Academic Level at Time of Presentation

Freshmen

Major

Pre-Med Chemistry

Minor

Biology

List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)

Bommanna Loganathan

Presentation Format

Poster Presentation

Abstract/Description

In order to reduce the economic and ecological impacts of 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 their 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.

Spring Scholars Week 2026

Sigma Xi Poster Competition

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Monitoring of Dissolved Calcium Levels in Creeks, Embayment, and Kentucky Lake Waters in Western Kentucky

In order to reduce the economic and ecological impacts of 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 their 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.