due to variation in physicochemical characteristics of each basin.

V. Byron Collins (Primary Presenter/Author), Georgia Southern University , vc00812@georgiasouthern.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RESTORATION OF CRANBERRY BOG AGRICULTURE IN THE NE COASTAL ZONE OF MASSACHUSETTS Freshwater systems are among the most managed ecosystems globally, with streams and wetlands being impounded and drained for a multitude of uses. As agriculture diminishes in many coastal watersheds, active restoration of wetland-stream systems promises to improve ecosystem benefits and restore biological integrity. Tidmarsh Farms in Manomet, Massachusetts is a 192-acre former cranberry bog, undammed and in fallow since 2010, awaiting active restoration of the original stream channel and wetland features during summer 2015. We will examine the restoration through 3 lenses: landscape and habitat, biological structure, and stream function. The restoration site will be compared to both a reference and actively farmed system. We expect that baseline comparison data will demonstrate reduced complexity of community structure and food web dynamics in the restoration site and significant differences in habitat and water quality. Evaluating during and after restoration allows us to extrapolate the system’s equilibrium state and document the successes and shortcomings of active restoration. Since many of Southern Massachusetts’ cranberry bogs are being retired from service, this project has potential to shape policy for future wetland and stream restorations.

Sean McCanty (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Massachusetts Boston, seanmccanty@gmail.com;


Alan Christian (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Massachusetts Boston, alan.christian@umb.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CAN A FATMETER BE USED TO DETERMINE THE SEX OF LAKE STURGEON (ACIPENSER FULVESCENS)? Lake Sturgeon do not exhibit sexually dimorphic external characteristics. Therefore, the sex of Lake Sturgeon has traditionally been determined via internal examination of gonadal tissue. Recently, several non-invasive methods to determine sex of Lake Sturgeon have been proposed to minimize stress or injury that may cause mortality of the fish. Our objective was to determine if Lake Sturgeon sex can be reliably determined from fat content levels collected in a non-invasive manner with a Distell FatmeterTM. Using the Fatmeter, three lateral and three ventral readings were taken from 71 Lake Sturgeon harvested during the 2013 and 2014 spearing seasons on the Lake Winnebago System. Linear discriminant analysis and logistic regression were used to compare sex determined from Fatmeter readings and through visual observation of gonadal tissue. Combined Fatmeter readings alone accurately predicted sex for 55% of females and 50% of males, meaning Fatmeter readings did not accurately determine sex of Lake Sturgeon harvested during the winter spearing season. Future research may focus on using the Fatmeter during other seasons when frozen tissue would not be a factor.

Dalton Lebeda (Primary Presenter/Author), Murray State University, dlebeda@murraystate.edu;


Derek Ogle (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Northland College, DOgle@northland.edu;


Glenn Miller (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), US Fish and Wildlife Service, glenn_miller@fws.gov;


Ryan Koenigs (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Wisconsin DNR, ryan.koenigs@wisconsin.gov;


Tim Haxton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, tim.haxton@ontario.ca;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF A COMMON IN-STREAM RESTORATION PRACTICE ON DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND ECOSYSTEM METABOLISM IN A LOW-GRADIENT MIDWESTERN RIVER Newbury rock weirs are used for channel stabilization in many North American river restorations. Previous research in a southern Illinois river found weirs benefit aquatic macroinvertebrate, fish, and riparian bird communities by increasing habitat heterogeneity and insect emergence production. We hypothesized that weirs would also increase dissolved oxygen (DO) through reaeration via turbulence over rocky substrata. We measured DO longitudinally upstream and downstream of a Newbury weir for 48-72 hours (n=3 sampling periods) at ten-minute intervals, using the upstream station as a reference point for estimating weir effects. We used a salt slug to estimate travel time between oxygen sensors, allowing us to calculate DO change between sensors and thus ecosystem metabolism, using a two-station method. Turbulence over the weir increased DO, which was directly related to discharge (r2=0.99, p<0.05), with 14-34% of the increase due to gross primary production (GPP). GPP tended to vary inversely with discharge, but this relationship was only significant in downstream reaches (r2=0.99, p<0.05). Results suggest Newbury weirs can be local “hotspots” for reaeration and GPP, particularly during low flow periods.

Sophia Bonjour (Primary Presenter/Author), U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, sbonjour@usgs.gov;


Leighton King (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Utah State University, leighton.r.king@gmail.com;


Heidi Rantala (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, heidi.rantala@state.mn.us;


Karen Baumann (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Murray State University, kbaumann1@murraystate.edu;


Micah Bennett (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, bennett.micah@epa.gov;


Matt Whiles (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Florida, mwhiles@ufl.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

POST REMEDIATION AND RESTORATION BIOASSESSMENT OF TWO SMALL SOUTHWESTERN OHIO STREAMS Dicks Creek and Monroe Ditch are small tributaries in the Great Miami River watershed in southwestern Ohio. As a result of polychlorinated biphenyl contamination, a permitted discharger was required to remediate, restore, and monitor segments of these streams. Remediation efforts, which included the dredge removal and disposal of approximately 174,500 metric tons of sediment and floodplain soils over nearly four miles of stream, were completed in three phases during 2010, 2012, and 2013. Concurrent restoration activities completed in November 2013 involved both instream and riparian improvements. The first year of instream post construction monitoring was conducted during the summer of 2014 at multiple locations upstream, within, and downstream of the restored segments. The fish and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages as well as aquatic habitat in the restored segments were compared to pre-remediation conditions and upstream reference locations. Substantial improvement was observed in terms of aquatic habitat quality as well as the fish and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages compared to baseline conditions. As such, these results demonstrate that the remediation and restoration objectives for instream portions of the study segments are being attained.

Marty Sneen (Primary Presenter/Author), EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, msneen@eaest.com;


Mary Lou Rochotte (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), KEMRON Environmental Services, Inc., mrochotte@kemron.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

REMOVAL OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHATE FROM LIVESTOCK WASTEWATER USING MISCANTHUS SINENSIS GOEDA-UKSAE1 Eutrophication of rivers was commonly reported in and around the livestock areas in South Korea. High concentrations of nitrogen and phosphate present in livestock wastes were mostly responsible for the eutrophication. The aim of this study is to characterize the total nitrogen (T-N) and total phosphate (T-P) removal potential of Miscanthus sinensis Goeda-Uksae1, perennial, bio-energy crop developed in South Korea. Hydroponic studies were carried out in water samples collected from contaminated Wangkung River, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. The seedlings of Miscanthus sp. Goeda-Uksae1 was incubated with different initial concentrations of T-N and T-P. The plant effectively removed 41.5 and 80.1% of T-N (21.3 mg L-1) and T-P (7.1 mg L-1), respectively, after 21 days of incubation. The results of the study indicate that planting of Miscanthus sp. Goeda-Uksae1 in and around the rivers may effectively reduce eutrophication by decreasing T-N and T-P concentrations present in the wastewater. Acknowledgment: The research work was supported by Korea Ministry of Environment as “Eco innovation project” [Project No. 2013001470006] and “Eco innovation project” [Project No. 2014000140003].

Jin-Won Kim (Primary Presenter/Author), Division of Biotechnology, Advanced Institute of Environment and Bioscience, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea, jw-kim@jbnu.ac.kr;


Ji-Hye Bang (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Division of Biotechnology, Advanced Institute of Environment and Bioscience, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea, whlovegirl@nate.com;


Min Cho (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Division of Biotechnology, Advanced Institute of Environment and Bioscience, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea, cho317@jbnu.ac.kr;


Seralathan Kamala-Kannan (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Division of Biotechnology, Advanced Institute of Environment and Bioscience, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea, skamalkanna@gmail.com;


Byung-Taek Oh (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Division of Biotechnology, Advanced Institute of Environment and Bioscience, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea, btoh@jbnu.ac.kr;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

IMPACT OF LIME AMENDMENTS ON MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY DYNAMICS IN ACID-STRESSED ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN STREAMS The Adirondack Mountain region of New York State is especially susceptible to the effects of acid deposition and one mitigation strategy is to add pelletized limestone directly to stream channels or across entire drainage basins to neutralize incoming acid. We studied the impact of lime amendments in 5 streams, 2 are chronically acidic, and 3 are episodically acidic. Lime has been annually applied directly into stream channels in 2 episodically acid streams, and in 2013 we aerially applied lime to a whole drainage basin of 1 chronically acid stream. During a leaf decomposition study, we examined macroinvertebrate community dynamics in leaf packs placed in all 5 streams during summer and autumn of 2012 (dry year) and 2014 (wet year). Densities were much higher in leaf packs during summer 2012 as water levels decreased and were much higher overall than in autumn. Diversity was lowest in chronically acid streams in part because of the absence of Ephemeroptera in these streams. While lime applications improved chemistry almost immediately, we have yet to observe any shifts in macroinvertebrate community composition in limed streams.

Grant Haines (Primary Presenter/Author), Colgate University, ghaines@colgate.edu;


Wesley Morgan (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colgate University, wmorgan@colgate.edu;


Randy Fuller (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colgate University, rfuller@colgate.edu;


James Paris (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colgate University, james.paris4@gmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

REDUCED FLOW INHIBITS STREAM INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY RECOVERY DURING DROUGHT: IMPLICATIONS FOR RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT Restoring and managing degraded streams can be problematic in regions prone to drought. Using recolonization traps, we compared the recovery of invertebrate communities at two sites (Degraded and Reference) along an agriculturally impacted 3rd order stream in western Colorado, USA during two consecutive drought years (2012-2013). When compared to 2012, total abundance was reduced in traps open to upstream sources at both sites in 2013, despite an overall increase in natural community abundance at these sites, suggesting that diminished flow during the second drought year reduced potential colonizing individuals. Total drift abundance at the reference site significantly decreased during the second year of drought, supporting this hypothesis; in contrast, drift abundance did not change at the degraded site. Taxa composition of drifting invertebrates at the degraded site, however, shifted between years and became dominated by small-bodied invertebrates that were extremely rare in recolonization traps in 2013. Our results indicate that invertebrate communities in severely impacted stream reaches recover much slower than those from less degraded ones and reduced flows may inhibit restoration efforts during times of drought.

Scot Peterson (Primary Presenter/Author), Illinois Natural History Survey- Lake Michigan Biological Station, scotpete@illinois.edu;


Howard Whiteman (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Murray State University, hwhiteman@murraystate.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

IMPACT OF LIME AMENDMENTS ON LEAF DECOMPOSITION DYNAMICS IN ACID-STRESSED ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN STREAMS The Adirondack Mountain region of New York state is particularly susceptible to the effects of acid deposition, and a potential mitigation strategy is to add pelletized limestone directly to stream channels or across entire drainage basins to neutralize incoming acid. We studied the impact of lime amendments in 5 streams, 2 being chronically acidic and 3 episodically acidic. Lime has been annually applied directly to stream channels of 2 episodically acidic streams, and in 2013, we aerially applied lime to a whole drainage basin of a chronically acidic stream. We compared rates of leaf decomposition and microbial respiration in streams for both summer and autumn in 2012 (dry year) and 2014 (wet year). In 2012 and 2014, leaf decomposition and microbial respiration rates were lower in chronically acidic than episodically acidic streams, and overall, decomposition rates were higher in summer than in autumn. Also, decomposition rates were higher in summer 2012 than 2014. Lime applications have yet to show increases in leaf decomposition or microbial respiration rates, suggesting that while acidity is decreased, the biotic community is slower to respond.

James Paris (Primary Presenter/Author), Colgate University, james.paris4@gmail.com;


Grant Haines (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colgate University, ghaines@colgate.edu;


Wesley Morgan (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colgate University, wmorgan@colgate.edu;


Randy Fuller (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colgate University, rfuller@colgate.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO LARGE-SCALE LAKE RESTORATION Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled over a 10-year period to quantify how these communities responded to large-scale restoration of a historical floodplain lake along the Illinois River, Illinois. Thompson Lake is a 6,000-acre backwater lake that was separated from the Illinois River by levees in the early 1920’s and subsequently farmed for corn and soybean production. Agricultural pumps were turned off in the spring of 2007 and the area has since been reinundated from precipitation and groundwater sources. Macroinvertebrates were collected using an Ekman dredge from 8-15 sites at approximately 1-month intervals from pre-restoration agricultural ditches (2004-2005), early lake restoration habitats (2008-2009) and 5 years after inundation (2013-2014). Oligochaetes and chironomids were dominant throughout the 10-year period; however, densities of caddisflies, dragonflies, damselflies, Caenis mayflies, and fingernail clams have increased since 2007. Our goal is to estimate invertebrate secondary production during the restoration of Thompson Lake as part of a series of concurrent studies conducted along the Illinois River that address the complexities of restoring and managing floodplain habitats for biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Melissa Benedict (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Illinois Springfield, mlannan@uis.edu;


Maria Lemke (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The Nature Conservancy, mlemke@tnc.org;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EVALUATING WETLAND FUNCTION WITH RESPECT TO WATER QUALITY INDICATORS Anthropogenic land-cover modifications are leading to ecological disruptions and damaging freshwater quality. Sediment microbes are integral to water quality maintenance and wetland function. Critical processes such as the capability to detoxify surface water by trapping and breaking down pollutants in sediments protect the value of natural wetlands. To harness these processes, constructed wetlands have been used for water treatment. My research investigates the ecological functioning of a constructed stormwater pond-wetland system in the urbanizing watershed of the Pike River in Southeastern Wisconsin. The study revealed that the wetlands decrease phosphate, specific conductance, and turbidity, and increase dissolved oxygen from up to down-gradient. Wetland water discharging to the Pike River varies based on season, precipitation and discharge. Significant trends were also found among ecotoxicological responses of sediment toxicity. The patterns suggested that sediments are critical to wetland function. Based on these results, it is assumed that sediment microbes control many wetland functions. Future hypotheses include spatial and temporal variation of microbial genetic diversity across natural and constructed wetlands. To test these hypotheses, bio-indicator assays will be developed.

Subhomita Ghosh Roy (Primary Presenter/Author), University of WIsconsin Milwaukee, ghoshroy@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

IDENTIFYING COOLWATER STREAMS TO ASSESS THEIR VULNERABILITY TO LANDCOVER AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN ILLINOIS Coolwater streams are relatively uncommon in Illinois, but support several species of conservation concern. These streams maintain thermal habitats for a broad array of species so even small changes in temperature could shift stream thermal regimes and impact species distributions and local communities. Coolwater stream reaches were identified using observed temperatures that met a mean daily July temperature threshold of less than 21.5°C or known locations of fish species associated with coolwaters in Illinois (Brook Stickleback, Longnose Dace, Mottled Sculpin). To assess the vulnerability of these coolwater reaches, we are monitoring stream temperature at 31 sites in northern Illinois and developing statewide stream temperature and fish distribution models using existing data. These models will be used to assess the vulnerability (exposure and sensitivity) of coolwater streams to changes in landcover and climate by examining a range of potential conditions. Further analysis will examine how thermal regimes of coolwater streams are influenced by geologic, climatic and landcover characteristics. We will also examine potential changes in fish species distributions and functional isolation of coolwater reaches associated with landcover and climate change scenarios.

Jodi Vandermyde (POC,Primary Presenter), Illinois Natural History Survey, jodi.vandermyde@illinois.gov;


Brian Metzke (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Illinois Natural History Survey, brian.metzke@illinois.gov;


Leon Hinz Jr. (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Illinois Natural History Survey, leon.hinz@illinois.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN REDOX POTENTIAL AND SEDIMENT ORGANIC MATTER CHARACTERISTICS AND CONSEQUENCES FOR NATIVE SAV RESTORATION Eutrophication in rivers is often characterized by sharp increases in filamentous algae and sediment organic matter, potentially resulting in highly reduced conditions in river bottom sediments. These reduced sediments may contain phytotoxic compounds which inhibit the growth of native submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). Conversely, roots of established SAV may increase sediment redox potential by oxygenating the rhizosphere. In this study we measured sediment redox potential at six points in five subtropical spring-fed rivers (n=30). At each point we compared redox potential in sediments high in organic matter with redox potential in bare sediments and in sediments underlying SAV beds. Additionally, we collected plant biomass and sediment samples to investigate relationships between sediment redox potential and its potential drivers. Preliminary results show that sediments high in organic matter had lower redox potential while sediments high in belowground biomass had higher redox potential. These results have strong implications for SAV restoration plantings. Reducing conditions in sites formerly dominated by filamentous algae may cause widespread plant senescence when sediments are not properly prepared for planting.

Joelle Laing (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Florida, joelle.laing@ufl.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF CRANBERRY BOG RESTORATION ON PHYSICAL HABITAT, AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES, AND ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES AT TIDMARSH FARMS, MASSACHUSETTS The River Continuum Concept (RCC) models the expected relationship between in stream biota and the surrounding physical habitat in a pristine forested stream. Global change drivers such as land use land cover (LULC) change influences stream assemblages and ecosystem processes. River restoration can play an important role in counteracting LULC effects. Tidmarsh Farms Study Area (TFSA), including Beaver Dam Brook (BDB) and its surrounding wetland, was actively farmed for cranberries from the mid-1800s until 2010. Passive restoration was implemented in 2010 with a headwater dam being removed and bog going fallow. Active restoration will commence in spring/summer 2015. We established 8 sampling stations along 1st - 3rd order stream reaches of BDB and sampled for physical habitat, physical-chemical water column, benthic macro invertebrates (BMI), and nutrient limitation. Because Beaver Dam Brook is not a forested headwater system, we expected the stream structure and function at TFSA will not follow RCC expectations. By monitoring and assessing the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of TFSA, we will have some picture of the effectiveness of passive and active restoration.

Edgar Franck (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Massachusetts Boston, edgar_franck@me.com;


Alan Christian (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Massachusetts Boston, alan.christian@umb.edu;


David Kemp (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Great Falls, dkemp11@ugf.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ASSESSMENT OF 20 YEARS OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES AND RESULTS IN THE CHEAT RIVER WATERSHED, WEST VIRGINIA The Cheat River watershed, spanning 1426 square miles in northern West Virginia (WV), is impacted by non-point source pollution emanating from abandoned coal mines. Acidic mine drainage from these mine lands severely degrades stream health and limits recreation and economic development opportunities in the watershed. Since 1994, Friends of the Cheat (FOC) has worked with partners to implement 17 remediation projects totaling over $7 million in public and private funds. The WVDEP, WVDNR, WVU Water Research Institute, and other partnering organizations have documented 20 years of project and water quality data resulting from various treatment technologies including wetland systems, flushing limestone ponds, and in-stream lime dosing. However, few impaired subwatersheds have achieved Total Maximum Daily Loads and most streams remain biologically impaired. Efforts have been challenged by a lack of space in mountainous areas, limited funding, and the large scope and severity of degraded water quality. FOC and its partners continue to search for new technologies, funding, and prioritization methods to address acid mine drainage in the watershed where conventional funding programs and restoration strategies may be inadequate.

Kevin Ryan (Primary Presenter/Author), Northeastern University, ryan.kevi@northeastern.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

IMPACT OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION AND SINGLE EVENT CONTRIBUTIONS ON WATER QUALITY IN SOUTHERN MANITOWOC COUNTY, WISCONSIN, CREEKS Several small streams meander through the southern portion of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, and empty into Lake Michigan. Each creek affects local lake systems, is a potential source for recreational fishing, and contributes to Lake Michigan water quality and beach closures. Land-use is primarily agricultural, but includes residential and light-industrial areas. We sampled physical, chemical, and biological parameters on five creeks within a 15 mile region during 2012-2014. The study focus, Centerville Creek, underwent a major restoration project in 2012. The four other creeks were included for comparison. Phosphate and E. coli levels are consistently and significantly above acceptable levels. Average total phosphate (TP) and total dissolved phosphate (TDP) were 0.557 mg/l (maximum = 12.270) and 0.398 mg/l (maximum = 7.246), respectively. E. coli levels exceeded 1000 MPN/100 ml in 49.1% of samples. Similar trends across the other creeks indicate regional pollution issues. Large single-day pulses indicate that discrete events, such as rain and disturbances (e.g., construction) contribute to high E. coli and phosphate levels. Management plans should include assessment of multiple sources of runoff pollution as well as single-event contributors.

Rebecca Abler (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus, ablerr@uwgb.edu;


Richard Hein (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus, heinr@uwgb.edu;


Mallary Schenian (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, schemj32@uwgb.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

STREAM ECOSYSTEM METABOLISM IN URBAN CALIFORNIA COASTAL STREAMS California coastal streams face ongoing pressure from urban land use and provide a setting to compare the resulting ecosystem changes across variably developed watersheds. Dissolved oxygen records were collected between March and August, 2014, in 4 urban and 2 undeveloped Santa Barbara, California streams. The data were used to estimate community respiration (CR), gross primary production (GPP), net ecosystem productivity (NEP), and the ratio of GPP to CR (P/R). Complementary measurements included water temperature, water level, light levels and canopy conditions, hydraulic conditions, benthic algae and organic matter, nutrient concentrations, and dissolved organic carbon levels. GPP ranged from 0.07 to 4.07 g O2/m2/day, CR ranged from 0.09 to 12.50 g O2/m2/day, NEP ranged from -11.67 to 0.34 g O2/m2/day, and P/R ranged from 0.01 to 1.48. The urban sites generally had higher GPP, lower CR, more positive NEP, and P/R closer to 1, indicating more autotrophic conditions than non-urban streams. These results indicate that stream metabolism is sensitive to urban land use and may be a useful indicator of ecosystem alteration in urban areas.

