Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Effects Of Zebra Mussel, Dreissena Polymorpha, Infestation On Lake Dardanelle Water Quality, Charles J. Gagen, Joseph N. Stoeckel

Technical Reports

Zebra mussels recently invaded southern waterways including the Arkansas River. Exponential population growth and high filtration capacity of dense populations could alter reservoir ecosystem function. Furthermore, they attach to hard surfaces; thus, threatening normal operations of many artificial structures. We designed this study to provide baseline data prior to high population levels of zebra mussels in Lake Dardanelle. The characterization of spatial and temporal variability in water quality, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and macrophytes will allow testing of several hypotheses. We sampled zebra mussel density and zooplankton at four fixed sites and the other key variables at three of these sites biweekly …