Pillsbury, R. W., R. L. Lowe, Bowling Green State University, 1994.   The Impact of Zebra Mussels on Benthic Algal Communities in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron

Proceedings of The Fourth International Zebra Mussel Conference, Madison, Wisconsin, March 1994

The Impact of Zebra Mussels on Benthic Algal Communities in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron

Abstract:
The rapid proliferation of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron and their associated filtering activities was predicted to decrease densities of phytoplankton and increase light penetration which should affect the lake's periphyton. Quantitative periphyton samples were collected from natural substrata by SCUBA throughout the photic zone monthly through the growing seasons of 1991 (pre- Dreissena colonization) and 1992 (post-Dreissena colonization). Productivity rates were measured using carbon- 14 in sealed acrylic chambers. Our data suggest that after Dreissena invaded light penetration, productivity, benthic algal biomass and chlorophyll concentrations increased. This produced a shift from benthic diatoms to a flora dominated by filamentous green algae (Zygnematales).

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Keywords: Ecological_interactions, Monitoring Population_dynamics, Zebra_mussel
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