Heather Frazier (Primary Presenter/Author), University of California, Santa Barbara, heather.berry@geog.ucsb.edu;


John Melack (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA, melack@lifesci.ucsb.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

PATH FLOW ANALYSIS OF PARAMETERS INFLUENCING WATER QUALITY IN THE CHARLES RIVER WATERSHED, MASSACHUSETTS Global change drivers such as land use land cover (LULC) within a watershed affect water quality directly and indirectly. By determining independent and dependent variables contributing to water quality, we aim to develop effective management recommendations for the highly urbanized Charles River Watershed for the Charles River Watershed Association. We will fit 2012 and 2013 water quality data from 10 stations within the Charles River watershed sub-basins to an appropriate water quality path flow analysis. Regional, reach, and local scale parameters to be investigated include, but are not limited to, % impervious cover, reach scale LULC and % impervious cover, USEPA habitat assessment scores, physico-chemical concentrations, and benthic invertebrate index scores. We expect to see a direct linkage between land use and impervious cover within each sub-watershed to nutrient supply. Therefore, indicating an indirect correlation between land use and dissolved oxygen, affecting quality of habitat and the biotic index within a reach. We expect our results to contribute to the management of water quality in the Charles River Watershed with the goal to improve water quality.

Laurissa Gulich (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Massachusetts Boston, laurissa.gulich001@umb.edu;


Alan Christian (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Massachusetts Boston, alan.christian@umb.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

LAND COVER INFLUENCE ON MACROINVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGES IN MARQUETTE COUNTY, MICHIGAN Eagle Mine, a newly-constructed copper and nickel mine in Marquette County, Michigan, threatens several streams through deforestation, road construction, and potential chemical contamination. The purpose of this study was to identify correlations between watershed and riparian land covers with macroinvertebrate assemblages of 26 streams surrounding the mine. Biological assessments approximate stream health and represent other variables that are often more difficult to measure, such as watershed disturbance and nutrient availability. The Shannon-Weiner Index and the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index showed considerable variation among streams in biodiversity and tolerance respectively. Watershed and riparian land covers of the focal streams prior to construction had similar ranges and variability between streams, with consistently high proportions of forest (49-100%) and low densities of commercial, residential, and transportation usage (0-3%). Stepwise regressions show watershed land cover to be more strongly correlated with macroinvertebrate indices than riparian land cover. Together this indicates that deforestation and disturbance associated with the mine may affect macroinvertebrate assemblages and stream health along the entirety of affected streams rather than merely locally and further sampling is necessary to monitor continuing effects.

Ashley Burtner (Primary Presenter/Author), Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, aburtner@umich.edu;


Corey Krabbenhoft (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Minnesota, cakrabbe@gmail.com;


Donna Kashian (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Wayne State University, dkashian@wayne.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CHANGES IN WATER CHEMISTRY IN CEDAR CITY IRRIGATION SYSTEMS Irrigation of lawns and gardens in Cedar City, Utah is accomplished in two fundamentally different manners. In older neighborhoods, water is diverted from a natural stream (Coal Creek) into a series of canals for residential flood irrigation, compared to newer neighborhoods, which use sprinklers from well water. The overall objective of this project is to better understand the chemical and biological changes that occur in irrigation and runoff waters in Cedar City. We are addressing the following three hypotheses. 1) Changes will be observed in water chemistry as surface water moves from Coal Creek through Cedar City. 2) Irrigation strategies influence water chemistry during periods of high precipitation. 3) Microbial community changes will be associated with differences in water chemistry. Over the course of four months, there was a reduction in alkalinity levels among all sites. During high precipitation periods, nitrate was detected in newer neighborhoods. Dissolved oxygen and pH were at higher levels, while salinity and conductivity were lower in a reservoir site relative to irrigation canals. Future work will investigate bacterial community composition in Cedar City waters.

Coral Gardner (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Southern Utah University, coralgardner1@gmail.com;


Donald Long (Primary Presenter/Author), Southern Utah University, Donaldo82@yahoo.com;


Fredric Govedich (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Southern Utah University, govedich@suu.edu;


Paul Spruell (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Eastern Washington Univeristy, pspruell@ewu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INSECTICIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN STREAMS OF SOY PRODUCTION REGIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA Concentrations of 17 insecticides were measured in sediments collected from 48 streams in intensive soy production regions of South America (Argentina in 2011-2014, Paraguay and Brazil in 2013) during peak application periods. Although environmental regulations are quite different in each country, commonly used insecticides were detected at high frequencies in all regions. Maximum concentrations (and detection frequencies) for each sampling event ranged from: 1.2–7.4 ng/g dw chlorpyrifos (56-100%); 1.2–7.4 ng/g dw cypermethrin (20-100%); 0.42–16.6 ng/g dw lambda-cyhalothrin (60-100%); and 0.49–2.1 ng/g dw endosulfan (13-100%). Other pyrethroids were detected less frequently. Banned organochlorines were most frequently detected in Brazil. In all countries, cypermethrin and/or lambda-cyhalothrin toxic units (TUs) based on Hyalella azteca LC50s were occasionally >0.5 (indicating likely acute toxicity), while TUs for other insecticides were <0.5. There was a negative relationship between buffer width and TUs, and 83% of sites with average total TU>0.5 had buffers of <20m. While Brazil and Paraguay require forested stream buffers, there are no such regulations in the Argentine pampas where buffer widths were smaller.

Lisa Hunt (Primary Presenter/Author), University of California, Berkeley, lisahunt@berkeley.edu;


Carlos Bonetto (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Instituto de Limnología , bonettocarlos@yahoo.com.ar;


Vincent Resh (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of California, Berkeley, resh@berkeley.edu;


Daniel Forsin Buss (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, dbuss@ioc.fiocruz.br;


Silvia Fanelli (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Instituto de Limnología , fsilvialaura@hotmail.com;


Marrochi Natalia (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Instituto de Limnología , marrochinatalia@yahoo.com;


Michael J. Lydy (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Southern Illinois University, mlydy@siu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DETERMINING THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF URBAN STORM SEWER SHEDS ON WATER QUALITY IN BLOOMINGTON, IL Increasing urbanization has consequences for surface water quality. Stormwater is a large component of urban water degradation that is poorly understood. Precipitation is quickly transported via underground pipes from the land to the stream without following water’s natural flow path. Studies have correlated detention ponds with improved water quality and impervious surface cover with degraded water quality. However, other physical characteristics within a storm sewer shed including the presence of sump pumps, area and pipe miles may also affect the stormwater quality. We chose 18 storm sewer systems in Bloomington, IL. We measured pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and total suspended solids. Relationships and differences among the physical characteristics and water quality were determined using correlation and ANOVA analyses. We found that the presence of a pond significantly lowered total suspended solids and the greater the length of pipe system the lower the concentration of nitrate. This research could contribute to how storm sewers are built and retrofitted in the future to decrease the water quality degradation from storm events.

Alicia O'Hare (Primary Presenter/Author), Illinois State University, atohare@ilstu.edu;


Catherine M. O'Reilly (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Illinois State University, cmoreil@ilstu.edu;


Kevin Kothe (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), City of Bloomington, kkothe@cityblm.org;


Rex J. Rowley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Illinois State University, rjrowle@ilstu.edu;


John C. Kostelnick (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Illinois State University, jckoste@ilstu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

NATURAL GAS DEVELOPMENT ALLEVIATES NUTRIENT LIMITATION OF ALGAL GROWTH IN FAYETTEVILLE STREAMS Construction of natural gas (NG) infrastructure may negatively influence streams by clearing watershed vegetation and increasing sediments and sediment-bound nutrients. Previous research found a positive correlation between NG development metrics and algal biomass. Total nitrogen (TN) can also relate positively to NG metrics, but no direct correlations between N and algal biomass were found. We used nutrient diffusing substrates (NDS) with +N, +phosphorus (P) and +NP treatments to explore potential NG effects on N- and P- limitation of algal production within 8 streams in the Fayetteville shale region of Arkansas. Algal production in streams with well densities <0.12 wells/km² was primarily N-limited and was co-limited in one stream. Streams with high NG activity (>0.12 wells/km²) were not nutrient limited. Additionally, algal production from the +N treatments was negatively related to both well density (R²= 0.57; p= 0.03) and background TN (R²= 0.52; p= 0.04). These data provide additional evidence supporting the hypothesis that the mechanism by which NG activity stimulates Fayetteville shale stream algal production is via alleviation of N-limitation.

Bradley Austin (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Arkansas, bjaustin10@gmail.com;


Natalia Hardgrave (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Central Arkansas, talia.h91294@gmail.com;


Sally Entrekin (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Virginia Tech, sallye@vt.edu;


Brian Haggard (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, Haggard@uark.edu;


Michelle Evans-White (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, mevanswh@uark.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

FIVE-YEAR TRAIT-BASED COMPARISON OF MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN FAYETTEVILLE SHALE, ARKANSAS Forest clearing, infrastructure, and water withdrawal have increased in some catchments across the Fayetteville shale where the number of unconventional natural gas wells (UNG) has increased 50-fold since 2005. Activities associated with UNG could alter stream water quality and biological communities but the extent and duration of disturbance has not been quantified. We compared macroinvertebrate traits likely to reflect UNG disturbances from three streams in catchments with UNG and three without UNG from 2010-2014. We predicted for example, scraper and multivoltine taxa density would increase in response to catchment disturbances that increased chlorophyll a and unstable substrate.There was no difference in taxa densities between UNG and no UNG sites; however, there was a decrease in the density of both traits over time in UNG sites.The preliminary results suggest both sensitive taxa (Stenelmis and Stenonema) and tolerant multivoltine taxa (Acari and Oligochaetes) declined, but the mechanism for decline is not clear.Future analysis will expand the number of UNG sites and analyze more relevant traits that could elucidate a response to UNG, such as rheophily and external gills.

Lucy Baker (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Central Arkansas, lucybaker540@gmail.com;


Sally Entrekin (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Virginia Tech, sallye@vt.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DOES HYDROLOGY AND ACTIVITY FROM NATURAL GAS DEVELOPMENT INTERACT TO ALTER AQUATIC COMMUNITIES IN SMALL STREAMS? Land use interacts with hydrology to affect stream water quality and aquatic communities. Annual fluctuations in timing and duration of flow are predicted to mediate aquatic community tolerance to additional exogenous stressors. Dry years, when streams start flowing in winter and dry in late May, are predicted to support more tolerant species in contrast to streams that flow October through July. We measured periphyton biomass and chlorophyll a and macroinvertebrates across 10-15 ungaged streams in spring from 2010-2014 that drain a mix of pasture and forest with active construction of unconventional natural gas wells, pipelines, and roads. Timing and duration of flow varied across-streams and years. Streams wetted from May to July and flowed all year to <5months in a year. Well density and distance of wells to streams were related to greater algae biomass and more tolerant taxa in some but not all sample years. Furthermore, macroinvertebrate taxa related to gas activity differed across streams and years. We will add stream flow statistics to our analysis to examine the effects of hydrology on biological communities in developed catchments.

Stephanie Stoughton (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Central Arkansas, stoughton54@gmail.com;


Bradley Austin (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, bjaustin10@gmail.com;


Julie Kelso (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), ORISE Environmental Protection Agency, julia.kelso@gmail.com;


Steven Polaskey (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Central Arkansas, sjpolaskey@gmail.com;


Michelle Evans-White (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, mevanswh@uark.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECT OF CATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH NATURAL GAS DRILLING ON ALGAL GROWTH Improper storage and disposal of hydraulic fracturing fluid used to extract unconventional natural gas (NG) can result in this material entering nearby streams. Previously, cations associated with fracturing fluids were found to be positively related to both NG development and algal biomass; however, this may have confounded the positive relationship between algal biomass and total nitrogen. By using nutrient diffusing substrata (NDS) with treatments of +K, +Na, +NPK, and +NPNa we discerned effects of cations alone and paired with nutrients on algal growth in streams. NDS were deployed into 8 streams with varying NG development over a period of 2 weeks and then were collected and the glass discs were analyzed for chorophyll ?. While treatments containing N and P amendment had a positive effect on algal biomass in minimally impacted systems, neither cation promoted algal production in any of the sites (p>0.05). This suggests that the cations associated with NG activity do not promote algal biomass, and that other mechanisms such as nitrogen amendment are responsible for increased algal biomass in NG-impacted streams.

Natalia Hardgrave (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Central Arkansas, nataliahardgrave@gmail.com;


Bradley Austin (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, bjaustin10@gmail.com;


Stephanie Stoughton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Central Arkansas, stoughton54@gmail.com;


Brian Haggard (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, Haggard@uark.edu;


Michelle Evans-White (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, mevanswh@uark.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

QUANTIFYING LONGITUDINAL PATTERNS IN STREAMS THAT TRAVERSE ABRUPT RIPARIAN BOUNDARIES Differences between forested and pasture streams are commonly described in the literature. Yet, relatively little is known about how quickly conditions change as streams cross riparian boundaries, whether variables change at different rates, and factors influencing these patterns. We quantified changes in canopy cover, ammonium, SRP, epilithon, benthic detritus and substrate in a stream that traversed an abrupt forest-riparian boundary in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil. Specifically, we quantified conditions at 15 locations in a second-order stream. All sampling locations were spaced 75m apart with the first five locations located above the forest-pasture boundary. We used non-linear regression to estimate average forest and pasture conditions and rate at which stream conditions transition. The direction, magnitude, and rate of change differed among variables. For example, canopy cover reached mean pasture levels within 100 m of the forest boundary, while epilithic chlorophyll a increased more slowly through the pasture, reaching 95% of the expected pasture condition after 750m. We discuss the implications of these results for managing riparian land use and designing restoration activities.

Scott Mcleay (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Alabama, smcleay27@gmail.com;


Rafael Feijó de Lima (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Montana, rfeijod@clemson.edu;


Eduardo F. Silva-Júnior (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, eduardobioadventure@gmail.com ;


Leonardo Kleba Lisboa (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, leokleba@yahoo.com.br;


Thomas Heatherly (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, heatherly1975@gmail.com;


Eugenia Zandona (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, eugenia.zandona@gmail.com;


Flavia Tromboni (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Nevada, Reno, ftromboni@unr.edu;


Timothy P. Moulton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, moulton.timothy@gmail.com;


Steven Thomas (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Alabama, sathomas16@ua.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

STABLE ISOTOPES OF ALGAE AND MOSSES REFLECT NITROGEN SOURCES ACROSS MONTANE TO URBAN STREAM GRADIENTS Semi-arid streams that flow from montane to urban regions receive multiple anthropogenic nitrogen (N) sources that can potentially be traced across spatial gradients using analysis of their stable isotope ratios (&delta¹⁵N). Algae and mosses use stream N, and analysis of &delta¹⁵N of their tissues provides an alternative to frequent water sampling. We analyzed &delta¹⁵N values of mosses and algae from five streams along the Wasatch Mountain Front in Salt Lake City, Utah to determine if land use differences affected stream N sources. We found that urban stream reaches had greater average values (&delta¹⁵N=4.4 ‰) relative to montane stream reaches (&delta¹⁵N=1.2 ‰); the presence of dogs and septic systems also increase &delta¹⁵N. However, moss and algae &delta¹⁵N values consistently differed by an average of 3.3‰, suggesting that mosses and algae at the same sites obtain nitrogen from different sources. We conclude that algae (and mosses to a lesser extent) provide a sensitive identifier of N source variation to inform watershed management, given that consistent differences in algal &delta¹⁵N values were observed within and among streams in correlation with land use differences.

Simone Jackson (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Utah, kavoka18@gmail.com;


Steven Hall (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Iowa State University, steven.j.hall@utah.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

LIGHT AND TEMPERATURE INTERACT TO REGULATE THE RESPONSE OF ALGAE AND HETEROTROPHIC BACTERIA TO ELEVATED NUTRIENT LEVELS IN A BOREAL PEATLAND Climate change is expected to raise water temperatures, increase nutrients, and cause brownification of aquatic ecosystems in northern latitudes, including peatlands. To evaluate these effects on algae and heterotrophic bacteria, we manipulated light (40, 70, 80 and 95% reduction of ambient), nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus), and temperature (ambient, warmed) in a factorial design using nutrient diffusing substrates inside warming chambers in an Alaskan peatland. After 10 days, no effect of warming on algal or bacterial abundances occurred in the absence of nutrient enrichment. Algal production and bacterial biomass were significantly elevated by nutrients, independent of warming. Compared to ambient temperatures, warming significantly enhanced the effect of nutrient enrichment on algal and bacterial abundances. Reduction in ambient light of 40, 70, 80 and 95% reduced algal and heterotrophic parameters by approximately 30, 50, 80 and 90%, respectively. Our results indicate that warmer temperatures and nutrient enrichment will elevate algal and heterotrophic metabolism in northern peatlands, but the magnitude of increase will depend on the extent of reduced light levels associated with increased inputs of terrestrial dissolved organic matter associated with climate change.

Lily Gu (Primary Presenter/Author), Ball State University, ygu5@bsu.edu;


Kevin Wyatt (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ball State University, khwyatt@bsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF NUTRIENTS AND TEMPERATURE ON THE RELEASE OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON FROM THE BENTHIC MACROALGA CLADOPHORA GLOMERATA IN AN INDIANA STREAM Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released by algae serves as an important source of carbon for heterotrophic bacteria in aquatic ecosystems. We evaluated the influence of dissolved nutrients and temperature on the release of DOC by the benthic macroalga Cladophora glomerata in an Indiana stream. Algal material was collected in January, May, and July 2014, representing periods of low, high, and moderate dissolved nutrients, and exposed to a temperature range between 5? and 30?C (5? intervals) for four days. Nutrients had a stronger effect on Gross primary productivity (GPP) and DOC release, with temperature playing a role within each nutrient treatment. Primary productivity peaked at 15?C and 20?C and decreased thereafter in all seasons and was positively correlated to nutrient concentrations. The rate of DOC release peaked in all seasons at the temperature from which the algae were collected, and was inversely related to productivity at low nutrient concentrations. This work will add to our understanding of how anthropogenic eutrophication and changes in temperature due to global climate change will affect stream ecosystems.

Matthew Stillwagon (Primary Presenter/Author), North Carolina State University, mgstillw@ncsu.edu;


Ian Davison (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Central Michigan University, ian.davison@cmich.edu;


Kevin Wyatt (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ball State University, khwyatt@bsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DIATOM ASSEMBLAGES ON TURTLE SHELLS Turtles have epibiotic algae on their shells, but it is unknown how the behavior of turtles influences epibiotic diatoms. The purpose of this study is to characterize diatom assemblages on turtle species based on shell roughness and behaviors such as basking. We brushed the shells of turtle specimens from natural history collections at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History (Oklahoma) and the Field Museum of Natural History (Illinois). Turtle species sampled included the common snapping turtle, red-eared slider, and the false map turtle. The diatoms on preserved turtle specimens were not very abundant. Diatom assemblages differed among turtle species. Luticola goeppertiana was the most commonly found species.

Shelly Wu (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Oklahoma, scwu@ou.edu;


Elizabeth Bergey (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Oklahoma, lbergey@ou.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE EFFECT OF SOLVENT TYPE ON CHLOROPHYLL-A REACTION KINETICS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ANALYSIS OF AQUATIC SAMPLES Acetone and ethanol are two common solvents used in the analysis of chlorophyll-a. Numerous studies have discussed the efficiency of each solvent to extract pigments from algal cells, but the effect of solvent type on subsequent analytical steps has not been well documented. For example, the acetone used in “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (10200H)” is frequently substituted with ethanol on the assumption that these two solvents will behave similarly. In this experiment, we compare the kinetic spectral response of acetone and ethanol extracted pigments following acidification to test this hypothesis. We extracted chlorophyll from spinach leaves and periphyton samples using common acetone and ethanol extraction methods. Extracted pigments were acidified with one of four acid treatment conditions and chlorophyll-a concentration was monitored with continuous spectrophotometric readings. Acetone extracted chlorophyll-a did not vary in response to acid concentrations and remained stable, while ethanol extracted chlorophyll-a was highly variable over time and dependent on acid concentration. We propose a revised method when using ethanol as an extractant, to ensure accurate, repeatable results for future analyses.

William Breck Bowden (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Vermont, breck.bowden@uvm.edu;


Samuel P. Parker (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Vermont, samuel.parker@uvm.edu;


Michael Flinn (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Murray State University, mflinn@murraystate.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SEASONAL AND SPATIAL VARIABILITY IN PHYTOPLANKTON OF MESOTROPHIC LAKE BEMIDJI, NORTHCENTRAL MN. Phytoplankton communities were assessed for seasonal and lateral variability in mesotrophic Lake Bemidji, Beltrami County, MN. Surface water was collected weekly from May-Oct 2014 following a 3x2 design with 3 locations (depth 18-20m, depth 12 m and littoral 5m) in each of the 2 main lake basins. Algal biomass demonstrated bimodal pattern at all sites with slight peaks (c.a. 5 ug Chl/L) in early May following ice-off, then rapid declines in June, increasing to maximal levels (c.a. 50 ug Chl/L) as water temperatures peaked in July. Algal biomass and densities were greatest in littoral zones. Taxa from major groups were present throughout samples, though variations in taxa dominance followed patterns typical, but delayed, for temperate lakes. Diatoms (Synedra, Fragellaria, Asterionella) were dominant early, giving way to Chlorophytes (Chlorella, Odogonium) and Cyanobactera (Nostoc, Anabaena, Aphanocapsa) as nutrients levels declined and surface water temperatures increased. Autumn experienced episodic blooms of Cyanobacteria and Chlorophytes, then dominance by diatoms as cooling temperatures increased vertical mixing. Diatoms (esp. pennate species) persisted in littoral zones throughout much of the sample period.

