Analyzing the impact of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on water nutrient levels.

Abstract

We studied changing water nutrient levels in tanks filled with different densities of zebra mussels. This study took place on University of Michigan Biological Station Property in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan . We placed zebra mussels from Douglas Lake into five tanks at the Alfred H. Stockard Lakeside Laboratory. We then took water samples every hour for 8 hours so that we could analyze changes in nutrient levels over time. Through chemical analysis, we were able to examine the concentrations of 14 nutrients; however, only 4 nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, and calcium) had changed significantly. The results showed that the amount of ammonium increased over time, calcium and nitrate decreased with increasing density , and ammonium increased with increasing density. These shifts in nutrient levels indicated that zebra mussel infestation can have a huge impact on aquatic ecosystems.