Ecology

Michigan State University Describes Research in Water Research

  2012 JUN 29 (VerticalNews) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Ecology, Environment & Conservation -- Investigators publish new report on Water Research. According to news reporting originating in East Lansing, Michigan, by VerticalNews journalists, researchers stated "We tested the hypothesis that zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have positive effects on the toxin-producing cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, at low phosphorus (P) concentrations, but negative effects on M. aeruginosa at high P, with a large-scale enclosure experiment in an oligotrophic lake. After three weeks, mussels had a significantly positive effect on M. aeruginosa at ambient P (total phosphorus, TP ~10 g L(-1)), and a significantly negative effect at high P (simulating a TP of ~40 g L(-1) in lakes)."

  The news reporters obtained a quote from the research by the authors from Michigan State University, "Positive and negative effects were strong and very similar in magnitude. Thus, we were able to ameliorate a negative effect of Dreissena invasion on water quality (i.e., promotion of Microcystis) by adding P to water from an oligotrophic lake."

  According to the news reporters, the researchers concluded: "Our results are congruent with many field observations of Microcystis response to Dreissena invasion across ecosystems of varying P availability."

  For more information on this research see: Phosphorus addition reverses the positive effect of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on the toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa. Water Research, 2012;46(11):3471-8. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Water Research - www.elsevier.com/wps/product/cws_home/309)

  Our news correspondents report that additional information may be obtained by contacting O. Sarnelle, Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States.

  Keywords for this news article include: Michigan, Phosphorus, East Lansing, United States, Water Research, North and Central America.

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