Richard Koch (Primary Presenter/Author), Bemidji State University, rkoch@bemidjistate.edu;


Jefferson Shaw (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bemidji State University, jefferson.shaw@live.bemidjistate.edu;


Dina Janke (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bemidji State University, Dina.janke@live.bemidjistate.edu;


Nathaniel Martin (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bemidji State University, nathaniel.martin@live.bemidjistate.edu;


Claire Hansen (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bemidji State University, Claire.Hansen2@live.bemidjistate.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF PHOSPHORUS ASSIMILATION ON LEAF LITTER DECOMPOSITION AND ASSOCIATED BIOFILM Human activities have caused increased stream nutrient concentrations that can cause changes in detrital biofilm communities. These changes may affect detrital decomposition rate, quality as a food source, and stoichiometric elemental ratios. This study focused on the effects of light (High- 23.2% ± 0.7 Low- 9.1% ± 0.3) and phosphorus (P) concentrations (10,100, and 500 µg/L) on the algal communities on the detritus. We found that periphyton growth was dependent on light rather than P concentrations (F= 3.44, p= 0.0479). Total litter mass loss was positively affected by P concentration (F=10.3, p<0.001) and negatively affected by light (F=6.1, p=0.02). Future efforts will quantify fungal biomass and elemental composition across these treatments.

Scott Hamby (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Arkansas, sjhamby42@students.tntech.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SHORT-TERM RESPONSE OF ALGAL COMMUNITY STRUCTURE TO PHOSPHORUS PULSES The importance of phosphorus within stream ecosystems as a limiting nutrient to algal communities is well-recognized. However, the response of these communities to non-steady state pulses and varying concentrations of phosphorus, such as those experienced during flood events, is less understood. We investigated the effects of phosphorus pulse duration (0 hours to continuous, 250 µg/L concentration) and concentration (0 to 250 µg/L concentration, 2 hour duration) on algal taxon richness and diversity through the use of artificially recirculating stream channels. Post-exposure algal samples taken from these channels were enumerated and identified microscopically. Our results showed showed a slight negative correlation of taxon richness and diversity to the duration of P pules, but no relationship between the presence of individual taxa and either treatment condition, suggesting that observed responses in P content and physiological performance were due to altered performance of taxa, rather than large shifts in taxon composition.

Gabrielle Costello (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Eastern Michigan University, gcostel1@emich.edu;


Keith Kinek (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Bloomsburg University, kck15463@huskies.bloomu.edu;


Steven Francoeur (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Eastern Michigan University, sfrancoeu@emich.edu;


Steven Rier (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, srier@commonwealthu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CHARACTERIZING AND FIELD TESTING A LOW-COST LIGHT INTENSITY SENSOR In aquatic environments light intensity and distribution play a key role in determining and characterizing primary productivity, ecosystem dynamics, and overall water quality. By utilizing inexpensive technologies and intercalibration techniques, light intensity sensors may lead towards a more accurate and precise monitoring of the underwater light field. A low-cost custom light sensor was built and tested against commercially available light sensors on a research cruise in October 2014 from the inner harbor to the open water of Milwaukee Bay, Wisconsin. The light sensing chip was cosine corrected using a light diffusing plastic disc and controlled with an Arduino microcontroller, and cast to a maximum depth of 15.5 meters. Light intensity readings from 5 sampling sites showed that the response pattern of the custom sensor correlated strongly with the responses of both an Onset HOBO light logging pendant and a Biospherical photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensor. The custom sensor offers a highly programmable platform to measure light underwater, log data remotely, and record light measurement readings through red, green, and blue filtered channels.

Timothy Schierenbeck (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Freshwater Science, schiere2@uwm.edu;


Matthew Smith (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Freshwater Science, smith926@uwm.edu;


Todd Miller (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, millertr@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE EPIPSAMMIC DIATOMS OF THE LAKE SUPERIOR WAVE ZONE Littoral zones of very large lakes are characterized by nearly constant wave action and minimal macrophyte growth. Although relatively little is known about primary productivity in these wave zone habitats, it is presumably dominated by microalgae that attach to mineral substrates. In this study, we assessed the abundance, productivity, and community composition of epipsammic diatoms in river mouth and beach habitats along the south-central coast of Lake Superior. Although diatom cell counts were similar across habitats, chlorophyll a concentrations were more than three-fold greater in river mouths than in beach sites. River mouth assemblages were also more species rich than beach assemblages. Although a few species common to all sites dominated the epipsammic production base, habitat specificity was evident for 19 percent of the beach species and 14 percent of the river mouth species. These results suggest that sandy river mouth and beach wave zone habitats are biologically distinct and that river mouths are productivity hot spots in sandy wave zone environments.

Leon Katona (Primary Presenter/Author), Northern Michigan University , lekatona@nmu.edu;


Mac Strand (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Northern Michigan University, rostrand@nmu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DEVELOPING AN AUTOMATED IN SITU MICROCYSTIN DETECTION SYSTEM Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are becoming an increasingly large problem throughout the world. One negative impact of HABs is that many produce microcystin, an algal toxin that can lead to liver failure in humans and other organisms. The World Health Organization has set a limit of 1 µg/L for microcystin in drinking water; therefore, a detection system to provide early warning is needed for this toxin. An automated in situ detector for microcystin is being developed that is capable of reliable, unattended monitoring. Methods for derivatization of microcystin for fluorescent detection are being examined. Derivatization with 4-(1-Pyrene)butanoic acid hydrazide (PBH) is one possible method. The proper formation of the MC-PBH derivative has been confirmed with mass spectrometry. Chromatography and subsequent fluorescent detection is used to purify, concentrate, and detect the MC-PBH derivative. This detector will be an excellent resource for making informed public health decisions, improve potable water quality, and aid in examining microcystin dynamics during HAB events.

Maureen Thompson (Primary Presenter/Author), UW-Milwaukee, thomp355@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

VALUABLE INGREDIENTS AND FEED TOXICITY EVALUATION OF MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA ACIDOLYSIS PRODUCT IN MICE This research studied the extraction of feed ingredients from Microcystis aeruginosa using hydrochloric acid method as a potentially valuable protein resource from eutrophic lakes. Amino acid composition, residual algal toxins and heavy metals of the acidolysis product were studied. After 18h hydrochloric acid treatment, the product of M. aeruginosa contained 17 amino acids, 51.34% of total amino acid requirements, and 30.25% of the livestock and poultry essential amino acid. The residual microcystin-LR was 0.94 μg/kg, which was less than WHO drinking water limit of microcystins. The removal rate of microcystins was higher than 99.99% during the process of hydrolysis. The concentration of heavy metals of the product was in compliance with feed standards. Furthermore, Half lethal dose LD₅₀ of acidolysis product in mice was >9.09g/kg body weight, belonging to actually non-toxic grade. The results of both micronucleus test and sperm shape abnormality test were negative. Animal acute toxicity tests indicated that the acidolysis product of M. aeruginosa was safe to be used as a feed ingredient.

Shiqun Han (Primary Presenter/Author), Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, shqunh@126.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MEASURING THE BIOTIC INTEGRITY OF MIDDLE FORK JOHN DAY RIVER, OR WITH RESTORATION Aquatic ecosystems can be monitored using biotic indices, and one of the most commonly used indices is the Observed/Expected (O/E) ratio. To determine if the Middle Fork John Day River (MFJDR) sites (n=10) have improved biotic integrity scores following restoration, we developed random forest (RF) models using macroinvertebrate assemblage data from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) representing 105 reference sites and 442 test sites with the River Invertebrate Prediction and Classification System (RIVPACS) framework. The best performing model, based on model performance metrics, was chosen to test that the MFJDR sites have improved biotic integrity scores. The selected RF model predicted that 73% were in most disturbed and 27% in moderately disturbed condition in 2009 compared to 67% in most disturbed, 18% in moderately disturbed, and 18% in least disturbed biological condition in 2013. However, results indicate that there is not yet evidence of significant improvement in biotic integrity scores for restored MFJDR sites. Ongoing analysis is needed to characterize the variability of the macroinvertebrate community and to determine how management actions have affected O/E scores.

Robin Henderson (Primary Presenter/Author), Washington State University, robin.henderson@wsu.edu;


James Pratt (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Washington State University, jrpratt@tricity.wsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

FURTHERING NUMERIC NUTRIENT CRITERIA DEVELOPMENT: A PERIPHYTON STRESSOR-RESPONSE METHOD COMPARISON STUDY Due to increasing eutrophication of surface waterbodies and lack of non-point source pollution regulation, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) charged states and tribes with developing and enforcing numeric nutrient standards by 2003. To date, development of numeric nutrient criteria has been hindered, partly due to lack of knowledge about proper data collection methodologies. USEPA guidance for developing numeric nutrient criteria for streams and rivers using stressor-response relationships was released in 2010 and many states continue to struggle with methodological limitations. The objective of this study was to compare two common periphyton-sampling methodologies, which are currently being used in the southern Ozarks to aid in furthering numeric nutrient criteria development using stressor-response relationships. Both methodologies were used to collect seasonal periphyton data from seven Ozark streams with similar biological, chemical, and physical characteristics. Results from each method were statistically compared using paired t-tests. Results from three seasons of sampling will be presented and another three seasons of data will be collected in the future as part of this ongoing study.

Ashley Rodman (Primary Presenter/Author), National Park Service, Buffalo National River, ashley_rodman@nps.gov;


Thad Scott (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Baylor University, Thad_Scott@baylor.edu ;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF STORMWATER RUNOFF ON EPT METRICS IN URBAN STREAMS OF THE KANSAS CITY METROPOLITAN AREA, USA Over the last three years, we evaluated macroinvertebrate communities in streams within the Kansas City metropolitan area utilizing Missouri bioassessment protocols. Trends in richness and abundance of EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) were compared at rural control, urban reference and stormwater-affected sites across gradients in land use, habitat quality and stormwater volume. During spring 2012-2014, urban stormwater sites had significantly lower richness than control (p = 0.007–0.0013) and urban reference sites (p=0.001–0.021). Abundance of EPT at urban stormwater sites was significantly lower than control sites during all years (p=0.008–0.014) and urban reference sites for two of three years (p=0.053–0.001). Mean EPT abundances ranged between 0.6%–10.3% at urban stormwater sites, and exceeded 18% at control sites. Temporal trends indicate only control and urban reference sites consistently meet fully-supporting impairment status based on overall biotic condition scores, and no study sites currently meet regional expectations for EPT metrics. Results support current efforts to develop biocriteria for additional bioassessment metrics in order to augment the effective management of urban streams.

Barry Poulton (Primary Presenter/Author), U.S. Geological Survey, bpoulton@usgs.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

APPLICATIONS OF REGIONAL MONITORING NETWORK (RMN) DATA, BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has been working with its regional offices, states, tribes, and other organizations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Midwest to establish regional monitoring networks (RMNs) at which biological, thermal, and hydrologic data are being collected from freshwater wadeable streams to quantify and monitor changes in baseline conditions, including climate change effects. RMN surveys build on existing bioassessment efforts, with the goal of collecting comparable data that can be pooled efficiently at a regional level. In this poster we highlight examples of how RMN data are being utilized by biomonitoring programs, which includes: detecting temporal trends; investigating relationships between biological, thermal, and hydrologic data; exploring ecosystem responses and recovery from extreme weather events; testing hypotheses and predictive models related to climate change; and quantifying natural variability.

Jennifer Stamp (Primary Presenter/Author), Tetra Tech Center for Ecological Sciences, Jen.Stamp@tetratech.com;


Jonathan Witt (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), EPA, Witt.Jonathan@epamail.epa.gov;


Britta Bierwagen (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), US EPA, bierwagen.britta@epa.gov;


Anna Hamilton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Tetra Tech Center for Ecological Sciences, Anna.Hamilton@tetratech.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

OREGON RESULTS FOR THE 2008 AND 2009 NATIONAL RIVERS AND STREAMS ASSESSMENT (NRSA) This assessment describes the ecological conditions of perennial rivers and streams throughout Oregon based on data collected during the summers of 2008 and 2009 for the NRSA. The results presented represent water quality, biological, physical habitat, and human health indicators. The most widespread stressors to the ecological health of Oregon’s rivers and streams were fish habitat complexity, riparian canopy cover, turbidity, and total phosphorus concentration. Relative Risk analysis shows degradation to streamside vegetation posed the greatest risk to the biology. While the extent of the human disturbance stressor in poor condition was low, 44% of stream kilometers were in fair condition. This is alarming, as a shift into poor conditions is expected to greatly affect the biology. Mercury was found in all 23 large river fish tissue samples. The banned pesticide DDT and it’s degradation products were found at 21 out 23 sites. PCBs and PBDEs (flame retardants) were both detected at 17 of the 23 sites. While these compounds were detected, they were almost all under the various screening levels for toxicity levels to humans and aquatic life.

Lesley Merrick (Primary Presenter/Author), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality , merrick.lesley@deq.state.or.us;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

NATIVE UNIONIDAE MUSSELS IN THE GLACIATED PLAINS, SOUTH DAKOTA Native freshwater mussels (Unionidae) are among the most threatened freshwater groups in North America, with 71% of all North American species considered endangered, threatened, or species of special concern. The objective of this study was to assess the distribution and abundance of unionid mussels from streams in the Glaciated Plains. Survey sites (n=100) were proportionately and randomly divided among major river basins of eastern South Dakota and restricted to wadable streams and rivers. Timed searches (2 person hours) were conducted to survey living and dead mussel occurrence, relative abundance, and species composition. Mussels were observed from all major river basins, but occurred at 59% of surveyed sites. Living mussels were encountered from 34% of surveyed sites. We encountered 15 species, which is a decline from the 33 species found in historical state surveys. The James River basin had the highest species richness and abundance. Pyganodon grandis was the most frequently encountered and most abundant. Results of this effort suggest a 54% decline in species richness and greater dominance of a habitat and fish host generalist species relative to historical records.

Kaylee Faltys (Primary Presenter/Author), South Dakota State University, kaylee.faltys@sdstate.edu;


Nels H. Troelstrup, Jr. (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management, nels.troelstrup@sdstate.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THREE AXES OF VARIATION AFFECTING BIOMETRICS SCORES IN A NON-IMPAIRED REFERENCE STREAM Establishment of regional reference streams is an effective way of assessing impairment of other ecologically similar streams. Though reference streams are necessarily the least impacted, they are not insulated from seasonal and yearly weather fluctuations or changes in surrounding land use. We examined the results of seven macroinvertebrate collections made over a 34 year period at Crabapple Creek, a Tennessee first order ecoregion reference site, to better understand the possible changes in macroinvertebrate community structure and associated bioassessment metrics within an established reference stream. We focused on three axes of variation: inter-reach, seasonal, and inter-annual. Overall multimetric scores ranged from a low of 34 to a high of 42, indicating no impairment. However, the average number of individuals collected and individual biometrics scores varied widely, though less inter-reach variability was observed compared to seasonal or inter-annual. Variation in reference stream biometrics scores indicates changes in community structure that are not readily apparent when a stream continues to be designated as “not impaired.”

Katelin Shields (Primary Presenter/Author), Austin Peay State University, kmshields@uwalumni.com;


Joseph R. Schiller (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Austin Peay State University, schillerj@apsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

UNIONID MUSSELS AS BIOINDICATORS IN AN URBAN STREAM Unionid mussels have great potential to be used as biological indicators of the health of rivers and streams. Juveniles and adults are sedentary, live for many years, and leave shells that provide a historical record. Because they burrow in sediment and are filter feeders, they are affected by both habitat degradation and water quality. Thus, we assessed unionid mussels at two forest preserve sites in an urban stream, the north branch of the Chicago River. We applied the Mussel Conversation Index developed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which classifies streams according to species richness and abundance of unionid mussels. The sites ranked in the two lowest categories (restricted and limited) of the five possibilities in the index. However, live and relic specimens of Lasmigona complanata (white heelsplitter) and Pyganodon grandis (giant floater) were common. With over half of North American species considered endangered or threatened, unionid mussels are arguably the most imperiled group of freshwater organisms, so their presence in an urban stream is encouraging.

Annie Harris (Primary Presenter/Author), Northeastern Illinois University, AHarris6@neiu.edu;


Jennifer Slate (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Northeastern Illinois University, J-Slate@neiu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

A COMPARISON OF MACROINVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGES, FROM 2011-2013, IN THE MARCELLUS SHALE REGION OF THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN In 2010, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission established the Remote Water Quality Monitoring Network. This program aims to provide real-time continuous water quality data for streams potentially affected by unconventional gas well drilling in the Marcellus Shale region of the Susquehanna River Basin. The network has expanded to include benthic macroinvertebrate sampling as a bioindicator of potential impacts from unconventional gas drilling activities and related infrastructure or other anthropogenic influences. Initial results from data collected annually at 58 sites from 2011-2013 show consistent patterns in macroinvertebrate assemblages across ecoregion, drainage area, and land use, which are independent of degree of Marcellus gas well development upstream of the sampling site. The impacts of an unusually wet year in 2011 may be reflected in the macroinvertebrate communities as samples from 2011 are notably different than samples at the same sites in subsequent years across the entire sampling region.

Luanne Steffy (Primary Presenter/Author), Susquehanna River Basin Commission, lsteffy@srbc.net;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DIATOM TYPOLOGY BASED ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN USA Regional studies have shown that stream typologies and site-specific models can improve diatom assessments of rivers and streams by accounting for natural variation within ecoregions. In this study we evaluated improvement in diatom assessments for the USEPA’s National Rivers and Streams Assessment using a nationwide reclassification of rivers and streams that accounts for natural variability in diatom assemblages in reference conditions. All the reference sites were clustered into seven groups based on diatom community composition by using a novel model based cluster method. Seventeen variables that reflect natural variability in climate, geology, hydrology, watershed characteristics, and geographical locations were used to discriminate stream types by using random forest analysis, in which elevation, longitude, maximum air temperature and annual precipitation contributed significantly. The variation in multimetric indices (MMIs) at reference sites had lower median values and narrower ranges within stream types based on cluster and random forest analysis than on ecoregions. We conclude that this reclassification has reduced natural influence on MMIs, and a tighter relationship between MMIs and human disturbance may be observed in the future study.

Tao Tang (Primary Presenter/Author), Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, tangtao@ihb.ac.cn;


Jan Stevenson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Michigan State University, rjstev@cns.msu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MACROINVERTEBRATE AND DIATOM ASSEMBLAGES AS INDICATORS OF WATER-QUALITY CONDITIONS IN CONNECTED WETLAND DEPRESSIONS WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL PLAIN Biological assessment methods that are frequently used for flowing waters have not been established for most types of wetlands within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. This study evaluated biological metrics and indices utilizing macroinvertebrate and diatom assemblages for their ability to indicate water-quality conditions in connected depressions in the Cache River Watershed in northeastern Arkansas. This particular type of wetland has wide spatial extent within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Macroinvertebrate and diatom metrics and indices were compared to a water-quality disturbance gradient that was calculated using specific conductance, pH, and NO3-N data. Four metrics with strongest correlations to the disturbance gradient were selected for both assemblages. Scores for both indices (which combined metrics) decreased in relation to disturbance gradient score. The macroinvertebrate index had a correlation of (rho = -0.71) to the disturbance gradient while the diatom index had a similar correlation (rho = -0.64). These results indicate that biotic indices can be used for monitoring water-quality disturbance in wetlands in the Cache River watershed and for some wetland types within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.

Jennifer Bouldin (Primary Presenter/Author), Arkansas State University, jbouldin@astate.edu;


Billy Justus (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USGS, Little Rock, AR, bjustus@usgs.gov;


David Burge (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Science Museum of Minnesota, dburge@smm.org ;


Jennifer Cobb (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Shelby County, Tennessee, jenn.cobb.m@gmail.com;


Travis Marsico (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Arkansas State University, tmarsico@astate.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SPATIAL PATTERNS OF MERCURY ACCUMULATION IN BROOK TROUT IN THE STREAMS OF SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VIRGINIA, USA. Total mercury concentrations in the environment have not been found to be effective predictors of bioaccumulation in fish. Rather, physical, chemical, and biological conditions at a site have been found to be more important, presumably due to site influences such as water chemistry on mercury methylation rates. However, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding mercury accumulation mechanisms in fish, especially in lotic habitats where substantially less research has been conducted. We examined whole-body total mercury concentrations in brook trout collected from 28 sites in 14 watersheds in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. We found substantial variation in fish mercury concentrations (8.9 to 159.3 ng g-1). Although total body weight explained 26% of the variation in mercury concentrations overall, the relationship was highly variable among sites with body weight strongly correlated with mercury at some sites and only weakly correlated at others. Moreover, we observed a previously unreported relationship wherein the rate at which mercury accumulates with body size (i.e., regression slope) was inversely related to the amount of mercury in young fish (i.e., y-intercept). Possible mechanisms for this relationship are discussed.

Craig D. Snyder (Primary Presenter/Author), U.S. Geological Survey, csnyder@usgs.gov;


James R. Webb (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Virgina, rwebb@virginia.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

OFF-CHANNEL HABITATS OF THE PATOKA RIVER, INDIANA Seventeen miles of the Patoka River in southwestern Indiana were dredged and straightened in 1921 with the goal of draining 100,000 acres of virgin forest for farmland. The three year project was ineffective with frequent flooding annually, caused largely from backwater from the Wabash River. Floodplain habitats are essential for ecosystem functioning in lowland rivers where predictable floods are part of the natural flow regime. Maintaining floodplain habitats allows recurrent connections with the mainstem to permit colonization and prevents sediment filling. These off-channel habitats provide habitat for diverse fish assemblages. We visited 11 oxbow habitats in the Patoka River watershed in 2014. Fishes were sampled by backpack electrofisher and tote-barge electrofisher. We summarize our results with ordinations to describe fish assemblage responses to habitat variation.

