Examining the impact of invasive dreissenid mussels on the health of the St. Lawrence River

When introduced to a region, non-native invasive species often have negative consequences for native plants, animals, and humans. When introduced to North America, the invasive zebra and quagga mussels altered the structure and function of native aquatic ecosystems. This caused ecological and economic damage by reducing biodiversity and human uses of local surface waters, respectively. The invasive mussels were first documented in the St. Lawrence River in the 1990s. As the main outflow channel of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River has a history of pollution from industrial (waste disposal) and agricultural (fertilizer, manure) sources, that have impacted water quality and the aquatic food web. To improve our understanding of the current health of the St. Lawrence River, an assessment of the river’s ecological condition will provide scientists, policymakers, Indigenous communities, and concerned community members with vital information on the cumulative impact of the invasive mussels in conjunction with water pollution in the St. Lawrence River. This study will provide that information by investigating water quality and the biotic community in the Upper St. Lawrence River (Kingston – Valleyfield).

Faculty Supervisor:

Andrea Kirkwood

Student:

Partner:

St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Program: