Natural perturbation or anthropogenic impact? Non-pollen palynomorph assemblages as biomonitors in L

Session: Poster session

Caitlin Garner, Brock University, [email protected]
Francine McCarthy, Brock University, [email protected]
Krystyna Kornecki, [email protected]
Gregor Hemon, McMaster University, [email protected]
Andrea Krueger, Brock University, [email protected]
Matthew Shuler, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, [email protected]
Paul Michael Pilkington, Brock University, [email protected]
Miriam Katz, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, [email protected]
Richard Relyea, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, [email protected]
Morgan Schaller, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, [email protected]

Abstract

Non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) - the remains of green algae, fungi, dinoflagellates and arthropods found in sediments processed for pollen analysis -  remain a largely understudied paleolimnological proxy. This study compares algal and other non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) with assemblages of better-understood paleolimnological proxies (testate amoebae and diatoms) in 33 lakebed samples from across Lake George. This ‘queen of American lakes’ in the Adirondack mountains has long since been a holiday destination but increased development along its shores have raised concerns. Water quality monitoring and recovery efforts are being studied by the Jefferson Project at Lake George, a partnership between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, IBM, and the FUND for Lake George. NPP assemblages in the southern basin are relatively rich in green algal palynomorphs (e.g., Pediastrum and Cosmarium spp.), recording nutrient enrichment in this relatively developed region of the watershed. In contrast, lakebed sediments from the northern basin (surrounded by Forever Wild forest in the Adirondack Park) are typically dominated by cysts of dinoflagellates and Botryococcus colonies. Assemblages at the northernmost sites resemble those in the southern basin, however, with abundant green algal palynomorphs recording anthropogenic impact from the town of Ticonderoga. 

1. Keyword
algae

2. Keyword
eutrophication

3. Keyword
paleolimnology