Mario Minder (Primary Presenter/Author), Ball State University, mmminder@bsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SCALING SPECIES RICHNESS OF INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN AN ARCTIC WATERSHED USING RAREFACTION An accurate estimation of species richness is a necessary but challenging component of determining community structure at many spatial scales. Variation in sampling effort, randomization techniques, and statistical analyses can result in biased estimates of species number. Rarefaction curves offer a robust method to compare species richness. We used rarefaction to compare species richness to assess benthic macroinvertebrate communities within Oksrukuyik Creek, an Arctic watershed in northern Alaska. We compared community structure between intensive (small scale/riffle) and extensive (large scale/reach), as well as between lake and lakeless districts within the stream network. Generally, patterns of small scale species rarefaction curves showed no significant differences. Initial results show significant differences (P<0.05) between diversity in lake and lakeless districts and that sampling efforts did not result in similar species rarefaction curves. Comparisons of rarefaction curves between intensive and extensive samples will provide a framework to help us understand how aquatic invertebrate richness, diversity, and patchiness change at multiple scales. The Arctic offers the opportunity to examine ecological scale within the context of relatively simple invertebrate communities.

Derrick G. Jent (Primary Presenter/Author), Murray State University, djent@murraystate.edu;


Michael Flinn (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Murray State University, mflinn@murraystate.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EPIPHYTIC DIATOM COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN A KARST RIVERINE SYSTEM The goal of this study was to assess the epiphytic diatom community structure on Podostemum ceratophyllum along a karst gradient in the upper Green River, Kentucky. Percent cover of P. ceratophyllum and epiphytic density and diversity were quantified along transects within four study reaches. Two upstream reaches were nested in a siliciclastic-carbonate landscape. The two downstream reaches were located in a carbonate-dominated landscape. Twelve genera have been identified with the majority being Cocconeis (94%). The second most abundant genus was Achnanthes (2%). The density and diversity of epiphytic diatoms increased significantly longitudinally along the karst gradient. The two reaches that had the greatest density and diversity were located furthest downstream in the highly karstified reach. There was an overall positive linear relationship between diversity and water velocity. This relationship was evident within and between study reaches except for the most upstream reach where this relationship was reversed. There was no relationship between density and water velocity within or between reaches. Overall, these results demonstrate that certain features of epiphytic diatom communities are influenced by hydrology and karstification.

Greg Barren (Primary Presenter/Author), Western Kentucky University, gregory.barren363@topper.wku.edu;


Scott Grubbs (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western Kentucky University, scott.grubbs@wku.edu;


Albert Meier (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western Kentucky University, albert.meier@wku.edu;


Ouida Meier (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western Kentucky University, Ouida.meier@wku.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

"TRUCE WITH NEUTRAL THEORY" REVISITED: ARE SMALL, HIGH-GRADIENT STREAMS DIFFERENT? Hubbell (2001) presented a united neutral theory of biodiversity where communities assembled by ecologically equivalent individuals all part of a regional species pool. Dispersal is key, though others suggest that in streams, local environmental conditions also influence communities. The purpose here was to evaluate whether local environmental conditions and dispersal may together explain assembly of invertebrate communities. Macroinvertebrates were sampled and habitat variables measured in 8 sites in high-gradient streams in the White Mountains, Maine and New Hampshire, U.S.A. Matrices of similarities between sites (Bray-Curtis), including for predictor variables (distance between sites, habitat variable), were extracted, and associations between matrices explored using Mantel tests. Relationships between matrices were weak and never significant (e.g., Mantel test between invertebrate abundance and distance between sites, r = 0.199, p = 0.106, habitat variables, r = 0.279, p = 0.059, and habitat variables + distance, r = 0.285, p = 0.053). In high-gradient streams, neither dispersal, and/or local environmental conditions explain patterns of diversity. Results suggest a stochastic element to community assembly, complicating our ability to predict changes in diversity due to various stressors.

Brian Shelley (Primary Presenter/Author), Saint Joseph's College, bshelley@sjcme.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

LEAF LITTER QUALITY, NOT LOCAL ADAPTATION OF STREAM MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES, DRIVES LEAF DECOMPOSITION IN FORESTED HEADWATER STREAMS Resource subsidies are pervasive and can have implications for community dynamics and ecosystem processes in recipient systems. Forested headwater streams depend on leaf litter inputs, and elucidating the mechanisms and pathways driving the community- and ecosystem-level responses is of general ecological relevance. We conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment between two low- and two high-elevation streams within the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Otto, North Carolina, to address two objectives. Objective 1 evaluated the relative importance of (1) local adaptation of macroinvertebrates and (2) leaf litter composition to leaf decomposition. Objective 2 will implement structural equation modeling to evaluate how litter stoichiometry, shredders, predators, and water temperature interact to affect leaf decomposition. We observed an effect of litter composition on leaf decomposition (P < 0.001), while there was no discernible effect of local adaptation (P = 0.409). Our results suggest litter stoichiometry drives leaf decomposition in these forested headwater streams, and ongoing analyses are examining the pathways driving this important ecosystem function.

David Stoker (Primary Presenter/Author), Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, david.stoker@tamucc.edu;


Amber Falkner (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, afalkner@uga.edu;


Kelly Murray (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, kmmurray14@gmail.com;


Ashley Lang (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, ashley504@gmail.com;


Catherine Pringle (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, cpringle@uga.edu;


Jeffrey Hepinstall-Cymerman (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, jhepinstall@warnell.uga.edu;


Michael Conroy (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, mjconroy52@gmail.com;


Robert Cooper (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, rcooper@warnell.uga.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

STREAM COMMUNITY COMPARISONS BETWEEN GLACIATED AND UNGLACIATED REGIONS OF OHIO Geology and land use are among the most important factors influencing aquatic community structure and distribution of taxa in surface waters. In Ohio, there are regions that have been impacted by glaciers and areas without direct glaciation. The primary objective of this investigation was to examine differences in aquatic community structure in streams with different physiographic histories. In fall 2013, three streams from the Glaciated Till Plains (Hog Creek, South Fork of the Great Miami River & Macochee Creek) and three streams from the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau (Kokosing River, Wolf Creek & White Eyes Creek) were sampled for epipelic and epilithic algae, macroalgae, macroinvertebrates, fish, and selected environmental parameters. Results show that epipelic algae and macroinvertebrates were more diverse in depositional habitats of the Till Plains (H’, p<0.001), but riffle algal and macroinvertebrate community diversities were not significantly different between regions (p=0.34). However, both of these groups were negatively correlated (r= -0.88 and -0.90) with fish richness. Canonical correspondence analysis of diatoms, macroinvertebrate and fish functional feeding groups will be utilized to further elucidate the comparison between these taxonomic assemblages.

Wade Boys (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Arkansas, wadeboys@uark.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL ALGAL COMMUNITY VARIATION IN A DROUGHT-RESISTANT SPRING SYSTEM IN THE SANDIA MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO In xeric habitats, springs are geographically isolated systems which provide perennial water sources for aquatic organisms. Because drought events cause changing hydrologic conditions and water quality, they can potentially impact springs. This project sought to establish baseline information regarding temporal and spatial patterns of algal communities at a perennial spring/travertine waterfall/stream complex in the Sandia Mountains, New Mexico. Periphyton and macroalgae was sampled from seven sites; two in the spring above a waterfall, two within the waterfall, and three downstream from the waterfall. Collections were made during the pre-monsoon (June 2013) and post-monsoon (October 2013) season. Preliminary analyses indicate that diatoms dominated the spring section above the falls, while filamentous chlorophytes, xanthophytes, and cyanobacteria had greater abundances in the waterfall. Increased light levels and habitat heterogeneity likely led to increased filamentous algae along the waterfall face. Due to the importance of springs in arid-land ecosystems, these baseline data are critical as drought is predicted to become more severe and frequent in the southwestern USA.

Schelby Rosebrook (Primary Presenter/Author), Ohio Northern University, schelbyrosebrook@gmail.com;


Robert Verb (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, r-verb@onu.edu;


Leslie Riley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, l-riley.1@onu.edu;


Rebecca Bixby (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of New Mexico, bbixby@unm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MACROINVERTEBRATE BETA DIVERSITY AMONG STREAM MICRO-HABITATS Examination of beta diversity and functional traits provides important information about biological function of ecosystems. To better understand diversity-function relationships at small scales in streams, we analyzed patterns of macroinvertebrate beta diversity and functional trait composition across micro-habitat (erosional, depositional, and woody debris) and season (winter, spring, and summer). In each season, we sampled each micro-habitat within nine stream reaches in Seven Mile Creek, Michigan. Results showed distinct communities by habitat, with limited variation across seasons. Depositional habitats had high proportions of copepods and ceratopogonid midges, erosional habitats were dominated by simuliids, and woody debris had high proportions of psychomyiid caddisflies. Analysis of beta diversity showed higher nestedness:turnover ratios among micro-habitats than among seasons, indicating that species tend to be lost (as opposed to replaced) from one micro-habitat to the next. Functional trait composition revealed variation across micro-habitats in biological function, particularly swimming ability, rheophily, and trophic habit, while little variation was detected across seasons. Our findings show that macroinvertebrate community structure and functional traits can differ at small spatial scales in streams.

David J. Janetski (Primary Presenter/Author), Indiana University of Pennsylvania, janetski@iup.edu;


Carl R. Ruetz III (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Grand Valley State University, ruetzc@gvsu.edu;


Matthew Breen (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Utah Department of Natural Resources, mattbreen@utah.gov;


Steven L. Kohler (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western Michigan University, steve.kohler@wmich.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIATION IN MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN INTRODUCED SNAIL Invasive species can reduce diversity in the introduced range, especially when invaders have strong negative interactions with native species and reach high abundance or biomass. The invasive New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) was first documented in streams within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in 1994 and became the dominant macroinvertebrate in many locations within a decade. Previous studies indicate that Potamopyrgus is also a superior competitor for periphyton resources when compared to native snails (Pyrgulopsis robusta) and caddisflies (Brachycentrus sp.). Despite the implication that Potamopyrgus could have negative impacts on macroinvertebrate diversity, little evidence exists to support this claim. The objective of this study was to document spatial and temporal variation in macroinvertebrate diversity within one catchment where densities of Potamopyrgus vary across sites and have also fluctuated over the past decade. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected in riffle and depositional habitat at six sites in July 2014 following established protocols for previous macroinvertebrate collections at the same sites (2001 – 2007). Preliminary analyses indicate that macroinvertebrate diversity varies substantially across sites but is not related to changes in Potamopyrgus abundance.

Stephanie Estell (Primary Presenter/Author), Ohio Northern University , s-estell@onu.edu;


Nicole Berry (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, n-berry@onu.edu;


Jonathan Stechschulte (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, j-stechschulte.1@onu.edu;


Robert Verb (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, r-verb@onu.edu;


Leslie Riley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, l-riley.1@onu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

FACTORS CONTROLLING MACROINVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGES IN TWO STREAMS WITH CONTRASTING MACROCONSUMER ABUNDANCES Abiotic and biotic factors are important drivers structuring stream benthic communities. In tropical island streams, abiotic factors (e.g., habitat, flow) interact with biotic factors (e.g., presence of predators) to create conditions that potentially affect macroinvertebrate assemblages. Our goal was to asses the composition of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in two tropical streams and assess whether habitat and shrimp abundance play a role in explaining patterns in composition and abundance. Study streams (Prieta and Bisley) were selected in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico. Streams were similar in elevation and forest type, but contrasted in shrimp assemblages. Prieta had high shrimp densities and no predatory fish, while Bisley had predatory fish and few shrimp. Macroinvertebrate abundances in Prieta riffles were higher than pools, while Bisley pools showed higher abundance than riffles. Richness followed similar patterns as abundance. Multiple regression analyses indicated that shrimp abundance was the main factor explaining macroinvertebrate patterns. Overall, our study found that macroinvertebrate assemblages are strongly related to shrimp presence and abundance, but other factors might also play a role explaining assemblage structure.

Bethany Vazquez (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus, bethani.vazquez@gmail.com;


Alonso Ramírez (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), North Carolina State University, alonso.ramirez@ncsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INFLUENCE OF WOOD AND BARK PROPERTIES ON DIATOM AND MACROINVERTEBRATE COLONIZATION PATTERNS Woody debris plays numerous roles in aquatic systems including retention of particulate matter and the provision of available habitat and stable for aquatic organisms. Thus, this study set out to determine the impact of different types of woody debris on algal and macroinvertebrate colonization patterns and the role macroinvertebrates had in shaping the epidendric diatom community. Nine different wood types were cut into 10-cm segments. Wood pieces were assigned to either a caged (macroinvertebrate exclusion) or uncaged treatment. Over the course of eight weeks, six segments of each wood type (three caged, three uncaged) were extracted on a weekly basis and processed for diatoms and macroinvertebrates. While preliminary analysis showed that the wood substrate made an excellent habitat there was, in most cases, a limited preference of taxa towards a particular wood type. Additional analyses will examine the relationship of various wood and bark properties (e.g., bark roughness, specific gravity, porosity) on measurements of community diversity and density.

Janet Deardorff (Primary Presenter/Author), Miami University , j-deardorff@onu.edu;


Michael Taylor (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, m-taylor.4@onu.edu;


Chad Carroll (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Hancock Soil & Water Conservation District, ccarroll@hancockparks.com;


Dawn DeColibus (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ball State University, dtdecolibus@bsu.edu;


Darrin Rubino (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, rubino@hanover.edu;


Eric Schultz (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, e.schultz@ufl.edu;


Leslie Riley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, l-riley.1@onu.edu;


Robert Verb (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, r-verb@onu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF AQUATIC COMMUNITY STRUCTURE NEAR A LOWHEAD DAM The Jackson Street lowhead dam on the Ottawa River (Lima, Ohio) was originally installed to maintain water levels during dry periods of the year. This dam is candidate for removal to restore a more natural flow and one baffle has already been extracted from the northern portion of the dam. The objective of this investigation was to survey the aquatic life above and below the dam to create a baseline dataset of the community structure prior to dam removal. On August 29, 2014 two riffle habitats (five samples each) were sampled downstream of the dam and one riffle (five samples) was sampled upstream. At each site, selected physical and chemical parameters were measured along with collections of fish, periphyton, macroalgae and macroinvertebrates. Preliminary MANOVA analysis indicated that the site immediately downstream from the dam had the highest current velocity (p<0.05) and macroalgal community coverage (large bloom of Pamellopsis) (p<0.001). Future multivariate analyses will attempt to determine if there are differences in the other sampled aquatic communities and abiotic parameters above and below the dam.

Rody Seballos (Primary Presenter/Author), Ohio Northern University, r-seballos@onu.edu;


Wade Boys (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, wadeboys@uark.edu;


Kelsey Weidner (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, k-weidner@onu.edu;


Robert Verb (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, r-verb@onu.edu;


Leslie Riley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, l-riley.1@onu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

BENTHIC COMMUNITIES OF TIP-UP POOLS FROM A SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA FLATWOODS Forests of the Illinoian tillplain in southeastern Indiana are characterized by unique hydrology, soil features, and woody species composition. These hydro-mesophytic forests are typified by their poor drainage and lack of topography, topographic variation is limited to pit-and-mound topography resulting from tree falls. The tree fall pit represents a unique microhabitat in the forest matrix. Although much attention has been given to the woody species composition of these unique forests, almost nothing is known about the biota of these pits. In June 2010, nine tip-up pools from Tribbetts Woods, an old-growth remnant forest in Jennings County, Indiana, USA were visited to determine their diatom and macroinvertebrate community composition and their corresponding physiochemical conditions. Preliminary redundancy analysis depicted that the distribution of diatom and macroinvertebrate taxa along the first four (Monte Carlo permutation, p<0.05) multivariate axes were influenced by pool age, canopy cover and various geomorphological measurements of the pool (e.g., depth). It appears that these tip-up pool communities are dominated by acidobiontic diatoms (e.g., Eunotia) and chironomids. Additional analyses will be employed to examine spatial distributions between the benthic communities.

Paige Kleindl (Primary Presenter/Author), Annis Water Resources Institute-Grand Valley State University, kleindlp@mail.gvsu.edu;


Darrin Rubino (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, rubino@hanover.edu;


Leslie Riley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, l-riley.1@onu.edu;


Robert Verb (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, r-verb@onu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SURVEY OF BENTHIC ALGAL ASSEMBLAGES FROM GEOTHERMAL INFLUENCED AQUATIC SYSTEMS IN VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) of the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico (USA) has a rich volcanic history and contains an active geothermal system. In selected regions of the VCNP, the geothermal nature of local aquifers has a pronounced influenced on the environmental conditions of surface waters. Exploratory drilling within the VCNP has shown that Alamo and Sulfur Canyons are two locales that have surface waters influenced by sulfate enriched hot springs, sulfuric acid and hydrogen sulfide. The primary objective of this study was to survey the benthic algal assemblages along an elevational gradient (2,700 to 2,500-m) in these two locales. Four sites (3 Alamo Creek, 1 Sulfur Canyon) were sampled for basic water chemistry and various substrate types were surveyed for algal communities. There was a strong correlation (r=0.99) between surface water pH (4.1-2.3) and elevation, suggesting the influence of the geothermal inputs is enhanced with drops in the topography. The epipelic algal community was characteristic of low pH (Eunotia exigua, Euglena mutabilis) and decreases in measurements of community diversity were strongly correlated (r=0.89) with decreasing pH levels.

Robert Verb (Primary Presenter/Author), Ohio Northern University, r-verb@onu.edu;


David Miller (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, d-miller.9@onu.edu;


Leslie Riley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, l-riley.1@onu.edu;


Rebecca Bixby (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of New Mexico, bbixby@unm.edu;


Relf Price (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Los Alamos National Laboratory, relf@lanl.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MODELING GENE FLOW ACROSS A FRAGMENTED RIVER NETWORK Habitat fragmentation in rivers is ubiquitous. Both natural and anthropogenic agents fragment rivers longitudinally and these barriers affect organisms locally through habitat alteration/loss and regionally by reducing connectivity among populations. We evaluated the influence of river network fragmentation within the Neuse River Basin in North Carolina on a freshwater mussel species using the gene flow model CDPOP. The model allows varying the resistance to dispersal between river segments by altering dam permeability based on their structure characteristics (e.g., height, spillover type, etc.). Additionally, by testing the sensitivity of varying the carrying capacity of river segments based on their location within the river network (e.g., carrying capacity adjacent to dams might be reduced as an indicator of habitat loss or degradation), the influence of habitat fragmentation, loss, and degradation can be evaluated independently. Our modelling exercise helps identify barriers and sections of river networks that are more or less important for connectivity in the river network for a freshwater mussel metapopulation and attempts to identify the distinct impacts of habitat fragmentation, loss and degradation.

Matthew Fuller (Primary Presenter/Author), ORISE postdoc with US EPA/Atlantic Ecology Division, matthew.robert.fuller@gmail.com;


Martin Doyle (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Duke University, martin.doyle@duke.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SPATIAL RESPONSES OF ALGAL COMMUNITIES TO AN INTRODUCED SNAIL Grazing macroinvertebrates can alter periphyton community composition in lotic environments, but effects can be mediated by grazer densities, grazer identities and physical and chemical characteristics of streams. The invasive New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) is the dominant grazer in some streams within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and can alter diatom assemblages more than native grazers in one of these streams (Polecat Creek). Within Polecat Creek and a tributary spring stream (Marmot Spring), densities of Potamopyrgus vary substantially across sites. The objective of this study was to document spatial variation in algal community structure across these two streams and at sites with varying abundance of the invasive Potamopyrgus. Algal samples were collected at four sites in Marmot Spring and two sites in Polecat Creek. At each site, physicochemical measurements were recorded, visible macroalgae was collected by hand and four epilithon samples were paired with four Surber samples of macroinvertebrates in riffle habitat. Preliminary analyses indicate macroalgal taxa such as Oedogonium and Cladophora were present in Marmot Spring but declined downstream in Polecat Creek as relative abundance of Potamopyrgus increased.

Jonathan Stechschulte (Primary Presenter/Author), Ohio Northern University, j-stechschulte.1@onu.edu;


Nicole Berry (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, n-berry@onu.edu;


Stephanie Estell (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University , s-estell@onu.edu;


Robert Verb (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ohio Northern University, r-verb@onu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

VARIABILITY IN MACROINVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGES AMONG TALLGRASS AND MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE HEADWATER STREAMS Grasslands of the central Great Plains have been heavily impacted by agriculture and urbanization. There have been widespread research and restoration efforts on the region’s terrestrial ecosystems, but the streams that drain them have received much less attention. Most research on prairie streams has taken place at the Konza Prairie Biological Station (KPBS) in the tallgrass prairie ecoregion, but the degree to which KPBS streams reflect conditions of prairie streams in general is unknown. We sampled macroinvertebrate communities in 5 headwater streams located in Kansas and Oklahoma (n=3 in tallgrass, n=2 in mixed grass), and found differences in macroinvertebrate community structure between mixed and tallgrass prairies streams (ANOSIM, p=0.049). Differences were primarily driven by greater abundance of Physidae (14% contribution to dissimilarity), Baetidae (14%), Hyalellidae (12%), Coenagrionidae (7%), and Ostracoda (5%) in mixed grass streams. We hypothesize that these differences are due to differences in hydrology among sites and less canopy cover along the mixed grass streams. Broadening our understanding of prairie stream structure and function will help guide management and restoration of these imperiled systems.

Logan Shoup (Primary Presenter/Author), Southern Illinois University, lshoup@siu.edu;


Matt Whiles (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Florida, mwhiles@ufl.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ALTERNATIVE DYNAMIC REGIME THEORY:LARGE SCALE COMMUNITY SHIFTS IN A NEWLY RESTORED LAKE ACROSS MULTIPLE COMMUNITY LEVELS Alternative dynamic regime theory of shallow lakes is characterized by shifts between turbid algae-dominated and clear aquatic vegetation-dominated states. Shallow lakes undergoing ecological restoration have yet to be explored in this theory. Even less exploration has gone to understanding multiple community-level shifts. This research investigates the first five years of multiple aquatic community data from Thompson Lake at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve, Lewistown, IL; a lake undergoing restoration. In 2008, Thompson Lake’s clear water was low in nitrogen and high in SRP leading to an extensive cyanobacteria (Aphanizomenon flos-aque) bloom and shifting to turbid water in 2010-2012. This decrease Secchi depth corresponds to shifts in phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic vegetation, and fish compositions, with gizzard shad showing 145% population growth. A comparison of these communities with five years of reference data from the same period in a non-restored lake (Lake Wingra, WI) provides support for regime shifts in Thompson Lake. Three stages of community structuring have been categorized: early restoration, transition stage, and late restoration. This research uses a more inclusive multiple community approach to describing shallow lakes undergoing restoration.

Logan Benedict (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield IL, lbenedic@uis.edu;


Michael Lemke (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Illinois Springfield, lemke.michael@uis.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

NEW RECORDS AND RANGE EXTENSIONS OF MACROINVERTEBRATES FROM LAKE SUPERIOR During 2012 & 2013, macroinvertebrate surveys targeting invasive/rare species were conducted by the US EPA in Lake Superior around Isle Royale National Park (MI), within the St. Louis River Estuary (MN & WI), and Chequamegon Bay (WI). Twelve new taxa records/possible range expansions are documented from these study sites, including Oreodytes laevis (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae), Anafroptilum (possibly ozarkensum) (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) (ID provided by Dr. Tom Klubertanz, UW-Rock County), Allocladius (near bothnicus) (Diptera: Chironomidae), Constempellina (Diptera: Chironomidae), & Gyrinus cavatus (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae) from Isle Royale. We identified Polypedilum epleri (Diptera: Chironomidae), Sparbarus lacustris (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae), and the European Faucet Snail Bithynia tentaculata (Gastropoda: Bithynidae) from the St. Louis River Estuary. Oecetis nocturna (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) was identified from all study locations. Caenis hilaris (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) was found in the St. Louis River Estuary and Chequamegon Bay. Lastly, we identified Sparbarus maculatus, Sparbarus lacustris (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae), and Palmacorixa janeae (Hemiptera: Corixidae) from Chequamegon Bay. This research was funded wholly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through contracts EP-D-08-089 & EP-D-13-052 to EMR Inc. and Badger Technical Services.

Gerald Shepard (Primary Presenter/Author), EMR, Inc., 6201 Congdon Boulevard, Duluth, MN 55804 USA, shepard.gerald@epamail.epa.gov;


Adam Frankiewicz (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), EMR, Inc., 6201 Congdon Boulevard, Duluth, MN 55804 USA, Frankiewicz.Adam@epamail.epa.gov;


Brent Gilbertson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), EMR, Inc., 6201 Congdon Boulevard, Duluth, MN 55804 USA, Gilbertson.Brent@epamail.epa.gov;


Kurt Schmude (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Lake Superior Research Institute, University of Wisconsin – Superior, Superior, WI 54880 USA, KSchmude@uwsuper.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

POTENTIAL FOR CONTRASTING NUTRIENT SUBSIDIES TO GREAT LAKES TRIBUTARIES BY NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE MIGRATORY FISHES Resource subsidies have been shown to be ecologically important to aquatic ecosystems. However, little evaluation has been conducted of the subsidies associated with abundant fish migrations that occur between the Great Lakes and their tributaries. We compared the dynamics of dissolved nutrients excreted and dissolved carbon secreted by live non-native Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), and native White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) spawners. During spawning runs, five adults of each species were placed into separate containers of stream water, and then filtered water samples were collected hourly over 8 hours. Samples were analyzed for dissolved phosphorus (SRP), nitrogen (NH4+), and carbon (DOC), and then standardized by wet mass. Mean hourly NH4+ excretion rates were similar for all species, whereas SRP excretion rates were 2-4x higher for Atlantic Salmon and DOC secretion rates were 3-10x higher for Chinook Salmon. Thus, historical and ongoing changes in Great Lakes migratory fish run size and composition may alter nutrient loading to tributaries with broader implications for stream productivity and food web dynamics.

Ashley Moerke (Primary Presenter/Author), Center for Freshwater Research and Education, Lake Superior State University, amoerke@lssu.edu;


Matthew Elya (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Lake Superior State University, melya@lssu.edu;


Brandon Gerig (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Northern Michigan University, bgerig@nmu.edu;


Dominic Chaloner (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Notre Dame, dchaloner@nd.edu;


Michael Brueseke (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, mbruesek@nd.edu;


Gary Lamberti (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Notre Dame, lamberti.1@nd.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DISSIMILARITIES BETWEEN BROOK AND BROWN TROUT SEASONAL HABITAT USE AND MOVEMENT PATTERNS: IMPLICATIONS FOR HABITAT IMPROVEMENT Understanding differences in seasonal habitat use and movement patterns between trout species is important for effective concurrent management. Using radio telemetry, we tracked 17 brook trout in the Mainstream and North branch of the Au Sable River, MI from June 30 through October 25, 2014 to determine habitat use, and daily movement. Brook trout did not exhibit nighttime movement patterns common for brown trout in the same system and occupied habitats that were generally near shore, relatively shallow, smaller in size, structurally less complex, and offered less overhead cover than typical brown trout habitats. It is unclear why brook trout occupied these habitats, but competition with brown trout or the availability of cold-water refugia during summer months may partially explain these results. Because brook and brown trout behavior and habitat use appear to differ, both species should be accounted for when planning habitat improvement and protection projects. Further research should focus on the significance of thermal refugia and interspecific competition on brook trout habitat use.

Justin Wegner (Primary Presenter/Author), Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, wegnerju@mail.gvsu.edu;


Nathaniel Akey (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Grand Valley State University, akeyn@mail.gvsu.edu;


Mark Luttenton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, luttentm@gvsu.edu;


Graeme Zaparzynski (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, zaparzyg@mail.gvsu.edu ;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SPATIAL PATTERNS OF FISH ASSEMBLAGES IN LAKE MICHIGAN DROWNED RIVER MOUTHS Spatial patterns of species similarity in freshwater fish assemblages can be affected by dispersal processes and environmental conditions. We sampled littoral fish assemblages in 15 drowned river mouths (DRMs) of eastern Lake Michigan using 10-min electrofishing transects (n=5-6 per DRM). Transect environmental conditions were also measured. We captured 3,080 fish representing 45 species across the 15 DRMs. Using nonmetric multidimensional scaling, we found evidence of spatial structure in fish assemblages with the southern DRMs distinct from the others. Using canonical correspondence analysis, we found evidence that the southern DRMs were associated with high specific conductivity and turbidity. However, we did not find evidence of a positive correlation between species similarity and distance between each pair of DRMs, contrasting with a previous study in a subset of these DRMs and our original hypothesis that species similarity decreases with distance. A potential explanation for this finding was related to gear selectivity associated with boat electrofishing. We suggest that sampling fish with additional gear or approaches may be necessary to more rigorously test for the spatial pattern in littoral fish assemblages.

Samantha Morsches (Primary Presenter/Author), Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, morsches@mail.gvsu.edu;


David J. Janetski (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Indiana University of Pennsylvania, janetski@iup.edu;


Carl R. Ruetz III (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Grand Valley State University, ruetzc@gvsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ARE SALMON JUST BAGS OF ALLOCHTHONOUS NUTRIENTS?: ASSESSING FISH GROWTH ACROSS FOUR NUTRIENT-TREATED STREAMS IN CENTRAL IDAHO Decreased allochthonous subsidies and losses of benthic bioturbation have accompanied declines in Pacific salmon returns to historic spawning streams in the Western U.S. To simulate these annual nutrient pulses, fisheries managers have developed remediation protocols in which Salmon Carcass Analog (SCA) or adult salmon carcasses are added to streams. However, neither SCA nor carcasses can re-create the benthic disturbance of spawning salmon. Within a modified BACI framework, we conducted mark-recapture surveys to measure changes in fish biomass in four tributaries of the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho. These were treated with 3 different forms of salmon subsidy: SCA, salmon carcasses, live spawning Chinook, and a control. In two July 2014 sampling efforts, we weighed, measured, and PIT-tagged resident Chinook salmon (Oncoryhnchus tshawytscha), bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and sculpin (Cottus spp). In October, all recaptured fish were identified and re-weighed. Understanding differences in fish production between our study streams is an initial step toward creating a more sensitive model for estimating effects of common nutrient remediation treatments, including additions of live fish.

Martin Ventura (Primary Presenter/Author), Shoshone-Bannock Tribes/Idaho State University, ventmart@isu.edu;


Lytle Denny (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Shoshone-Bannock Tribes / Idaho State University, ldenny@sbtribes.com;


Colden Baxter (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Idaho State University, baxtcold@isu.edu;


David Richardson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, drichardson@sbtribes.com;


Sam Matsaw Jr. (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, matsamm@isu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE INTENSITY AND SEVERITY OF ENCYSTMENT PATTERNS OF BLACK SPOT DISEASE IN MINNOW HOST RHINICHTHYS ATRATULUS IN SENECA WATERSHED TRIBUTARIES For most parasitic organisms, attachment to a host is the difference between life and death. Because the host acts as the primary source of nourishment and shelter, parasites have evolved multiple ways to successfully attach themselves to their host. Black spot disease is common in freshwater fish and results in small black cysts that house the parasite in the skin of its host. We monitored the prevalence of black spot disease in blacknose dace Rhinichthys atratulus during 2012-13 in five tributaries in the Seneca Lake watershed (Geneva, NY). A 75-meter reach was electrofished at each stream site and length and weight were recorded for all infected fish. Photographs were taken of the left side of the fish. Using ImageJ, the surface area, cyst size, and percent surface area covered by cysts were measured to determine if the frequency and intensity of infection varies across streams and size classes of fish. Our results will highlight the use of a technology-based technique to answer an ecological question while offering possible rational for the non-random pattern of infection observed.

Shannon Beston (Primary Presenter/Author), The University of Texas at Arlington, beston@uta.edu;


Collin Funkhouser (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The University of Texas at Arlington, collin@uta.edu;


Matthew Walsh (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The University of Texas at Arlington, matthew.walsh@uta.edu;


Susan Cushman (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Hobart and William Smith Colleges, cushman@hws.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ROUND GOBY (NEOGOBIUS MELANOSTOMUS) CATCH TRENDS ACROSS THE NEARSHORE HABITATS OF NORTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN Native Cladophora algae cover has increased dramatically in northern Lake Michigan, producing both extensive live-growth beds and depositional sites where sloughed Cladophora has decayed, coincident to the invasion of the round goby (Neogobius melanostomous). To understand the role of these habitats in the distribution of the goby, catch trends across time, space, and different habitat types were analyzed using minnow traps and gill net data from near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore from 2010-2014. Boosted regression tree models of catch per unit effort (CPUE), average length, and the proportion of male gobies were produced from habitat and potential prey metrics. CPUE increased when water temperatures were higher, in the early summer, in areas with high Cladophora algae coverage and moderate amounts of quagga mussel coverage, and in areas with increased benthic prey diversity. Larger gobies were often found in the early summer and in areas with high mussel coverage; small gobies were more common at shallow (<15 m) depths. Numbers of males increased at shallower sites with bare sediment. Overall, round goby distribution was best explained by seasonality.

Taaja Tucker (Primary Presenter/Author), CSS-Dynamac, 10301 Democracy Lane, Suite 300, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States, taajatucker@gmail.com;


Steven Farha (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USGS - Great Lakes Science Center Hammond Bay Biological Station 11188 Ray Rd. Millersburg, MI 49759, sfarha@usgs.gov;


Erica Johnson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, 1451 Green Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 United States, eljohnson@usgs.gov;


Paige Wigren (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, 1451 Green Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 United States, pwigren@usgs.gov;


Stephen Riley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, 1451 Green Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 United States, sriley@usgs.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE EFFECT OF HABITAT ALTERATION ON DRAGONFLY POPULATIONS IN A SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SWAMP SLOUGH SYSTEM. The abundance of three predominant dragonfly species; Libellula incesta, Pachydiplax longipennis, and Erythemis simplicicollis, was surveyed from April 2010 to December 2014 at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Lee County, Florida. Several observations were made monthly at three similar pond habitats before (2010-2011) and after (2013-2014) the removal of emergent shoreline vegetation by the County. Populations of P. longipennis and especially L. incesta exhibited significant declines in all ponds due to loss of preferred perch sites. Erythemis simplicicollis populations increased significantly at all sites. Removal of vegetation resulted in an increase in mats of surface algae for perching by this species. This ongoing study contributes to the establishment of baseline data on odonate populations in the Slough and will be a valuable asset to determine how habitat alteration impacts the Preserve.

Cheryl Black (Primary Presenter/Author), Florida Southwestern State College, crblack2@fsw.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DISENTANGLING DISPERSAL LIMITATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL FILTERING EFFECTS ON TRAIT DISTRIBUTIONS IN HEADWATER STREAMS Understanding the relative importance of dispersal limitation and environmental filtering on community assembly has implications for our understanding and management of freshwater systems, especially because dispersal limitation is rarely controlled for in studies of environmental filtering. We propose a study utilizing observational and experimental approaches to disentangle the effects of dispersal limitation and disturbance regime in structuring community trait distributions. Our study will occur across a gradient of disturbance regimes in multiple headwater streams in the Napo drainage in Ecuador. First, we plan to determine if species traits correlate best with spatial proximity or physical data at multiple scales (e.g. reach bed mobility, watershed size), to separate dispersal limitation and environmental filtering on trait composition. Utilizing these observational measurements, we propose a mesocosm experiment manipulating disturbance intensity to determine how community trait distributions change under differing disturbance regimes. By holding dispersal limitation constant in these experiments, the effect of environmental filtering in this system can be isolated from that of dispersal limitation.

Erin Hotchkiss (Primary Presenter/Author), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), ehotchkiss@vt.edu;


LeRoy Poff (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Colorado State University, n.poff@rams.colostate.edu;


Andrea C. Encalada (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, Ecuador Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbaya, Ecuador, aencalada@usfq.edu.ec;


Alexander Flecker (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA, asf3@cornell.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CONSERVING AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM SERVICES THROUGH THE EMULATION OF NATURAL DISTURBANCES PARADIGM FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT Applying the emerging paradigm of emulation of natural disturbances (END) to forest management requires understanding how the riparian-aquatic interface responds to forest disturbances. A comparison of riparian forest condition and stream characteristics was conducted by assessing vegetation communities, litter inputs to streams, in-stream litter decomposition, and associated aquatic invertebrate communities in low-order boreal streams in catchments with disturbance histories including forest fire, logging with riparian buffers, and undisturbed. Shrub and juvenile woody-stem densities and richness were higher at fire than logged and reference sites. Mature tree densities at reference sites were 2x and 30x higher than at logged and fire sites, respectively. Litter decomposition rates were slightly higher at fire and lower at logged than reference sites. Invertebrate communities were distinctly characterized by unique shredder taxa, and leaf litter input composition was greater and communities dissimilar at fire than at logged and reference sites. Detectable differences in riparian forest condition and in-stream processes suggest that riparian management to emulate fire disturbance under END could promote ecosystem services by inducing forest succession and enhancing biodiversity, organic matter processing and habitat complexity.

Jordan Musetta-Lambert (Primary Presenter/Author), Environment and Climate Change Canada, jordan.musetta-lambert@canada.ca;


Elisa Muto (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canadian Forest Service, emuto@shaw.ca;


David Kreutzweiser (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service, dave.kreutzweiser@canada.ca;


Paul Sibley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Guelph, psibley@uoguelph.ca ;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

FISH COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO AN EXTREME FLOOD EVENT IN AN URBAN STREAM: SAND CREEK, DENVER, COLORADO Extreme flood events in urban landscapes are expected to be particularly catastrophic to aquatic communities, especially fish, because channelization and reinforced bank habitat constrain the floodplain where fish often seek refuge from high flows. Severe flooding (>100-year recurrence interval) occurred between September 13 and 20, 2013, in the Denver metropolitan area. Fish sampling and habitat evaluation on six reaches of Sand Creek was conducted in July and November 2013. Substantial changes to instream habitat were not observed in the study reaches. Individual fish collected after the floods were likely not long-term residents at the sites, but total fish density was greater than in July and well within the range of densities observed in this reach since 1996. Fish community composition has remained fairly stable since 1996, but greater species richness was found after the floods in 2013 compared to the July sampling event. Relocation of fish by high flows, as well as isolation of populations by instream drop structures after flows returned to typical low-flow conditions, may have resulted in little net change to the fish community.

Mindy Sprague (Primary Presenter/Author), GEI Consultants, Inc., msprague@geiconsultants.com;


Grant DeJong (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Pensacola Christian College, gdejong@geiconsultants.com;


Craig Wolf (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), GEI Consultants, Inc., cwolf@geiconsultants.com;


Jamie Nogle (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), GEI Consultants, Inc., jnogle@geiconsultants.com;


Lee Bergstedt (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), GEI Consultants, Inc., lbergstedt@geiconsultants.com;


Steve Canton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), GEI Consultants, Inc., scanton@geiconsultants.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CANCELED RESPONSE OF EMERGENT INSECT COMMUNITIES TO LANDSCAPE AND HYDROLOGIC CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN WETLANDS OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA Urbanization geographically alters landscapes reducing habitat heterogeneity and altering hydrology and water chemistry of local wetlands. We surveyed emergent insect communities of 25 wetlands in Tampa of Florida to determine what effects, if any, landscape and hydrological alteration had on insect community structure. During the study emergence peaked in July following initial inundation, then steadily declined until the wetlands dried out. The community structure was dominated by the order Diptera accounting for 89% of insects surveyed, and among these the family Chironomidae accounted for 59%. As standing water persisted community succession progressed with the appearance of and steady increase of predatory insects of the orders Hemiptera and Coleoptera, possibly contributing to the overall decline in emergent rates. We used an AIC model selection approach with stepwise linear regression models to determine the importance of physical and geographic parameters on emergent insect communities. We found that insects responded differently Diptera prospering in urban areas while all other populations declined. Our final model included two factors, forest area and hydroperiod as having the greatest influence on emergence (R-squared = 0.35, p=0.013).

Nathaniel Goddard (Primary Presenter/Author), University of South Florida, ngoddard@mail.usf.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DOC AND CPOM ALTER INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY COMPOSITION AND FOOD WEB DYNAMICS IN AN URBAN STREAM We examined the effects of differing allochthonous organic matter sources on food web characteristics of an urban stream. We deployed 24 rock baskets containing leaves and DOC diffusing substrata (2x2 factorial design) in Ransom Creek for three weeks. Rock baskets were then retrieved and processed in the lab. We used fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis to establish food web linkages. There was a strong enrichment effect due to the leaf treatment, resulting in a 60% increase in the total number of invertebrates, with significant increases in the densities of Chironomids, Gammarus (amphipoda), and Caecidotea (isopoda). Hydropsyche larvae showed a strong response due to the DOC treatment, resulting in a tripling of density and a dramatic boost in the %EPT of the community. We attribute the increase in Hydropsyche to greater food resources available to filter feeders through the microbial loop. We found that leaf inputs from the surrounding riparian zones are likely to boost densities of dominant taxa in the stream, but alternate food resources such as DOC may have a more substantial impact in altering food web characteristics.

Molly Christie (POC,Primary Presenter), Canisius College, christ13@my.canisius.edu;


Courtney Marlinski (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, marlinsc@canisius.edu;


Ryan Koch (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, kochr@canisius.edu;


David Kerling (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, kerling1@canisius.edu;


Jonathan O'Brien (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Canisius College, obrien46@canisius.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ACCOUNTING FOR BIOTIC VARIABILITY IN URBAN STREAMS: THE ROLE OF LOCAL AND LANDSCAPE FACTORS As impervious coverage increases, fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages consistently degrade. At low impervious levels, however, biotic integrity still varies widely across streams, suggesting a range in resistance to urban disturbance. Thirty-two sites were selected across Massachusetts within two narrow bands of impervious cover: 1.0–4.0% (n = 16) and 7.0–10.0% (n = 16). At these sites, fish richness ranged from 3–11 species (lower band) and 2–8 species (higher band). Macroinvertebrate richness varied from 18–33 species (lower band) and 8–29 species (higher band). Physicochemical and habitat variables were sampled at each site to determine whether they explain the biotic variation. Preliminary analysis indicates a wide array of environmental conditions: substrate D50 ranged from 1–180 mm and average embeddedness ranged from 0–54%. Across sites, summer water quality varied from 3.82–9.28 mg/L dissolved oxygen, 6.3–7.6 pH, 63.3–505.3 µS/cm conductivity, and 0.43–12.82 mg/L nitrate. An understanding of physicochemical and habitat characteristics, in addition to landscape development patterns, that confer resistance to urbanization will help guide management initiatives that protect ecosystem integrity.

Catherine Bentsen (Primary Presenter/Author), Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Massachusetts Amherst, cbentsen@umass.edu;


Allison Roy (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Massachusetts Amherst, aroy@eco.umass.edu;


David Armstrong (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center, darmstro@usgs.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SHIFTS IN NUTRIENT LIMITATION AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE ALONG AN URBAN WATERSHED GRADIENT In Utah and other western states, stream biofilms are commonly limited by nitrogen or colimited by both nitrogen and phosphorus. Interestingly, when added alone, phosphorus may slightly reduce chlorophyll levels in these biofilms. Although the mechanism remains unclear, it is thought that bacteria may outcompete algae for phosphorus and, consequently, lower chlorophyll levels. Our study explored how the relative balance of autotrophs and heterotrophs in stream biofilms may influence nutrient limitation and uptake in three urbanizing Utah watersheds. To assess which nutrient(s) limited primary production, we measured biofilm response (Chl a) to additions of either: nitrogen (NH4-N), phosphorus (PO4-P), both nitrogen and phosphorus, or no nutrients, in nutrient-diffusing substrates. We then compared the relative response of autotrophs and heterotrophs to nutrient enrichment with the Autotrophic Index (Ash-free dry mass / Chl a). In addition, we measured nutrient uptake rates of biofilms incubated in stream water enriched with either NH4-N or NH4-N + PO4-P at a series of concentrations. We will compare how biofilm community shifts between reference and urban sites may influence nutrient limitation and nutrient uptake.

Elizabeth Ogata (Primary Presenter/Author), Utah State University, bethogata@gmail.com;


Michelle Baker (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Utah State University, michelle.baker@usu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SMALL THINGS IN SMALL STREAMS IN SMALL TOWNS CAUSING BIG PROBLEMS Pharmaceuticals and plastics are widespread in aquatic environments, but the effects of these common, low-level contaminants are understudied. We used diffusing substrates to explore the effects and interactions of a heavy metal and an antibiotic on microbial biofilms in three sites: a forested stream, a storm-water dominated urban stream, and a stream with legacy industrial heavy metals and current wastewater treatment plant discharge. In addition, we assessed presence of microplastics upstream and downstream of small wastewater treatment plants and in storm-water dominated urban streams. Heavy metals from old industrial activities and aging infrastructure are common in many small towns in upstate New York. Metals have the potential to create interactive effects with antibiotics, and aging infrastructure can contribute these types of contaminants. Microbial biofilm respiration rate was significantly lower in the presence of a heavy metal, an antibiotic, and metal plus antibiotic in the forest stream but not in the two urban streams. Microplastics were present in all samples and were highest in the storm-water dominated stream during stormflow.

Hannah Bachrach (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Skidmore College, hbachrac@skidmore.edu;


Anna Gubbins (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Skidmore College, agubbins@skidmore.edu;


Margaret Pfeffer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Skidmore College, mpfeffer@skidmore.edu;


Jordan Stark (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Skidmore College, jstark@skidmore.edu;


Sarah Turner (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Skidmore College, sturner@skidmore.edu;


Cathy Gibson (Primary Presenter/Author), Skidmore College, gibson.cathy@gmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SPATIAL VARIATIONS IN ACTIVITY AND COMPOSITION OF THE CHICAGO RIVER SYSTEM MICROBIOME Freshwater ecosystems in urban habitats are vulnerable to human activity. Microbial communities are essential to nutrient cycling within these habitats, so there is interest in understanding how anthropogenic stressors may impact them. We conducted our study in the Chicago River system, which receives multiple sources of anthropogenic inputs including effluent from a large wastewater treatment plant. The goal of this project was to characterize the activity, abundance, and taxonomic composition of benthic bacterial communities in the Chicago River system, and to determine how these parameters varied across locations within the system. Specifically, we measured nutrient chemistry, bacterial community activity (respiration and denitrification), bacterial abundance (direct counts), and bacterial community composition (next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes) at nine sites within the North Shore Channel, North Branch and Main Stem of the Chicago River. We found significant variations in nutrient chemistry and bacterial community activity, abundance and composition, and observed a significant effect of the wastewater treatment plant effluent. The results of this study provide valuable insight into the influence of anthropogenic stressors on the microbiome of an urban river.

Margaret Sladek (Primary Presenter/Author), Loyola University Chicago, msladek007@gmail.com;


Timothy Hoellein (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Loyola University Chicago, thoellein@luc.edu;
Dr. Hoellein is a freshwater ecologist at Loyola University Chicago. His research interests are focused on ecosystem processes and biogeochemistry. His research lab explores these areas in associate with the movement and biological transformation of elements, energy, and pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Rachel Poretsky (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Illinois at Chicago, microbe@uic.edu;


John Kelly (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Loyola University Chicago, Jkelly7@luc.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

NOT ALL PAVEMENTS LEAD TO A STREAM: EFFECTS OF VARIATION IN IMPERVIOUS SURFACE CONNECTIVITY ON URBAN STREAM ECOSYSTEMS Watershed urbanization leads to chemical and thermal pollution of urban streams and significant declines in aquatic biodiversity. However, most studies have focused on variation in total impervious surface cover (ISC) as the primary variable driving urban stream degradation. We asked instead whether the connectivity of ISC within watersheds alters its impact. We compared seven NC streams draining watersheds with similar development intensity (ISC 7-14%) but highly variable subsurface connectivity (pipe density 1.1-6.9 km/ha). Across these streams we measured remarkable variability in flooding frequency (8-16 events in the 17 week study period), maximum specific conductance (143-322 ?S/cm), and macroinvertebrate taxa richness (11-21). Contrary to our predictions, pipe density was not a predictor of food chain length (p=0.34) or heavy metal bioaccumulation (p>0.05) across these streams. We did find, however, that tissue concentrations of both copper and lead in several taxa (Cambaridae, Tipulidae, and Hydropsychidae) were correlated strongly with pipe density (p<0.05), but not ISC. Our results suggest that the connectivity of ISC may drive considerable variation in the magnitude of ecosystem degradation associated with the same level of development.

Ethan Baruch (Primary Presenter/Author), Arizona State University, ebaruch@asu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

BIOTURBATOR IMPACTS ON NUTRIENT CYCLING AND MICROBIAL PROCESSES IN RESTORED WETLAND SOILS In the Midwest, agricultural land is often flooded for wetland restoration, however these wetlands sometimes store less carbon, remove less nitrogen and release phosphorous. This study aimed to test whether bioturbators enhance wetland functioning. We hypothesized that bioturbator activity would 1) increase Fe-bound phosphorus through sediment aeration, 2) increase denitrification in anoxic castes, and 3) increase microbial activity by creating microsites with varying redox conditions. To test this, we created microcosms with soil from three restored agricultural wetlands, adding zero, low, medium or high densities of worms (Lumbriculus variegatus). We analyzed for dissolved forms of phosphorus and nitrogen in pore waters and monitored microbial activity by measuring respiration and denitrification potential. Bioturbators had variable impacts on phosphorus, depending on soil type and worm density. Bioturbators also increased or did not impact pore water nitrogen. In addition, bioturbators increased respiration and denitrification, indicating larger microbial communities. Overall bioturbators had variable impacts on wetland functioning.

Abby Hoffman (Primary Presenter/Author), Duke University, abby.hoffman@duke.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MONITORING BLUE-GREEN ALGAE DYNAMICS AND WATER QUALITY IN TWO EUTROPHIC WATER SYSTEMS Climate change is expected to influence aquatic ecosystems, creating the necessity to collect data related to the effects of weather on water dynamics and food webs. In this comparative study, we test for relationships between weekly water quality measurements and weather data in two aquatic systems, located 70 km apart, in Vermont. The first, Shelburne Pond, is a small, shallow hyper-eutrophic system, and the second, Missisquoi Bay in Lake Champlain, is a large, shallow eutrophic system. Missisquoi Bay has six major river tributaries and Shelburne Pond has none. Both systems experience cyanobacteria blooms during the summer. Because the study sites differ in surrounding land use, and susceptibility to wind-mixing events, we expected a difference in time of development and the concentrations and intensity of cyanobacteria bloom patterns along with other studied water quality parameters. Results show that Shelburne Pond had a much longer and more intense cyanobacteria bloom period than Missisquoi Bay. The findings provide insight into aquatic systems’ response to climate forcing and information to develop best water resource management practices to adapt to climate change in Vermont.

Nemesis Ortiz-Declet (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, nemesis.ortiz@gmail.com;


Bradley Roy (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Vermont , bradroy55@yahoo.com;


Peter Isles (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Vermont , pisles@uvm.edu;


Jason Stockwell (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Vermont , jdstockw@uvm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HARDY POND, MASSACHUSETTS: A CITIZEN SCIENCE AND INTERNSHIP PROJECT Hardy Pond, a freshwater pond located in suburban Waltham, Massachusetts, has undergone changes in depth and clarity and fish kills have occurred. Fertilization, storm runoff, and other anthropogenic effects are theorized to be leading to these anoxic conditions and reduction of depth. From October 2013 through September 2014, we collected water column physical-chemical data (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, and conductivity), Secchi depth, and a surface water grab sample in the middle of the pond. Water samples were process for total suspended solids, non-volatile suspended solids, chlorophyll, particulate CNP, total dissolved N and P, and dissolved inorganic N and P. We plotted depth profiles by month for each parameter, and characterized the pond using summer chlorophyll a concentrations, Secchi disk data, and total phosphorous. Hardy Pond was largely hypertrophic in the summer months (June – September 2014) based on the use of a trophic classification system with the bottom half of the pond going hypoxic/anoxic during later summer months. This information is reported to the HPLA board on an annual basis so they can make management decisions.

Amelia Atwood (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Massachusetts Boston, amelia.atwood@Umb.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE DEPTH DISTRIBUTION IN LAKE WITH A DEEP METALIMNETIC PHOTOSYNTHETIC COMMUNITY (DCM) The distribution of benthic invertebrates is affected by physical, chemical, and biological processes. These processes interact to create distinct niches, however little research has been conducted on benthic-pelagic interactions. We investigated benthic invertebrate depth distribution in a protected Kansas reservoir with a deep metalimnetic photosynthetic community (DCM). The reservoir has a protected watershed managed by the University of Kansas, making it an ideal model for a minimally disturbed, stratified lake. Benthic samples were collected at meter depth increments and invertebrates were identified and counted. The distribution, abundance, and richness of benthic invertebrates were analyzed in conjunction with a long-term DCM data set and water quality depth profile. By studying benthic invertebrates in the presence of DCM, we can observe how this system-specific occurrence affects benthic invertebrate functional groups and benthic-pelagic interactions, proposing a level of system complexity not recognized in standard lentic ecosystem models or water quality assessments.

Brendan Martin (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Hawaii at Manoa, btmartin@hawaii.edu ;


Jerry deNoyelles (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Kansas Biological Survey, jdenoy@ku.edu ;


Rachel Bowes (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Kansas, Kansas Biological Survey, rebowes.wildlife@gmail.com;


James H. Thorp (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Kansas/Kansas Biological Survey, thorp@ku.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MACROPHYTE ASSOCIATED MICROBIAL NITROGEN AND PHOSPHOROUS CYCLING IN AN URBAN WETLAND Wetlands in urban-dominated watersheds can serve an important role in nutrient cycling and removal. These ecosystem processes are often mediated by plant-microbial interactions. We measured microbial N and P cycling and physicochemical characteristics associated with wetland plants (individual species, functional groups), floating algal mats, and non-vegetated sediments (control) in a central Indiana urban wetland. Physicochemical characteristics of water and sediment were measured in situ. Sediment microbial activity (as nutrient uptake and respiration) was measured in vitro. Sediments of deep-rooted species had higher organic matter content than sediments associated with shallow-rooted species. Additionally, microbial activity rates were higher in sediments of deep-rooted species. Across plant types, sediment microbial activity was positively correlated with organic matter content. Nutrient uptake rates were also correlated with respiration rates. Our results demonstrate variability in plant-associated microbial nutrient cycling in wetlands. Our findings provide insight into the influence of plant diversity on microbial nutrient cycling which may be important to consider for wetland restoration, mitigation and management in urban landscapes.

Aaron Marti (Primary Presenter/Author), Ball State University, ammarti@bsu.edu;


Melody Bernot (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ball State University, mjbernot@bsu.edu;


Allison Rober (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Ball State University, arrober@bsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CHANGES IN INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES OF TWO NORTHERN MINNESOTA SEASONAL PONDS RELATED TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY Changes in climate (e.g. ice-out dates, storm intensity) and land use may affect taxa composition and biomass in forested seasonal ponds. We compared taxa richness and functional feeding group (FFG) biomass for pond 21 impacted by blowdown (2013) and timber salvage (2014) and pond 288c impacted only by blowdown. Both ponds experienced interannual differences in ice out dates. We found no significant differences in mean daily water temperature between 2013 and 2014, but a later ice out date in 2014 caused degree days (ice out date to invertebrate sampling date) to be nearly 3x greater than in 2013. In pond 288c we observed a 49% increase in total biomass in shallow habitats (predators and shredders) from 2013 to 2014. FFG composition changed in deep habitats of pond 288c between years (gatherers decreased, filterers increased). In pond 21 total biomass declined by 50% in deep habitats (predators decreased, scrapers increased). In 2014 we collected additional taxa not found in both ponds the previous year. It appeared that climate impacts, particularly ice out dates, may affect invertebrate communities more than other disturbances.

Sheila Northbird (Primary Presenter/Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, shnorthbird@students.lltc.edu;


Pete Maas (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, pemaas@students.lltc.edu;


Sue Eggert (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, seggert@fs.fed.us;


Annette Drewes (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, annette.drewes@lltc.edu;


Dave Ongaro (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Minnesota-Duluth, daveongaro@hibbing.edu;


Matt Frazer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, jafrazer@students.lltc.edu;


Michelle Marion (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, mimarion@students.lltc.edu;


Kristina Isham (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, krisham@students.lltc.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INTERANNUAL VARIATION IN INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA SEASONAL PONDS Invertebrate community structure in the same seasonal forested pond can vary greatly from year to year. It has been hypothesized that variation in invertebrate responses results from variability in initial conditions in ponds. In 2013 we began monitoring invertebrate assemblages and physical variables in shallow and deep habitats of six ponds in northern MN on the same day (May 14) each year to observe how invertebrate populations respond to variation in initial physical conditions. While mean daily water temperatures did not vary greatly between years, accumulated degree days were 3X greater in 2014 due to earlier ice out. Five additional taxa were collected during 2014 than during the previous year suggesting that some taxa were further along in their life cycles. The increase in degree days did not result in significant increases in abundance and biomass; total biomass, gatherer biomass (fairy shrimp), and filterer abundance (mosquito larvae, fingernail clams) were significantly lower in 2014 than 2013. Examining additional sources of abiotic and biotic variation and continuing long-term data collection will help explain patterns of invertebrate communities in northern seasonal ponds.

Sue Eggert (Primary Presenter/Author), USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, seggert@fs.fed.us;


Annette Drewes (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, annette.drewes@lltc.edu;


Sheila Northbird (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, shnorthbird@students.lltc.edu;


Pete Maas (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, pemaas@students.lltc.edu;


Dave Ongaro (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Minnesota-Duluth, daveongaro@hibbing.edu;


Matt Frazer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, jafrazer@students.lltc.edu;


Michelle Marion (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, mimarion@students.lltc.edu;


Kristina Isham (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Leech Lake Tribal College, krisham@students.lltc.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DISTANCE-BASED MEASURES TO DETERMINE WETLAND ADJACENCY: REGIONAL AND NATIONAL IMPLICATIONS To better understand the implications of distance-based measures of potentially connectivity, we combined National Wetlands Inventory data with the National Hydrography Dataset and quantified the abundance of potentially non-adjacent wetlands of the United States. We further compared our results across multiple distance measures, 10-m, 30-m, and 300-m, in five areas of the country with known high densities of non-adjacent or so-called “geographically isolated wetlands.” At the national scale, we identified over 9.6 million unique wetland polygons that were potentially non-adjacent, finding that over 64,000 km^2 of wetlands may be non-adjacent based on our distance-based measure. This equates to approximately 15% of the freshwater wetland resources of the United States, using current estimates of national wetland extent. Altering the distance-based measure, as expected, decreased the extent of potentially non-adjacent wetlands, with greater impacts in areas with high stream densities. On-going improvements to the methodology include using lotic system hydrogeomorphology to better determine floodplain extent.

Charles Lane (Primary Presenter/Author), US EPA, Watershed & Ecosystem Characterization Division, Cincinnati, OH , lane.charles@epa.gov;


Ellen D'Amico (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Pegasus Corporation, Research Contractor to the US Environmental Protection Agency, damico.ellen@epa.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

A BAYESIAN MULTILEVEL MODEL FOR MICROCYSTIN PREDICTION IN LAKES OF THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES The frequency of cyanobacteria blooms in North American lakes is increasing. A major concern with rising cyanobacteria blooms is microcystin, a common cyanobacterial hepatotoxin. To explore the conditions that promote high microcystin concentrations, we analyzed the US EPA National Lake Assessment (NLA) dataset collected in the summer of 2007. The NLA dataset is reported for nine eco-regions. We used the results of random forest modeling as a means of variable selection from which we developed a Bayesian multilevel model of microcystin concentrations. Model parameters under a multilevel modeling framework are eco-region specific, but they are also assumed to be exchangeable across eco-regions for broad continental scaling. The exchangeability assumption ensures that both the common patterns and eco-region specific features will be reflected in the model. Furthermore, the method incorporates appropriate estimates of uncertainty. Our preliminary results show associations between microcystin and turbidity, total nutrients, and N:P ratios. Upon release of a comparable 2012 NLA dataset, we will apply Bayesian updating. The results will help develop management strategies to alleviate microcystin impacts and improve lake quality.

Farnaz Nojavan (Primary Presenter/Author), Environmental Protection Agency, Nojavan.Farnaz@epa.gov;


Betty Kreakie (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Environmental Protection Agency, Kreakie.Betty@epa.gov;


Jeffrey Hollister (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Environmental Protection Agency, Hollister.Jeff@epa.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

FRESHWATER SPONGES AS PALEOLIMNOLOGICAL INDICATORS IN VOLO BOG Volo Bog Nature Preserve has one of northeastern Illinois’s most unique wetlands, containing naturally acidic water with pH ranging from 5.7-6.2. The wetland originated as a kettle lake and is now ringed by a floating mat of Sphagnum moss. To investigate how the wetland developed, we collected an 8.5-m sediment core and analyzed siliceous spicules of sponges preserved in the sediment. Three types of spicules (skeletal support structures) were well preserved throughout the sediment core. Megascleres (large supportive structures) were most common, but microscleres, and gemmoscleres, were also present. Anheteromeyenia ryderi and Spongilla lacustris were present at all sediment depths analyzed. A. ryderi is an acidic indicator, suggesting the wetland was acidic throughout the entire ~6300 years spanned by the sediment core. In continuing research, spicules of A. ryderi and S. lacustris will be quantified, to determine if relative abundances change over time. Sponge spicules are thicker, thus more resistant to dissolution than are diatoms, allowing sponge spicules to be used as paleolimnological indicators when diatoms are absent.

Grace Cocking (Primary Presenter/Author), Northeastern Illinois University, G-demers@neiu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

LINKING DECOMPOSITION TO METHANE PRODUCTION IN ALASKAN PONDS Increasing global temperatures may enhance methane (CH4) production in aquatic ecosystems by accelerating microbial metabolism, altering dissolved oxygen patterns, and enhancing plant growth that provides carbon for methanogens. We assessed CH4 production in nine ponds on the Copper River Delta, Alaska via sediment incubations. To elucidate CH4 assimilation pathways during decomposition, we provided substrate (3.0g of lily - Nuphar polysepalum) and manipulated oxygen concentration in two treatments: anoxic and oxic. We used carbon stable isotopes to track changes in delta13C of the decomposing lily substrate. The anoxic treatment had significantly higher CH4 production rates than the oxic treatment (p<0.001). Although treatments did not differ in delta13C, CH4 production was a significant predictor of the change in delta13C during decomposition (p=0.011). Changes in delta13C values were also correlated with oxic methanogenesis (r=-0.73; p=0.025), suggesting that the amount of CH4 produced limits its oxidation and assimilation during decomposition. Understanding this relationship sheds light on processes that govern an ecosystem highly susceptible to climate change and better illuminates how CH4 dynamics impact wetland foodwebs.

Julia Hart (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Notre Dame, jhart3@nd.edu;


Carmella Vizza (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Notre Dame, cvizza@nd.edu;


William West (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Notre Dame, wwest@nd.edu;


Gary Lamberti (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Notre Dame, lamberti.1@nd.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

IS THERE EVIDENCE OF EUTROPHICATION IN VOLO BOG NATURE PRESERVE? A PALEOLIMNOLOGICAL STUDY WITH DIATOMS Volo Bog Nature Preserve in northeastern Illinois is threatened by increasing suburban sprawl encroaching on its borders. To determine if the Sphagnum wetland has become more eutrophic, we collected a sediment core and analyzed diatoms preserved over time. Diatom species composition showed no apparent patterns from the bottom to the top of the core, which is estimated by radiocarbon dating to span several hundred years. The most common diatom species throughout the core, Gomphonema gracile and Encyonema silesiacum, thrive at low to moderate nutrient levels. Thus, we did not find evidence of recent eutrophication. In continuing research, diatoms will be analyzed in a sediment core spanning the past 6300 years, to determine if longer trends in eutrophication occurred as the bog developed over time.

