Project abstract summaryproject title dreissenid mussels and their effects on nutrient stoichiometry and growth ofbenthic algaedr

Paul frosttrent universityaward descriptionnutrients present in the environment are key controllers of the growth of algae and plants. Thenutrient content of algal tissues have been used to estimate the growth potential of the benthicalga cladophora. Similarly, nutrients are potentially relevant to the production of toxins bymicrocystis during harmful algal blooms (HAB). This project will measure the internal nutrientstores of algae and assess their links to those available in the environment. By measuring algalnutrient content, we will assess the potential for growth and toxin production acrossenvironmental gradients and informing nutrient management plans in the laurentian greatlakes. This project will thereby inform future managers about the nutritional ecology ofcladophora and microcystis ecology and assist in improving the management of these harmfuland nuisance species through phosphorus (p) loading reductions or dreissenid mussel control.activitiesthis work will characterize the nutrient stoichiometry of nuisance (cladophora) and harmful(microcystis) algae collected across a range of field nutrient conditions. The primary activitiesare to measure tissue p, nitrogen (n), and carbon (c) of cladophora and dreissend musselscollected across a range of nutrient, light, depth, and dreissenid population conditions to assessthe role of nutrients in growth of nuisance algae in different great lakes. These measurementswill be coupled to measurements of sediment nutrient content from the same sampling locationsto assess the potential sediment sources of these nutrients. Additional measurement of tissue p, n, c, and silica (SI) of microcystis and phytoplankton will be completed on samples collectedacross a range of nutrient, light, and depth conditions to assess the role of stored nutrients ingrowth and toxin production.deliverables and expected outcomesthe primary deliverables will be a completed database of nutrient concentrations in algae, mussel, and sediment samples. In addition, conference talks, scientific publications, and projectreports will be CO-produced with the USGS to synthetically analyze data and place thisinformation in context of emerging scientific literature and management objectives.intended beneficiariesall water users of the laurentian great lakes including recreational users, local and stategovernments, tourism industry, and all residents of these watersheds. The U.S. Environmentalprotection agency, great lakes restoration initiative, and the BI-national working groupsestablished under the nutrients annex of the great lakes water quality agreement are bothprimary beneficiaries of this research.