Grantee Research Project Results
The Influence of Climate-Induced Alterations in Dissolved Organic Matter on Metal Toxicity and UV Radiation in Rocky Mountain Streams
EPA Grant Number: R829640Title: The Influence of Climate-Induced Alterations in Dissolved Organic Matter on Metal Toxicity and UV Radiation in Rocky Mountain Streams
Investigators: Clements, William , McKnight, Diane M. , Baron, Jill S. , Meyer, Joseph S.
Current Investigators: Clements, William , Meyer, Joseph S. , Baron, Jill S. , McKnight, Diane M.
Institution: Colorado State University , University of Colorado at Boulder , University of Wyoming
Current Institution: Colorado State University , University of Wyoming , University of Colorado at Boulder
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: April 1, 2002 through April 1, 2005
Project Amount: $896,212
RFA: Assessing the Consequences of Global Change for Aquatic Ecosystems: Climate, Land Use, and UV Radiation (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Aquatic Ecosystems , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration , Water , Climate Change
Description:
The goal of this research is to investigate the influence of climate-induced changes in hydrology and dissolved organic material (DOM) on responses of stream ecosystems to other anthropogenic disturbances. We hypothesize that changes in climate and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) will alter the quality and quantity of DOM in Rocky Mountain streams. Because DOM regulates light attenuation and metal bioavailability in these systems, we predict that exposure to UVR and metals will increase as a result of these changes in DOM.
Approach:
We will integrate climate and hydrologic modeling with an intensive field monitoring and experimental program to test the hypothesis that changes in DOM increase bioavailability of metals and exposure to UV-B radiation. We will estimate effects of climate-induced alterations in stream hydrology on the timing and export of DOM using a GIS-based, hydroecological model (RHESSys) that simulates carbon, water, and nutrient flux to streams. We will characterize metal-binding capabilities and light attenuation of DOM from different sources (e.g., allochthonous versus autochthonous) in the laboratory after exposure to a full-spectrum solar simulator. Finally, we will conduct field and microcosm experiments to test the hypothesis that reductions in DOM concentration and binding capabilities will increase exposure of benthic communities to heavy metals and UV-B radiation.
Expected Results:
Because DOM regulates bioavailability and light attenuation, we expect that alterations in quality and quantity of DOM will increase exposure of aquatic organisms to metals and UVR. Ultimately, we predict that benthic communities from metal-polluted streams will show greater susceptibility to UV-B radiation than those from unpolluted streams.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 20 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 5 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Dissolved organic carbon; ecological effects; monitoring; modeling; microcosms; UV-B; Rocky Mountain streams., RFA, Air, Scientific Discipline, Geographic Area, Water, Ecological Risk Assessment, EPA Region, State, Watersheds, Atmospheric Sciences, Hydrology, climate change, Water & Watershed, Rocky Mountains, Global Climate Change, hydrologic models, vulnerability assessment, metal toxicity, environmental monitoring, aquatic ecology, global change, aquatic food web, climate variability, land and water resources, regional hydrologic vulnerability, climate models, wetlands, UV radiation, Rocky Mountain Streams, ecological research, land use, climatic models, aquatic ecosystems, dissolved organic matter, Colorado (CO), water resources, stream ecosystemProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.