Charles Sandusky (Primary Presenter/Author), Northeastern Illinois University, ccsandusky90@gmail.com;


Jennifer Slate (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Northeastern Illinois University, J-Slate@neiu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CHIRONOMIDAE (DIPTERA) COMMUNITY RELATIONS TO STREAM HABITATS IN THE MISSOURI OZARK REGION Finer taxonomic resolution of Chironomidae is not pursued because of processing difficulty and the frequent lack of community interpretational gain. Benefits of finer taxonomic data is increasing when analyses include multivariate techniques. Chironomidae from ten tributaries flowing into the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, Missouri, USA were collected using a Brown sampler from two tributary types and multiple mesohabitats. Univariate and multivariate tools were incorporated to examine whether or not Chironomidae genera change community-environmental relationships. Non-metric multidimensional scaling was used to explore community trends. Forty-eight genera of Chironomidae were collected and tributary or mesohabitat-scale community relations were not altered. Subfamily densities of Tanypodinae and Chironominae differed among mesohabitats being higher in pools and riffles of surface-fed tributaries than in spring-fed. Common Chironomidae densities related to environmental measures reflecting dependence upon fine substrates and food resources. These data indicate Chironomidae genera add critical understanding to Ozark stream ecology. Applications to eutrophy and land cover are present to aid in early detection of environmental threats.

Rachel Heth (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Missouri, hethleesine@hotmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

IDENTIFYING HOTSPOTS OF BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE ABUNDANCE IN LAKE WINNEBAGO, WI Benthic invertebrates play important roles in aquatic ecosystems. Chironomids, for example, comprise approximately half of the carbon assimilated by lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in Lake Winnebago, the largest inland lake in Wisconsin. However, little is known about the spatial distribution of chironomids and other benthic invertebrates throughout the lake. Our objectives were to observe where invertebrates were most densely clustered and to determine which physical characteristics were correlated with their distribution. We collected invertebrates and measured sediment characteristics at 45-60 locations at various depths and substrates throughout the lake in August of 2013 and 2014. We will use GIS and spatial statistics to identify spatial variation in invertebrate abundance within and between years and to determine associations between taxonomic diversity and physical factors. Preliminary results indicate areas of increased chironomid and total invertebrate abundance in the northeastern portion of the lake. Additionally, the littoral and profundal sites differ in the dominant invertebrate taxa present. A better understanding of the spatial distribution of benthic invertebrates in lakes may be useful for predicting impacts of primary consumers on higher trophic levels.

Courtney Heling (Primary Presenter/Author), UWO, helinc43@uwosh.edu;


Robert Stelzer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, stelzer@uwosh.edu;


Mamadou Coulibaly (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), UWO, coulibal@uwosh.edu;


H. Gene Drecktrah (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), UWO, drecktra@uwosh.edu;


Ryan Koenigs (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Wisconsin DNR, ryan.koenigs@wisconsin.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY CHANGES OVER TWO DECADES IN RELATIVELY UNDISTURBED STREAMS IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN Understanding human driven changes in aquatic ecosystems is often hindered by a lack of long term data. Where data is available, it provides an invaluable baseline to which new sampling efforts can be compared. We conducted monitoring on 26 streams in northern Marquette County, Michigan from 2008 to 2012. We used proportional abundances of invertebrate taxa to compare the functional feeding group (FFG) composition of invertebrate communities between streams during five years of sampling. We compared these data to previously published data from 1992 and 1993 to elucidate changes in trophic structure over time. Stream-specific FFG makeup changed over the two decades since the reference study. Gatherers remained the dominant FFG in the Salmon Trout River but were proportionally less abundant, while the percentage of shredders increased from 3% to 29%. Among-stream differences in FFG composition were more evident in recent sampling, with the Yellow Dog River dominated by scrapers (47% as opposed to 23% in the Salmon Trout). Further land use and stream chemistry analyses will be necessary to investigate the drivers of shifts in aquatic invertebrate community structure.

Corey Krabbenhoft (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Minnesota, krabb012@umn.edu;


Ashley Burtner (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, aburtner@umich.edu;


Donna Kashian (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Wayne State University, dkashian@wayne.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED METRIC INDEX (IMI) FOR HAWAIIAN STREAM ECOSYSTEMS The Hawaiian Islands have the most unique, geographically remote, freshwater streams in the world, however, human activities, invasive species and climate change threaten the integrity of these ecosystems. Monitoring the health of Hawaiian streams is crucial to their preservation, but additional research is needed to properly assess the quality of Hawaiian streams. In January 2015, a study on the island of Hawaii was conducted to understand the ecological and physicochemical characteristics of two interior Hawaiian streams. Drift samples were collected hourly to quantify native shrimp, Atyoida bisulcata, (Hawaiian name: 'O'pae kala'ole), dispersion and downstream recruitment, as well as the associated macroinvertebrate community. Neonate shrimp larvae composed the largest proportion of nocturnal drift in the streams. The drift community suggested that an integrated metric index would be beneficial as an indicator of stream health and serve as a tool for continued monitoring and assessment.

Antonio Garcia (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin Milwaukee- School of Freshwater Science, algarcia@uwm.edu;


Mishal Al-Wathiqui (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin Milwaukee- School of Freshwater Science, mishal@uwm.edu;


Keith Krukowski (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - School of Freshwater Sciences, krukows6@uwm.edu;


Laura Fields-Sommers (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - School of Freshwater Sciences, fieldss2@uwm.edu;


Tarek Teber (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - School of Freshwater Sciences, tateber@uwm.edu;


Nicklaus Neureuther (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - School of Freshwater Sciences, neureut3@uwm.edu;


Stephen DeVilbiss (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - School of Frehswater Sciences, devilbi3@uwm.edu;


Timothy Schierenbeck (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Freshwater Science, schiere2@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

INVERTEBRATE COLONIZATION OF LIVE VERSUS DEAD LARGE WOOD OF DIFFERENT SPECIES IN A GRAVEL BED STREAM Submerged large wood plays an important role in structuring the invertebrate community of some stream ecosystems. Our purpose was to determine whether live and dead wood of different species is preferred by different invertebrates. Invertebrate colonization of wood was measured in a pool of a perennial first order gravel-bed stream in Arkansas after an inundation period of nine months. Logs (15x50 cm) used for this study were from live and dead loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and white oak (Quercus alba) trees of comparable age and size. The dead wood was cut from trees killed by an ice storm in January 2009. The invertebrate community structure varied significantly across all wood types. Leptophlebiids were significantly more dense on both live and dead pine (p= 0.028); while gastropods were significantly higher on dead oak (p=0.009). Ceratopogonids, amphipods, rotifers, chironomids, and tardigrades were significantly more abundant on live pine logs (p <0.05). Thus we conclude that wood characteristics may play an important role in structuring the invertebrate community in streams.

shrijeeta ganguly (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Arkansas, sganguly@uark.edu;


Victoria Liddle (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, vliddle@uark.edu;


Arthur Brown (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, artbrown@email.uark.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DISTRIBUTION OF MEIOFAUNA WITHIN RIFFLES The spatial distribution of benthic meiofauna in the head and tail regions of riffles was examined in six gravel riffles from two first order tributaries in the Illinois River, Arkansas. The purpose of this study was to see if a bias existed in the abundance of meiofauna within a riffle, like it does for macroinvertebrates. Three with the volume-250ml sediment cores were taken from both the head and tail of the riffle at each site. Meiofauna taxa (especially rotifera, nematoda, oligochaeta and cladocera) were abundant in the upstream and downstream ends of each riffle. There were no conclusive results indicating that meiofauna had a biased distribution within riffles. Certain taxa had significantly higher relative abundance than other taxa, but they were not significantly different between upstream and downstream ends of riffles. Unlike macroinvertebrates, meiofauna apparently do not exhibit a bias toward the upstream and downstream ends of a riffle.

Melissa Welch (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Arkansas, mkw007@email.uark.edu;


Nicole Prescott (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, nprescot@email.uark.edu;


Arthur Brown (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, artbrown@email.uark.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EVALUATION OF FACTORS CONTROLLING METHANOGENS AND METHANE-OXIDIZING BACTERIA ON HYDROPSYCHID CADDISFLY RETREATS Biogenic methane is produced in aquatic sediments by methanogenic Archaea (MET), and captured by methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB), thereby cycling methane into food webs. Preliminary work has shown that net-spinning caddisfly (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) retreats support MET and MOB, which are consumed by hydropsychids. We evaluated whether these microbes are incidental on retreats (captured during filter feeding), or if retreats facilitate their growth. MET populations on retreats were strongly related to both seston and sediment concentrations for Hydropsyche, but only to sediment concentrations for Cheumatopsyche. MOB populations on retreats were positively related to seston concentrations for Hydropyche and sediment concentrations for Cheumatopsyche. These differences may reflect differences in retreat construction and stream microhabitat. In a lab experiment, hydropsychid gut and net MOB densities were highest in the experimental treatment containing sediment plus methane, and lowest in the treatment with no sediment and equilibrium methane concentration. These results suggest that retreats facilitate MOB growth, but that sediment may be needed to establish or maintain MOB populations on retreats.

Matthew Monteverde (Primary Presenter/Author), University of North Carolina at Greensboro, mrmontev@uncg.edu;


Anne Hershey (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, aehershe@uncg.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

LARVAL FISH PREDATION AND FLOW CESSATION EFFECT BENTHIC AND PLANKTONIC MEIOFAUNA RELATIVE ABUNDANCE AND SIZE IN ARTIFICIAL POOLS. Eight artificial pools were placed in a 3rd order reach of the Illinois River in northwest Arkansas and allowed to colonize for 9 days. Benthic core and planktonic samples were taken daily. Water flow was stopped, local larval fish were added to half the pools, and sampling continued for one week. Both benthic and planktonic samples showed different dominant taxa in fish and fishless pools. Planktonic samples displayed significant differences in overall meiofauna counts but benthic samples did not. MANOVA testing of mean length in planktonic samples for fish/fishless treatments found effects of both taxa and fish treatment individually, but no overall interaction. Comparison of mean length in benthic samples found only an effect by taxa. Both benthic and planktonic samples from flow/no flow treatments showed significant differences in relative abundance. Fish predation influenced both meiofauna assemblage and meiofauna size in artificial pools but had more marked effects on planktonic meiofauna. Flow regime also had an effect on taxonomic composition.

Laura Berryman (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Arkansas, lberryma@uark.edu;


Arthur Brown (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Arkansas, artbrown@email.uark.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

POST-FIRE PULSES OF AQUATIC PRODUCTION: INVESTIGATING MIDTERM EFFECTS OF HIGH-SEVERITY FIRE ON HEADWATER STREAMS OF THE KLAMATH MOUNTAINS (SISKIYOU COUNTY, USA) Many studies have explored the impacts of riparian wildfire on aquatic ecosystems, yet knowledge of the mechanisms underlying these changes is still developing. In the face of future warming trends, insight into wildfire’s effects is crucial for northwestern California’s salmon-bearing streams. To investigate midterm (5-10y after fire) changes to these ecosystems, benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI), periphyton, and channel morphology data were collected from 21 stream reaches (30-50m) in 7 mid-Klamath watersheds that burned or escaped a 2008 wildfire. Stratified sampling allowed comparison of 5 unburned, 5 low severity, 6 moderate severity, and 5 high severity-burned streams. Analysis of chlorophyll a concentrations using mixed effects linear modeling identified an interaction between burn severity level and proportion canopy cover as the best predictor of periphyton production (p<.001). Periphyton productivity of streams burned at high severity was negatively related to proportion canopy cover (R2=0.47, p<.01), while other severity levels showed insignificant relationships, suggesting a significant effect of high severity fire on in-stream production. These results help to advance our understanding of the post-fire trajectory of aquatic ecosystem recovery.

Emily Ferrell (Primary Presenter/Author), Humboldt State University, emiferrell@gmail.com;


Alison O'Dowd (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Humboldt State University, alison.odowd@humboldt.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

AN EMERGING DECLINE: LARGE CONSUMERS REDUCE AQUATIC INSECT EMERGENCE BY AN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE IN A MISSOURI RIVER BACKWATER As fish communities change, due to species loss and species introductions, it is important to understand how fish communities affect links between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. We tested the hypothesis that fish reduce insect emergence from a Missouri River backwater near Wynot, NE. We measured ambient emergence from the backwater, which contained a mix of native and introduced species, including large Asian Carp. We also measured emergence from enclosures containing a density gradient of juvenile sunfish and Smallmouth Buffalo. Preliminary results indicate that insect emergence increased by an order of magnitude within enclosure treatments (78.7 mg/m2/day wet mass) compared to the ambient backwater (8.2 mg/m2/day). Twenty five days after enclosures were deployed macrophyte biomass was significantly higher within enclosures than in the ambient backwater, where it was essentially absent. Although the juvenile fish within the enclosures consumed some insects, a greater degree of macrophyte reduction and insect consumption occurred within the species rich backwater. Results suggest that large consumers are reducing insect emergence by an order of magnitude in the backwater through a combination of indirect herbivory and direct predation.

Jerry Warmbold (Primary Presenter/Author), University of South Dakota, jwarmbold@gmail.com;


Charles Nearman (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of South Dakota, c_nearman32@hotmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

Changes in terrestrial invertebrate subsidies and Rainbow Trout diets following a wildfire In the western US, wildfires have been shown to alter terrestrial-aquatic linkages by reducing terrestrial inputs (e.g., leaf litter) that fuel stream food webs. However, little research exists on the effects of wildfires on midwestern streams. Recently, a wildfire in northern Michigan burned forested landscapes across the Two Hearted River watershed. The objective of this study was to determine: 1) the effects of wildfire on riparian vegetation and terrestrial invertebrate subsidies to the river, and 2) if Rainbow Trout diets change in response to changes in terrestrial subsidies. Riparian vegetation (i.e., canopy cover and % living), terrestrial invertebrate subsidies, and Rainbow Trout diets were compared over two years after the wildfire. Significantly higher amounts of canopy cover, terrestrial invertebrate subsidies, and proportion of terrestrial invertebrates present in Rainbow Trout diets were observed in the unburned reach of the Two Hearted River when compared to the burned reach. This suggests that wildfires influence aquatic-terrestrial linkages in the Great Lakes region in a similar manner as has been observed in the western US.

Addie Dutton (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Lake Superior State University , adutton@lssu.edu;


Ashley Moerke (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Center for Freshwater Research and Education, Lake Superior State University, amoerke@lssu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

LONICERA MAACKII RIPARIAN INVASION IMPACTS MACROINVERTEBRATES BIOMASS AND SECONDARY PRODUCTION IN A HEADWATER STREAM The impacts of the invasive riparian shrub Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) on aquatic macroinvertebrate secondary production were studied in a headwater stream. Macroinvertebrates were sampled monthly from August 2010 – December 2014 along two stream reaches: riparian honeysuckle removal and an up-stream honeysuckle reach. Macroinvertebrates were identified to genus and length-mass allometric equations were used to estimate biomass. Preliminary results indicated macroinvertebrate biomass was not statistically influenced by the removal of honeysuckle; however, interesting patterns were observed. Removal of honeysuckle was associated with 6× less macroinvertebrate biomass in the removal reach compared to the honeysuckle reach. Hydroptila sp. and Ceratopsyche sp. contributed the most biomass in the honeysuckle reach whereas Cheumatopsyche sp. and Planariidae were the dominant biomass contributors in the removal reach. Shredders dominated the functional feeding group biomass and were 97% greater in the honeysuckle reach than the removal reach. These preliminary results indicate removal of a riparian invasive plant species may result in changes in macroinvertebrate biomass at the taxonomic and functional level, potentially impacting stream ecosystem function and processes.

Claudia M. Garner (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Dayton, garnerc1@udayton.edu;


Rachel E. McNeish (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Dayton, rachel.e.mcneish.gmail.com;


M. Eric Benbow (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Michigan State University, benbow@msu.edu;


Ryan W. McEwan (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Dayton, rmcewan1@udayton.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE REMOVAL OF A RIPARIAN FOREST INVADER (LONICERA MAACKII) ALTERS MACROINVERTEBRATE ABUNDANCE AND DYNAMICS We investigated the effects of the invasive riparian shrub, Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle), on macroinvertebrate density, diversity, and functional feeding group dynamics in a headwater stream. In August 2010, riparian honeysuckle was removed along a 160m stream reach creating removal and upstream honeysuckle-present treatments. Macroinvertebrate Surber samples were collected monthly from August 2010 – December 2014. Specimens were identified to genus and classified into functional feeding groups (FFG). Preliminary results indicated macroinvertebrate taxon richness increased in the removal reach a year later (P = 0.0279). Further, total macroinvertebrate density was greater in the removal reach, and appeared to be driven by a significant increase in Simuliium sp. (P = 0.0365) in the fall and Chironomidae and Hydroptila sp. larvae and pharate adults in the summer (all P < 0.0002). Gathering-collectors and filtering-collectors dominated the FFG and were significantly greater in the removal reach (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that the removal of a riparian invasive shrub alters the density and taxon richness of aquatic macroinvertebrate populations, potentially impacting macroinvertebrate community dynamics and stream ecosystem processes.

Patrick Vrablik (Primary Presenter/Author), Murray State University, vrablikp1@gmail.com;


Rae McNeish (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), California State University Bakersfield, rae.mcneish@gmail.com;
Dr. McNeish is an early career freshwater ecologist located at California State University, Bakersfield. Her research focuses on terrestrial-aquatic connections and how anthropogenic activities, pollutants, and terrestrial management practices impact freshwater ecosystems. Current research projects are exploring the ecological and biological connections associated with anthropogenic litter and microplastics in the environment while working towards establishing standardized microplastic methodologies.

M. Eric Benbow (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Michigan State University, benbow@msu.edu;


Ryan W. McEwan (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Dayton, rmcewan1@udayton.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

FIELD MEASUREMENTS OF MICROCYSTIN IN THE MAYFLY HEXAGENIA LIMBATA DURING EMERGENCE, IMPLICATIONS FOR TOXIN TRANSFER AND PERSISTANCE Microcystin (MC) is a hepatotoxin produced by some species of cyanobacteria. Research has documented the accumulation of MC in a number of species including Hexagenia mayflies (Smith et al. 2008) and its transfer from aquatic to terrestrial systems (Miller et al. 2010). In 2013, we documented MC in adult Hexagenia limbata during emergence from an oligotrophic lake in Leelanau County, Michigan, USA (Woller-Skar et al. submitted). Based on these findings, the purpose of the current study was to quantify MC in Hexagenia limbata subimagos, eggs, and spent females. We collected samples of these life stages in June 2014 from the same site as previous years and quantified MC equivalents using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with a hybridized extraction procedure similar to that of Wilson et al. (2008) and Poste et al. (2011). Preliminary results indicate that subimagos (144,000–1,238,000 pg/g dw), eggs (> LOD) and spent females (293,000–1,215,000 pg/g dw) contained MC. In the upcoming weeks, additional ELISA and high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy will be conducted using the remaining samples (n=5 per stage) to clarify potential implications.

Megan Woller-Skar (Primary Presenter/Author), Grand Valley State University, wollerm@gvsu.edu;


Amy Russell (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Grand Valley State University, russelam@gvsu.edu;


Mark Luttenton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, luttentm@gvsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

ASSESSING SHORELAND HEALTH USING REPRODUCIBLE METHODS Assessment and mapping methods were developed to evaluate and characterize shoreland health using a combination of field observations, aerial photos, and GIS to interpret shoreland features. The design of this whole-lake shoreland assessment was based on the National Lake Assessment, with observations and data collected from a boat. A menu of attributes was developed with selection dependent on the lake’s setting, extent of shoreland disturbance, and desired use of the data. For all 75 lakes, geo-referenced attributes included vegetated buffer depth, ground conditions, canopy, and disturbances such as erosion, armoring, docks, structures, and outfalls. The carefully crafted maps illustrating these data provide an opportunity to interpret shoreland health from a more objective perspective and can be an effective means to communicate results to property owners. The results of the assessment can be utilized to identify problematic segments, focus education and assistance to properties most in need, track changes over time, and develop work plans for professional staff. These results may also be used in the development of strategies in lake and municipal plans.

Nancy Turyk (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, nturyk@uwsp.edu;


Dan McFarlane (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, dmcfarla@uwsp.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

AQUATIC DERIVED MICROCYSTIN ACCUMULATION IN LIVERS OF THE TERRESTRIAL COMMON CORMORANT (PHALACROCORAX CARBO), SAGINAW BAY, LAKE HURON Microcystin is a harmful hepatotoxin produced by several groups of cyanobacteria. Its adverse effects on humans and livestock are well documented (Carmichael 1994) and it is known to accumulate in fish from all trophic levels (Poste et al. 2011). However, accumulation of this toxin is understudied in terrestrial organisms and there is much to learn about its role in terrestrial-aquatic interactions. Here, we examine microcystin concentrations in the livers of common cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) collected in the summer of 2014 from islands within Saginaw Bay, a location where toxic algae blooms are common (Vanderploeg et al. 2001). Cormorants were chosen as they commonly accumulate harmful substances (Nakayama et al. 2006) and because they bridge the gap between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Microcystin was quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Envirologix), with a hybridized extraction procedure similar to those of Wilson et al. (2008) and Poste et al. (2011). Initial analyses reveal concentrations ranging from 6,495.69 pg/g to 41,024.73 pg/g dry weight (mean = 14,983.64 pg/g ± 5,738.25), suggesting that microcystin is able to transfer from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems.

