Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Biology Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Biology

Nitrogen Fixation By The Cyanobacterium Nostoc Punctiforme In Response To Variation In Nitrogen Availability, Temperature, And Atmospheric Co2 Concentrations, Danielle A. Griffith Aug 2014

Nitrogen Fixation By The Cyanobacterium Nostoc Punctiforme In Response To Variation In Nitrogen Availability, Temperature, And Atmospheric Co2 Concentrations, Danielle A. Griffith

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The predominant input of available nitrogen (N) in boreal forest ecosystems originates from moss-associated cyanobacteria, which fix unavailable atmospheric N2, contribute to the soil N pool, and thereby support forest productivity. Although increases in N availability, temperature, and atmospheric CO2 concentrations are expected in Canada’s boreal region over the next century, little is known about the combined effects of these factors on N2 fixation by axenic cyanobacteria or the associated mechanisms. I assessed changes in N2 fixation by Nostoc punctiforme under different global environmental change scenarios and examined correlations between the response and changes in …


Identifying The Role Of Non-Native Species In The Enhanced Trophic Transfer Of Mercury In The Food Web Of Lake Erie, A North American Great Lake, Kaylin M.S. Liznick Jun 2014

Identifying The Role Of Non-Native Species In The Enhanced Trophic Transfer Of Mercury In The Food Web Of Lake Erie, A North American Great Lake, Kaylin M.S. Liznick

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Increasing mercury (Hg) concentrations in top predatory fish is concerning for human and wildlife health. This study examined the amount of Hg available to the food web of Lake Erie, and explored the role that two recently established non-native species, dreissenid mussels and round goby, have played in the trophic transfer of Hg to sport fish. A comprehensive sampling of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) within Lake Erie water, sediment and seston with high temporal and spatial resolution describes environmental concentrations. In addition, biotic THg and MeHg are quantified in benthic invertebrates and three fish species. A steep spatial …