Seminar: Kenneth Krieger

Dr. Kenneth A. Krieger
Heidelberg University
Senior Research Scientist for the Water Quality Lab

"Benthic Invertebrates as Indicators of Lake Quality in Lake Erie"

The taxonomic composition and abundance of the community of bottom dwelling invertebrates (zoobenthos), along with the incidence of morphological abnormalities in some taxa, provide important clues regarding the kinds and severity of anthropogenic impacts on lakes. As such, benthic invertebrates have served as bioindicators in assessments of the changing quality of Lake Erie for several decades. Lake quality metrics based on the zoobenthos have been developed recently for Lake Erie. Those metrics, while useful, need refinement in light of better knowledge of ecological interactions before they can be applied broadly to the entire lake or regions of the other Laurentian Great Lakes.

Thursday, March 25, 2010
12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
Classroom Building B118

Students, staff and faculty welcome. Light refreshments will be served.