Jacob Gaskill (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Grand Valley State University, gaskillj@mail.gvsu.edu;


Amy Russell (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Grand Valley State University, russelam@gvsu.edu;


Mark Luttenton (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, luttentm@gvsu.edu;


Megan Woller-Skar (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Grand Valley State University, wollerm@gvsu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

A NOVEL APPROACH TO SIMULATING HYPORHEIC INFLUENCES ON STREAM CHANNEL TEMPERATURE Simulation models predict stream temperature by integrating heat exchange among the atmosphere, channel, and river substrate. Heat exchange across the stream bed occurs via conduction and advection, yet many models simulate ‘effective conduction’ of heat by representing conduction and advection with a single conduction equation. In montane alluvial streams, advection via hyporheic exchange dominates heat exchange across the stream bed. Therefore, parsimony would suggest using an advection equation to represent heat exchange. Employing a simple advection equation, we created an integrated model of stream and hyporheic temperature that simulates the temperature of, and heat exchange among, the channel and multiple hyporheic sub-zones defined by mean residence times. Thus, our model conceptually represents the diversity of temperature that occurs over space and time within expansive hyporheic zones of montane alluvial streams. In doing so, our model simulates hyporheic damping of both diel and seasonal variation in channel temperature – a capability absent from models that track only the mean temperature of the hyporheic zone.

Katie Fogg (Primary Presenter/Author), Montana State University, s.katie.fogg@gmail.com;


Geoffrey Poole (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Montana State University, Montana Institute on Ecosystems, gpoole@montana.edu ;


Scott O'Daniel (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Confederated Umatilla Tribes, scottodaniel@ctuir.org;


Ann Marie Reinhold (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Montana State University, Montana Institute on Ecosystems, reinhold@montana.edu;


Robert Payn (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Montana State University, Montana Institute on Ecosystems, rpayn@montana.edu;


Sam Carlson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Montana State University, sam.p.carlson@gmail.com;


Amanda Hyman (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Virginia Tech, amanda.a.hyman@gmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

A LANDSCAPE GENETICS APPROACH TO EXAMINE THE EFFECTS OF STREAM RESTORATION ON BIODIVERSITY IN COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS Anthropogenic alterations are known to stress stream systems and cause loss of biodiversity. Stream restoration projects are often conducted as a response to impact and therefore may restore biodiversity to a preimpact state. In this study, we propose that by looking at changes in population genetics of four taxa with differing dispersal strategies before, during, and after restoration, we will better understand if, how, and at what rate genetic diversity changes occur in response to restoration. To achieve this, we will sample over a 3-year period across three treatments: a system-wide restoration, a reach restoration, and a pristine reference site. We will use next-generation sequencing techniques to calculate nucleotide diversity in each population within each treatment. We expect to find that genetic diversity is greater at the reference site than the restoration stations, and restored site stations will gradually increase in genetic diversity after restoration. By taking a landscape genetics approach to measuring the efficacy of stream restoration, it will be possible to understand how restorative changes in landscape are affecting genetic structure of communities within a stream system.

Thomas Dimino (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Massachusetts Boston, thomas.dimino001@umb.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

SURVEYING THE PRESENCE OF WOLBACHIA IN THE MISSOURI RIVER ECOSYSTEM Wolbachia is a genus of alpha proteobacteria found within the reproductive systems of roughly 40-60% of all insects. These bacteria often act on their host by causing cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis, feminization, and male-killing. Due to the ability of these bacteria to reduce populations of insects, they have been proposed as a method for controlling populations of disease causing mosquitoes that harbor Dengue fever and Malaria. The risks of introducing these bacteria into populations of insects may be an incidental infection of nearby insects that serve a vital role in the food web. Assessing this risk requires knowledge of the distribution of Wolbachia among aquatic insect species, which is currently lacking. Our preliminary survey of Wolbachia in two Missouri River tributaries shows that five out of 15 species have tested positive for Wolbachia. The orders Odonata, Trichoptera, Diptera, and Plecoptera have individuals infected with Wolbachia. Infection rates of species vary from 0.2 to 0.9 in species where more than one individual was tested, suggesting partial infection is common. More individuals are expected to be infected with Wolbachia as more testing progresses.

Eric Sazama (Primary Presenter/Author), University of South Dakota, ericjsazama@gmail.com;


Charles Nearman (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of South Dakota, c_nearman32@hotmail.com;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CANCELED INTERACTION BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL ALTERNATION AND FLOOD DISTURBANCE FORM THE ASYMMETRIC GENE FLOWS OF A CADDISFLY SPECIES Flooding cause the bottlenecks of aquatic insect populations and affect the migration between local populations. Unstable populations (sink) frequently disturbed by floods could be dependent on migration from surrounding stable populations (source). Also stability of a population is often influenced by anthropogenic alternations. In previous study, we clarified that agricultural intensity enhanced the flood disturbance on aquatic insects, due to the increase of fine sediments on stream-bed and the loss of flow refugia. In this study, we hypothesized that stable populations in forested reaches would be sources of migrants to unstable populations in agricultural reaches, thereby forming the asymmetric gene flows between stable and unstable populations. To demonstrate this hypothesis, we chose one net-spinning caddisfly (Stenopsyche marmorata, Stenopsychidae) and calculated gene flows between six sites in Kitamihorobetsu River, Japan using seven microsatellite markers. Our results showed that migration rates were higher from stable sites with lower agricultural intensity to unstable sites with higher agricultural intensity than opposite direction. We concluded that populations in agricultural streams are susceptible to flood disturbances and sustained by stable populations in surrounding forested streams.

Masanao Sueyoshi (Primary Presenter/Author), Hokkaido University, sue07443@gmail.com;


Koji Tojo (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, Japan , ktojo@shinshu-u.ac.jp;


Nobuo Ishiyama (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Hokkaido University, night7mare@gmail.com;


Futoshi Nakamura (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Hokkaido University, nakaf@for.agr.hokudai.ac.jp;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DEEP RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENETIC STRUCTURE AND GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF JAPAN’S ENDEMIC DIPTEROMIMID MAYFLIES, WHICH INHABIT THE UPPER HEADWATERS (EPHEMEROPTERA, DIPTEROMIMIDAE) The family Dipteromimidae is the smallest group of mayflies, with only two described spcies, and is endemic to Japan. As dipteromimid mayflies adapt in the generally narrow headwaters of rivers, populations are limited and generally relatively small in size. That is, populations tend toward miniaturization, and so are usually scattered and isolated, with a patchy distribution. As a result, the potential for gene flow between populations is strictly limited, and so there is a higher potential for genetic differentiation between populations, and the influence of random genetic drift is high. Hence, we particularly note that the degree of genetic differentiation relative to geographical distance is large. With regard to the results of our genetic analysis, even though genetic diversity in Honshu is in fact extremely high, still some local populatios are genetically isolated. The significance of the genetic distance to geographical distance has been shown in the results of a pair-wise distribution analysis (Mantel test, p<0.001). In this presentation, we outline the higher-level phylogenetic relationships relative to the geological history of the Japanese Archipelago.

Masaki Takenaka (Primary Presenter/Author), Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, Japan, 14sm502e@shinshu-u.ac.jp;


Koji Tojo (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, Japan , ktojo@shinshu-u.ac.jp;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

BIOGEOGRAPHY OF EAST ASIAN EPHEMERELLID MAYFLIES, GENUS DRUNELLA AND CINCTICOSTELLA, INFERRED FROM MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSES (INSECTA: EPHEMEROPTERA, EPHEMERELLIDAE) Ephemerellid mayflies inhabit widely in the basin on rivers. It is also well known that some species of this family co-inhabit in the same site, by their niche partitioning in microhabitat level. In this view points, the comparison and discussion of their population structure and genetic structure are very interesting. In this presentation, we will introduce for our genetic analyses of several species of Ephemellidae. The genus Drunella and Cincticostella is distributed throughout the Palearctic, Oriental, and Nearctic regions. Larvae of them (spiny crawlers) inhabit to the location of flowing waters in a wide range from slow- to fast-flow, on a variable substrates of riverbeds. In this study, genetic analyses of the mtDNA COI region were performed, using specimens collected widely areas from the Japanes Archipelago, the Korean peninsula, and a part of the Russian Far East. Consequently, we examined and discussed the genetic relationships of these East Asian ephemerid mayflies.

JaeIck Jo (Primary Presenter/Author), Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, Japan, jojo0502@naver.com;


Koji Tojo (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, Japan , ktojo@shinshu-u.ac.jp;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

DETERMINING THE IMPACTS OF TOXINS IN THE GREAT LAKES USING BIOMARKERS OF DREISSENID MUSSELS In this project we examined genomic biomarkers related to stress, reproduction, and general physiology in dreissenid mussels in locations known to be heavily contaminated sites that had been remediated, and those that had been determined to be less contaminated in the Great Lakes. This was in conjunction with NOAA's NCCOS Mussel Watch Program, which monitors chemical pollution of nearly 150 contaminants in the near shore zones of the Great Lakes. Under the GLRI this has included Areas of Concern (AOC) around the Great Lakes. Our research builds on the chemical presence information by adding information on the health of mussels within these Areas of Concern versus other long-term reference sites. This includes a multi-agency project in the Manistique AOC to identify the sources of PCBs contributing to high concentrations in localized areas of the AOC. Quantitative PCR was used to measure candidate biomarkers in relation to level and type of contamination. Our data indicate a distinct gradient for mussels from "clean" versus contaminated sites where PCB's in particular cause significant changes in MXR, the Multi Xenobiotic Resistance gene.

Nicklaus Neureuther (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - School of Freshwater Sciences, neureut3@uwm.edu;


Ed Johnson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), NOAA, ed.johnson@noaa.gov;


Kimani Kimbrough (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), NOAA, kimani.kimbrough@noaa.gov;


Annie Jacob (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), NOAA, annie.jacob@noaa.gov;


Rebecca Klaper (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Science, rklaper@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

BACTERIAL COLONIZATION OF MICROPLASTIC PARTICLES IN THE GREAT LAKES High concentrations of microplastic particles (<5mm) have been documented in marine habitats worldwide, raising concerns about their ecological impacts. Marine microplastic supports dense bacterial biofilms distinct in taxonomic composition from surrounding water, suggesting that microplastic may alter the microbial ecology of marine waters. We demonstrated similar concentrations of microplastic in the Great Lakes, but the effect of microplastic on microbial communities is unknown. In this study we explored bacterial colonization of 1) microplastic particles collected from Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, and 2) microplastic isolated from commercial products and incubated in the laboratory with Lake Michigan water. We used next-generation sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes to reveal that microplastic-associated bacterial consortia from both lakes and the lab incubation were similar in taxonomic composition and were distinct from the communities in the associated waters. For example, microplastic consistently selected for a higher relative abundance of Pseudomonadaceae, which have been shown in previous studies to participate in plastic biodegradation. These results indicate that microplastic serves as a novel habitat for a distinct bacterial consortium within the Great Lakes.

Maxwell London (Primary Presenter/Author), Loyola University Chicago, maxwellglondon@gmail.com;


Amanda McCormick (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Loyola University Chicago, mccormick.amandar@gmail.com;


Timothy Hoellein (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Loyola University Chicago, thoellein@luc.edu;
Dr. Hoellein is a freshwater ecologist at Loyola University Chicago. His research interests are focused on ecosystem processes and biogeochemistry. His research lab explores these areas in associate with the movement and biological transformation of elements, energy, and pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Sherri Mason (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), State University of New York at Fredonia, mason@fredonia.edu;


John Kelly (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Loyola University Chicago, Jkelly7@luc.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

OVIPOSITION HABITAT SELECTIVITY OF TAILWATER MACROINVERTEBRATES: A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH FROM THE COLORADO RIVER BASIN The downstream recovery and maintenance of tailwater macroinvertebrate assemblages has been studied in relation to thermal regimes, sediment supply, the trophic basis for secondary production, and contemporary dam operations. However, we are unaware of studies linking tailwater macroinvertebrate population viability to recruitment constraints imposed by dams. Recent studies suggest that many taxa have selective oviposition behaviors and that the availability of optimal microhabitats can influence population recruitment. Tailwater assemblages could experience high egg mortality due to hydropeaking if flow fluctuations are frequent and severe enough to dry or inundate the shoreline environment or other optimum oviposition locations. We review oviposition behaviors of taxa common to Colorado Basin tailwaters and predict the behaviors hypothesized to be disproportionately impacted by flow fluctuations. We also present a hierarchical survey design to characterize oviposition habitat selectivity in a large tailwater at four spatial scales: 1) among sites; 2) among habitat units; 3) within habitat units; and 4) oviposition substrata characteristics. Using this information, we will determine if dam operations influence the availability and temporal persistence of preferred oviposition habitats in tailwater ecosystems.

Matt Schroer (Primary Presenter/Author), BLM/USU National Aquatic Monitoring Center, Department of Watershed Sciences, Utah State University, mattschroer@gmail.com;


Scott Miller (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), BLM/USU National Aquatic Monitoring Center, Department of Watershed Sciences, Utah State University, scott.miller@usu.edu;


Jennifer Courtwright (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Utah State University National Aquatic Monitoring Center, jennifer.courtwright@usu.edu;


Jeffrey Muehlbauer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Alaska Fairbanks, USGS Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, jdmuehlbauer@alaska.edu;


Ted Kennedy (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), USGS Southwest Biological Science Center, Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, tkennedy@usgs.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY DYNAMICS ACROSS A THERMAL GRADIENT IN THE SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE OF ICELANDIC STREAMS Food webs and invertebrate communities have been thoroughly studied in small streams, but there has been relatively little research done on the trophic linkages between subsurface and surface communities (i.e., within hyporheic habitats). Hyporheic habitats may play a major role in shaping stream food webs and are likely very susceptible to warming temperatures. Climate change and resource development could alter the trophic linkages between surface and subsurface habitats upon which stream food webs depend. Understanding these linkages better, in the face of increasing resource development and climate change, will help inform aquatic resource management. Our objectives are to determine 1) how water temperature influences invertebrate community assemblage, density, and diversity at the stream surface-subsurface interface, and 2) how hyporheic communities and processes influence stream food webs. We have studied streams on two spatial scales: landscape and catchment. At both scales, we selected streams with different thermal regimes and took samples from four stations within each stream. At each station, we collected surface and subsurface samples. Stable isotopes are being used for determining trophic position of invertebrates within the food web.

Daniel Govoni (POC,Primary Presenter), University of Alaska Fairbanks, dpgovoni@alaska.edu;


Bjarni Kristjansson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Holar University College, bjakk@mail.holar.is;


Jón S. Ólafsson (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Iceland, jon.s.olafsson@hafogvatn.is;


Mark Wipfli (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Alaska Fairbanks, mwipfli@alaska.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HETEROGENEITY, ISOLATION, AND PRODUCTIVITY ON BETA DIVERSITY OF LITTORAL MACROINVERTEBRATES IN LAKE ECOSYSTEMS We used littoral macroinvertebrate samples from 800 lakes in 37 ecoregions across the USA to assess how beta diversity (compositional dissimilarity among sites within a region) varied with regional environmental heterogeneity, isolation (lake density), and productive capacity (total nitrogen [TN] and total phosphorus [TP]). We then compared these patterns to findings from a similar study in streams. Beta diversity (adjusted for alpha diversity, gamma diversity, and region size) increased with habitat isolation, TP, and environmental heterogeneity. The positive effect of TP (range = 0-500 μg/L) on beta diversity plateaued at around 200 μg/L, suggesting that further nutrient enrichment would have little effect on beta diversity. These results imply that regional environmental setting influences community assembly processes and plays an important role in determining patterns of biodiversity. The mechanisms behind these relationships are complex, but likely involve the combined effects of region-specific differences in environmental filtering, dispersal ability, and assemblage instability associated with nutrient enrichment. The patterns observed in this study were similar to those observed for streams, suggesting that these results may be applicable to freshwater ecosystems in general.

Jacob Vander Laan (Primary Presenter/Author), Department of Watershed Sciences, Western Center for Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems, and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA, jacob.vl@usu.edu;


Charles Hawkins (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Utah State University, chuck.hawkins@usu.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL WATER TREATIES ON TRANSBOUNDARY CONFLICT: A STUDY FOCUSED ON LARGE TRANSBOUNDARY LAKES Lakes are the largest reservoir of available surface freshwater on Earth, representing an irreplaceable ecosystem, essential for all life. Despite the crucial need for these lakes, there has been minimal research focused on their health and security. There are over 1,600 transboundary lakes worldwide, which do not follow political borders and thus result in governance and management challenges. International water treaties have been cited to be a main mechanism for cooperation between riparian countries. This study researches the impact of international water treaties as well as economic, political, and environmental variables on transboundary water conflict between riparian countries of the 35 largest transboundary lakes. The goal is to understand if the implementation of an international water treaty impacts the occurrence of conflict between riparian countries of large transboundary lakes. Datasets were created from existing international water treaty and conflict databases focused on transboundary waters. The created datasets were used to analyze the relationship on a primary focus, annual, and lake basis. Furthermore, an event analysis of case studies was completed for each lake. There were 52 international water treaties, focused on joint management, water quality, and water quantity implemented between 1990 and 2013. Between 1990 and 2013, 53 international water conflicts occurred with the primary focuses of water quantity and border issues. The content of the treaty is an essential aspect to understand the effectiveness of preventing conflict after implementation; the majority, 28, of the 53 conflicts that occurred after a treaty was implemented were not related to the content of that treaty. The majority of the international lake treaties lack vital components for successful compliance including enforcement, conflict resolution, and monitoring. Overall, the implementation of a treaty does not result in a disappearance of conflict between riparian countries. The details of the treaty as they relate to the conflict are the best indicators of successful compliance and the occurrence of conflict.

Victoria Lubner (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, velubner@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

CHRYSALIS TO IMAGO: BALANCING WETLAND SCIENCE AND TRIBAL COMMUNITY VALUES Tribal uses of aquatic resources are constrained by dwindling wetland quality, acreage, and a common lack of understanding of the importance of these resources for tribal culture beyond Reservation boundaries. Tribal programs aimed at conserving resources for both ecosystem and cultural uses were lacking a venue for important regional networking and training. In response to this need, Tribes and EPA R. 10, organized the Tribal Wetland Working Group (TWIG) in 2009. The TWIG has held workshops and trainings that provided a path for Tribal wetland and aquatic resource staff to affect changes to Tribal resource management by integrating traditional Tribal uses of aquatic resources into wetland science, planning, and regulatory frameworks. These workshops illuminate the interconnected relationships between wetland conditions and cultural practices, and facilitate the exchange of ideas and practices with staff from other tribes. We continue to hold workshops, build organizational capacity, and encourage wetland programs that integrate tribal culture as the TWIG seeks to increase training opportunities for and communication among the Tribes of the Pacific Northwest.

Scott O'Daniel (Primary Presenter/Author), Confederated Umatilla Tribes, scottodaniel@ctuir.org;


Rudy Salakory (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Cowlitz Tribe, rsalakory@cowlitz.org;


Darla Boyer (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Tulalip Tribes, dboyer@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov;


Tom Elliot (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Yakama Tribes, tnelliot@Yakama.com;


Tracie Nadeau (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), EPA, Nadeau.Tracie@epamail.epa.gov;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

MANAGEMENT PARADIGMS AND CONFLICT OVER WATER RESOURCES The combination of increased demand and climate change has placed stress on surface and groundwater systems and the communities who depend on them. To address the growing conflicts, governance and policy solutions are needed that promote adaptive management of water resources through social learning. This poster explores water policy management through the application of Social-Ecological Systems theory to a case-study conflict between the Lake Beulah Management District and the Village of East Troy over the use of a high capacity well. Lake monitoring studies and stakeholder focus groups were conducted to assess the resilience of the Lake Beulah social-ecological system. The monitoring studies indicate that Lake Beulah is resilient to short term hydrologic disturbance. However, it’s unclear whether long-term chronic effects of pumping will result in Lake Beulah approaching some tipping point. Through systems mapping, stakeholder groups visualized the social-ecological system. Researchers then produced management paradigms from the resulting systems map. Creating a policy framework with alternative management paradigms will allow communities to learn from and adapt to changes in climatic conditions and water availability.

Stephen McGuire (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, smcguire@uwm.edu;


Timothy Ehlinger (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Ehlinger@uwm.edu;

5/20/2015  |   13:30 - 16:00   |  Foyer

EXPLORING HOW CLEAN WATER ACT ENFORCEMENT INFLUENCES STREAM MACRO-INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES Enforcement is a key feature of the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program regulates effluent into streams that may impact aquatic life. Yet, authorities do not always enforce permits when violations occur. This research examines pre-existing macroinvetebrate survey data near NPDES permitted facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee to determine the influence of enforcement actions on aquatic biodiversity. Pre-existing data from 1997-2012 from the Environmental Protection Agency and state agencies was used to make quantitative and spatial comparisons. The multiple regression model controlling for state, population density and elevation showed no statistically significant relationship between enforcement and freshwater community indicators. After subsetting by stream order and ecoregion, statistically significant relationships were found. A significant relationship between enforcement and EPT taxon richness exists in fourth and fifth order streams (p=0.042). Enforcement and EPT taxon richness also had a significant relationship in an ecoregion subset encompassing the Mississippi Valley Loess Plains, Interior River Valleys & Hills, and Southeastern Plains (p= 0.100).

Shelby Ward (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Tennessee, shelbyward.uwlaw@gmail.com;


Paul Armsworth (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), University of Tennessee, p.armsworth@utk.edu;