Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Freshmen
Major
Pre-Med Chemistry
Minor
Biology
Institution 25-26
Murray State University
KY House District #
5
KY Senate District #
1
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Bommanna Loganathan
Department
Chemistry and WSI
Abstract
In order to reduce economic and ecological impacts from aquatic alien species, studies are warranted across major taxonomic groups, geographic regions, and habitat types. This study addressed the dissolved calcium levels in Kentucky Lake and its implications for one of the top- ranked invasive species, the zebra mussel, and its colonization. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are well known for their “biofouling” capabilities, costing billions of dollars (for northeastern and midwestern states) in their removal from industrial, public, and power plant water supply lines. Calcium is one of the essential elements that contribute to the growth and reproduction of zebra mussels. Calcium concentrations of 25-28 mg/L are considered the threshold for survival and reproduction of zebra mussels. The purpose of this study was to determine if dissolved calcium levels in the lower parts of Kentucky Lake had increased and reached the zebra mussels' survival and reproduction threshold. Surface water samples were collected during Kentucky Lake Monitoring Program (KLMP) cruises. Samples were filtered using 0.45 µm filters, acidified, and analyzed for calcium using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Results revealed that relatively higher concentration of dissolved calcium was found in Kentucky Lake channel sites than in embayment and streams. In general, calcium levels showed seasonal variation with increasing concentration during winter and early spring months. Application of road salts during these colder months and runoff from these activities may influence the calcium concentrations in these waters. Increasing levels of these calcium ions may play a role in the elevated occurrences of zebra mussels in Kentucky Lake.
Monitoring of Dissolved Calcium Levels in Creeks, Embayment, and Kentucky Lake Waters in Western Kentucky
In order to reduce economic and ecological impacts from aquatic alien species, studies are warranted across major taxonomic groups, geographic regions, and habitat types. This study addressed the dissolved calcium levels in Kentucky Lake and its implications for one of the top- ranked invasive species, the zebra mussel, and its colonization. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are well known for their “biofouling” capabilities, costing billions of dollars (for northeastern and midwestern states) in their removal from industrial, public, and power plant water supply lines. Calcium is one of the essential elements that contribute to the growth and reproduction of zebra mussels. Calcium concentrations of 25-28 mg/L are considered the threshold for survival and reproduction of zebra mussels. The purpose of this study was to determine if dissolved calcium levels in the lower parts of Kentucky Lake had increased and reached the zebra mussels' survival and reproduction threshold. Surface water samples were collected during Kentucky Lake Monitoring Program (KLMP) cruises. Samples were filtered using 0.45 µm filters, acidified, and analyzed for calcium using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Results revealed that relatively higher concentration of dissolved calcium was found in Kentucky Lake channel sites than in embayment and streams. In general, calcium levels showed seasonal variation with increasing concentration during winter and early spring months. Application of road salts during these colder months and runoff from these activities may influence the calcium concentrations in these waters. Increasing levels of these calcium ions may play a role in the elevated occurrences of zebra mussels in Kentucky Lake.