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Nutrient contributions from Dreissena spp. to Lyngbya wollei and Cladophora glomerata

Armenio, Patricia
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1294506836

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Science, University of Toledo, Biology (Ecology).
Dreissena spp. (zebra and quagga mussels) have greatly altered aquatic ecosystems since their invasion of the Great Lakes. Dreissena increase light to the benthos, provide hard structure for algal attachment, and may contribute a limiting nutrient to benthic algae, thereby facilitating blooms. The benthic cyanobacterium Lyngbya wollei (Farlow ex Gomont) Speziale and Dyck has recently become abundant in western Lake Erie and reaches nuisance levels. Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kütz., a green alga, has also been resurging in the Great Lakes and studies link this increase to Dreissena. Manipulative experiments showed that L. wollei had a significantly higher concentration of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur in tanks with live Dreissena. C. glomerata had greater biomass in tanks with live Dreissena, but did not have significant increases in nutrient concentration as did L. wollei. Dreissena decreased calcium concentrations, a nutrient important for cell walls, in both algal species; although concentrations were still above the limiting level for growth. Neither algal species responded to structure as a resource for growth. These results suggest that Dreissena are giving several nutrients to benthic algae and these added resources can promote their growth and productivity, aiding in blooms.
Christine Mayer, PhD (Advisor)
Scott Heckathorn, PhD (Committee Member)
Thomas Bridgeman, PhD (Committee Member)
Rex Lowe, PhD (Committee Member)
50 p.
Biology; Ecology; Freshwater Ecology
Dreissena; benthic algae; Lyngbya; Cladophora; Lake Erie; nutrients

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Armenio, P. (2011). Nutrient contributions from Dreissena spp. to Lyngbya wollei and Cladophora glomerata [Master's thesis, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1294506836

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Armenio, Patricia. Nutrient contributions from Dreissena spp. to Lyngbya wollei and Cladophora glomerata. 2011. University of Toledo, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1294506836.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Armenio, Patricia. "Nutrient contributions from Dreissena spp. to Lyngbya wollei and Cladophora glomerata." Master's thesis, University of Toledo, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1294506836

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo and OhioLINK.