The effects of a recent zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) invasion on the phytoplankton community in Lake Leelanau in northern Michigan.

Abstract

My objective is to compare algal community structure between a zebra mussel invaded lake (Lake Leelanau) post-invasion and pre-invasion, using Lime Lake (non-invaded) as a control for the experiment. Based on the findings of previous studies, I predict that the phytoplankton samples taken from Lake Leelanau in 1993 will have a higher density and greater diversity of algae compared to the samples taken in 2004 after the invasion. I also predict that Lake Leelanau will have greater clarity between 1997 and 2001 when the disturbance of zebra mussels was prominent than the 1990-1996 samples because the algal density decreased due to zebra mussel invasion.