Green Algal Palynomorphs as Proxies of Water Quality in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Basin

Session: Poster session

Paul Michael Pilkington, Brock University, [email protected]
Francine McCarthy, Brock University, [email protected]
Caitlin Garner, Brock University, [email protected]
Gregor Hemon, McMaster University, [email protected]
Andrea Krueger, Brock University, [email protected]
Olena Volik, University of Waterloo, [email protected]
Nicholas Riddick, Brock University, [email protected]
Donya Danesh, Queens Univ., Dept. Biology, PEARL Lab, [email protected]

Abstract

The fossilizable remains of cyanophytes and green algae (chorophytes and charophytes) have been shown to be useful proxies of water quality in lakes throughout the Great Lakes basin. In Lake Simcoe, for instance, desmids in slides processed for pollen analysis without harsh oxidants have been shown to be particularly sensitive to agricultural activity by aboriginal and European settlers.  These organic-walled microfossils also clearly distinguish greater anthropogenic impact in the southern basin of Lake George where most human settlement and tourist activity is concentrated, whereas the northern basin surrounded by “Forever Wild” lands in Adirondack Park are relatively rich in dinoflagellate cysts.  Upcore studies of algal palynomorph assemblages in a core from Tea Island, near the Village of Lake George, reveal changes associated with European settlement, marked by the increase in ragweed and other herbaceous pollen.  Pollen also reveals changes in climate that affected water quality.

1. Keyword
algae

2. Keyword
eutrophication

3. Keyword
paleolimnology