Master of Science, University of Akron, 2021, Biology

Harmful algal blooms, most notably toxic cyanobacterial blooms, pose serious threats to water management and the environment. Copper algaecides, having a long history of use as a biocide in controlling algal blooms, is also toxic to other aquatic organisms and requires responsible application. With the majority of algal blooms occurring at a waterbody's surface, new copper formulations and application methods are continually developed to increase targeted action. Lake Guard Blue (BlueGreen Water Technologies Ltd.) was formulated as a floating copper product to increase upper water strata exposure. This product is conveyed as slow releasing and capable of movement in tandem with surface blooming algae through wind and water motion. Copper-based algaecide Lake Guard Blue was used in bench-scale experiments to determine efficacy in reducing cyanobacterial bloom densities. The product does not currently have EPA approval for use within the U.S. but is used elsewhere on the international market. Bench-scale experiments using environmentally sampled water with indigenous organisms were treated in triplicate with two dosages of Lake Guard Blue in parallel with EPA approved Cutrine Ultra (Arch Chemicals Inc.). Cyanobacteria populations were collected in the field at >10,000 cells/ml to be adjusted in the laboratory to 10,000 ±1000 cells/ml in accordance with the minimal action level required by the EPA for algaecide application. Lake Guard manufacture's recommended maximum dose of 17.8 lbs/acre was determined to contain more elemental copper than is allowable under current EPA regulations. A new full dose was calculated to 8.45 lbs/acre Lake Guard Blue for experimentation, translating to 2.49 mg/L Cu. Simultaneously, a copper equivalent dose of 0.94 mg/L Cu was established for Lake Guard Blue to match that of the recommended dose for comparative algaecide Cutrine Ultra. In total seven experiments were performed with five lakes sourced for water, two (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Teresa Cutright (Advisor); John Senko (Advisor); Donald Ott (Committee Member) Subjects: Biology; Environmental Science; Water Resource Management

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 1974, Horticulture

Done.

Committee: T. Sydnor (Advisor) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2019, Biological Sciences

Saprolegniasis, caused by oomycete pathogens of the Saprolegnia genus is a serious emergent disease of fish causing losses worth approximately $40 million annually in USA. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of copper sulfate and peracetic acid as chemical agents to combat saprolegniasis; and to develop a molecular strategy for the rapid, sensitive and specific detection of Saprolegnia spp., suitable for on-site applications. The study indicates that copper sulfate and peracetic acid effectively reduced the various parameters of Saprolegnia spp. growth. Peracetic acid was effective against other oomycete pathogens to varying degrees, and its persistence in environmental water samples depends on the organic matter content of the water samples. Peracetic acid has been proposed as an effective, non-toxic, and eco-friendly approach to combat saprolegniasis. This study reports the isolation Saprolegnia spp. from various sources. Using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and Internal Transcribed Spacer of rDNA (ITS) as molecular markers, these have been identified phylogenetically. Based on these markers, qPCR primers have been developed specific to the Saprolegnia genus and could detect as low as 2pg of Saprolegnia spp. genomic DNA. Also, qPCR based absolute quantification could be used as an approach to quantify the Saprolegnia spp. levels in environmental samples. Additionally, a LAMP assay was developed using the ITS marker. The established LAMP assay was specific to the Saprolegnia genus and could detect as low as 10 fg of Saprolegnia spp. genomic DNA within 30 min, thus making it significantly more sensitive compared to qPCR. Both qPCR and LAMP could also detect as low as 1 zoospore directly. The LAMP reactions could be performed using a simple equipment such as heat block, and results could be detected visually. Further, LAMP has the potential for direct on-field applications for detecting Saprolegnia spp. from water samples collected from Recirculating Aqu (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Vipaporn Phuntumart Dr. (Advisor); Lubomir Popov Dr. (Other); Raymond Larsen Dr. (Committee Member); Paul Morris Dr. (Committee Member); Scott Rogers Dr. (Committee Member); David Straus Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Biology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1959, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Biology

Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, 2016, Biological Sciences

In this study we sought to determine if exposure to environments containing harmful levels of copper contamination results in significant differences in the number of surviving male and female Drosophila melanogaster offspring amongst different stocks. Preliminary experiments investigating the copper defensive response with two different crosses of D. melanogaster exposed to differing concentrations of copper sulfate, showed unusual results. The first cross consisted of females carrying the compound-double X [C(1) DX] chromosome, with markers yellow body (y), and forked bristles (f), crossed to males carrying the marker mutation w1118 producing white eyes. The second test cross consisted of C(1) DX, y f females mated to males with the Binscy X chromosome and bar shaped eyes. Both crosses produce high numbers of male offspring compared to female offspring upon exposure to moderate levels of copper sulfate (CuS04). Subsequent experiments with a third stock of C(1) DX, y w f female flies carrying the yellow, forked, and white-eyed X chromosome markers crossed to males with Binscy X chromosomes also displayed a significant difference in offspring viability with, however, a much lower ratio of male to female flies. Hypothesizing that differences in genetic variation on the X chromosomes, including mutant markers, were responsible for these observed differences, we predicted two experimental results. First, significant differences in female offspring viability compared to male offspring viability within a cross will occur when parental generations are exposed to moderate levels of copper sulfate. Second, we predicted that these experiments will show significant differences in the viability of female offspring between different crosses, while males will show less variation in offspring viability, indicating the importance of incorporating gender and genetic lineage into the design of genetics-based studies.

