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Static Ecotoxicology; a Thing of the Past? An Innovative Model of Dynamic Toxic Hotspots in a Stream System

Project Abstract: 
Over 50% of North American freshwater systems are impaired to the point where fishing and swimming is not possible. Anthropogenic toxins are a major form of pollutants damaging these systems. In order to remediate these systems, we must first understand the role that flow and stream structure play in determining toxin concentrations. These toxin concentrations in streams are due to an interaction in the mode of entry (point vs non-point) and how those toxins are distributed by turbulence and flow in streams. With this information, we produce a spatial model of the movement of toxins in flowing systems in order to be able to predict where certain “hot” spots of danger might exist for organisms using GIS technology.
Investigator(s): 
Years Active: 
2015
Methods: 
Our model will take into account basic stream structures such as "barriers", pools, riffles, bends, point source, and nonpoint source. Each of these parameters will represent a different section within our map. While we have existing datasets for barriers, point, and nonpoint sources, data for bends, riffles, and pools are still needed. In order to obtain such data, we will be using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV; Nortek, AS, Rud, Norway) to configure a three-dimensional velocity profile of the sampling sites. Each stream section will have the same velocity with the exception of the stream and pool. In addition, we will be measuring the concentration of dopamine released as a chemical tracer, using an electrochemical detection system (Epsilon, Bioanalytical Systems, West Lafayette, Indiana). The microelectrode attached to the Epsilon system will be placed close to the substrate (1-6 cm) in order to evaluate the chemical exposure benthic organisms experience. The dopamine will be released 0.5 meters from the bend, riffle, and pool.
Funding agency: 
UMBS Fellowship