Committee: Ronny Woodruff (Advisor); Juan Bouzat (Committee Member); Scott Rogers (Committee Member) Subjects: Biology; Environmental Science; Genetics

Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, 2015, Biological Sciences

Chemical herbicides are currently one of the most common methods for managing aquatic invasive plants. Despite their widespread use, little is known about the potential negative effects that several of the most commonly used herbicides may have on vertebrates. Amphibians may be particularly at risk because they can easily absorb toxic substances through their skin. In a controlled chamber experiment, Northern Leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of copper-sulfate and diquat-dibromide, two herbicides commonly used to control invasive aquatic plants. The effect of these herbicides, either alone or combined, were evaluated on survival and growth-related traits of tadpoles over the course of the experiment. Tadpole survival was significantly decreased by copper-sulfate applications and the combination of this herbicide with diquat-dibromide. The copper-sulfate treatment also negatively affected the growth of tadpoles throughout the experiment, as evidenced by lower measures of body weight and body length. Conversely, diquat-dibromide caused a significant increase in tadpole growth, although it was only a transient effect. This study provides relevant information regarding the potential effect of two herbicides (commonly applied simultaneously) on an amphibian species that is considered to be an indicator of the quality of natural wetlands. Therefore, it has important implications for the management of aquatic environments that provide habitats for a multitude of non-target species.

Committee: Maria Bidart-Bouzat (Advisor); Juan Bouzat (Committee Member); Dan Wiegmann (Committee Member) Subjects: Animals; Biology; Ecology; Wildlife Conservation; Wildlife Management

Master of Science (MS), University of Toledo, 2014, Pharmaceutical Sciences (Industrial Pharmacy)

Antimicrobial agents are drugs, chemicals, or other substances that either kill or slow the growth of microbes [1]. Antibacterial agents which kill bacteria, antiviral agents which kill viruses, antifungal agents which kill fungi, and antiparisitic drug which kill parasites are antimicrobial agents that are in use today [1, 2]. They have been used for the last 70 years to reduced illness and death from infectious diseases [1]. The necessity of antimicrobial agents has increased due to the development of resistance to antimicrobial agents. The antibacterial and antiviral properties for zinc sulfate and copper sulfate are well-known in agriculture and pharmaceutical industries [3-6]. The present research aims at formulating various topical dosage forms including a cream and gel with antiviral and antibacterial activity. Zinc sulfate and copper sulfate were used as the model drug substances. A cream and two gels formulations (C1, G1 and G5) were successfully incorporated with the drugs. C1 was prepared with oil-in-water emulsion cream base, G1 was prepared with carrageenan-based gel and G5 was designed by using hydroxylpropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) based gel. Their physicochemical properties including color, physical appearance, homogeneity, and texture were evaluated. All formulated products were analyzed for spread ability, drug content, pH, viscosity and in vitro antibacterial studies against escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial activity for all formulations was determined and compared with the commercial products when a same amount of formulations were applied. The stability study of the formulations on physicochemical properties, viscosity and antibacterial activity was carried out at 4°C, 25°C and 40°C in glass and plastic containers for over a 12 week period. It was found that all of the formulations were good in appearance and homogeneity. The values of spreadability indicated that the formulated products exhibited better spreadibility (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Kenneth S. Alexander Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Sai Hanuman Sagar Boddu Ph.D. (Committee Member); Steven M. Peseckis Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Pharmaceuticals; Pharmacy Sciences

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2013, Civil Engineering

Since the implementation of the Lead and Copper Rule in 1991, multiple studies have been completed to explain, predict and mitigate the problems of copper corrosion. Water chemistry is a leading factor in initiating corrosion and a number of parameters have been postulated to be responsible, including pH, alkalinity, chloride and sulfate. The purpose of this research is to identify aqueous conditions that support the formation of copper corrosion by-products found in distribution systems. Specifically, this work attempted to understand: 1) the role of aggressive ions, chloride and sulfate, in the formation synthetically precipitated particles; 2) the effect of aging on solubility and morphology; 3) evaluate morphology associated with solids. Precipitation experiments were conducted at pH seven and nine, with varied dissolved inorganic carbon (10, 50 mg C/L), and ratios of chloride and sulfate at 1:1, 5:1 and 1:5. Copper was added as cupric perchlorate solution at a concentration of 15 mg/L. Analysis of solubility, mineralogy, and morphological changes were conducted over three months using induced coupled argon plasma spectrometry, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. This research generally supports results previously reported in literature: high pH conditions over a range of DIC levels favor the formation of tenorite. High DIC, neutral pH water favors formation of malachite and experience higher solubility levels. The effect of chloride and sulfate was most evident at low pH, low DIC conditions where connellite, langite and an unidentified mineral were formed. The effect of aging was evident through x-ray diffraction as particles transitioned from amorphous to slightly crystalline. This transition was most evident within 28 days of precipitation, which also correlated to a reduction in solubility. Microscopy analysis provided confirmation on the morphology habits associated with tenorite, malachite, connellite and langite. In additi (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Denise Taylor Ph.D., P.E. (Committee Chair); Kenya Crosson Ph.D. (Committee Member); Darren Lytle Ph.D., P.E. (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2003, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

A series of experiments in an Ohio state fish hatchery examined possible causes of variation in larval percid survival including: over-fertilization, pond age, copper sulfate treatment, phosphorus and copper residues in the pond sediment, fish density, and cannibalism. Also, addition of a blue dye and raising water level were evaluated as substitutes for CuSO4 use to control algal growth during catfish culture. First, I compared percids raised in the traditional 30 £gg P/l treated ponds to those raised in 20 £gg P/l treated ponds, while keeping the nitrogen level at 600 £gg N/l. Fish production was not significantly different between treatments, so over-fertilization was not responsible for percid survival fluctuation. Second, I compared the percid survival, growth, and yield between ponds that were only used to raise percids in the spring (SS ponds) with ponds that were double-cropped (DD ponds), with saugeye culture in the spring followed by channel catfish during the previous two summers. DD pond culture patterns had a negative impact on percid production, possibly due to the accumulation of copper in the sediment resulting from CuSO4 application during catfish culture, acting at least on zooplankton and perhaps on percids directly. Third, examination of the 12-year percid production data showed that the age of the ponds did not affect fish production. However, ponds that were treated most often with CuSO4 had a significantly lower percid production. Mean individual fish weight was unaffected between densities of 100,000 to 400,000 fish harvested/ha, suggesting that fish stocking density was not responsible for percid survival fluctuation. Stomach content analyses showed no cannibalism under current stocking density. Finally, I tested a blue dye and raising pond water level on the growth of benthic algae to substitute for CuSO4 application. Sediment chlorophyll a concentrations did not differ between 2 ml/m3 dye-treated and control ponds. Increasing dye concentra (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: David Culver (Advisor) Subjects:

Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, 2012, Biological Sciences

Copper sulfate (25.2% Cu by weight) has been extensively used to control nuisance algae in drinking water storage reservoirs; in upground reservoirs in northwest Ohio, CuSO4 application regimens vary from no application to 600 µg Cu/L/year. While CuSO4 is effective in suppressing algae, it also has documented toxicities to zooplankton and chironomids, which are food resources for stocked sport fish. Between May-August 2010, water, sediment, sediment trap, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrate samples were collected at four upground reservoirs with varying CuSO4 application regimens in order to track the fate of copper and enumerate zooplankton and macroinvertebrate community changes before and after CuSO4 application. Additionally, to quantify the combined effects of pulsed copper-laden food resources and contaminated sediment on chironomids of different instars, an experiment was conducted with Chironomus riparius in the laboratory. In the reservoirs, water copper concentration was 2-4 times higher post-application than before; correspondingly, zooplankton biomass and density were depressed by as much as 93% and 87% for at least one week after application. Furthermore, post-application zooplankton communities were dominated by copepod nauplii, which are an unsuitable food source for fish stocked into these reservoirs. Chironomid density changes appeared to reflect adult emergence rather than CuSO4 application, although standard sampling protocol prevented tracking all instars through time, so the effects of CuSO4 application on chironomid communities were not evident. The sedimentation rate of detritus and algae increased by 36% post-application and contained more than 5000 µg Cu/g dry weight. In the experiment, I found that organisms receiving a pulse of copper-laden algae in the first instar experienced 85% mortality, while organisms fed unspiked algae (controls) experienced 40% mortality. Field observations underscore the need for communication between reservoir ma (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Jeffrey G. Miner PhD (Advisor); John R. Farver PhD (Committee Member); Helen J. Michaels PhD (Committee Member); Joseph D. Conroy PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Ecology; Entomology; Freshwater Ecology; Limnology; Toxicology