Aquatic Biota

A major focus of our research is the role that biota could play in enhancing water quality both directly, through nutrient uptake and indirectly, by enhancing mixing due to their physical structure.

Examples of our research that investigate the role of aquatic biota include rigid emergent vegetation canopies and freshwater mussels beds. Using controlled flume experiments and field observations, we are quantifying spatial gradients in nutrients, organic carbon, turbulence and associated microbial process rates at a vegetated canopy boundary. The findings from this research will answer key questions regarding the role of aquatic vegetation in streams, lakes wetlands and rivers for regulating contaminant removal and could lead to new paradigms in management.

Tracer dye through artificial canopy of rigid vegetation
Tracer dye through artificial canopy of rigid vegetation
Water chemistry sampling across emergent canopy-open water interface
Water chemistry sampling across emergent canopy-open water interface
Biofilm growth on model canopy
Biofilm growth on model canopy
Development of soil redox conditions within mesocosm soils
Development of soil redox conditions within mesocosm soils
Measuring velocity profiles across canopy-open channel interface using ADV
Measuring velocity profiles across canopy-open channel interface using ADV
Model mussel bed in recirculating flume
Model mussel bed in recirculating flume
Example of rigid emergent vegetation that we aim to emulate in the lab
Example of rigid emergent vegetation that we aim to emulate in the lab
Rigid emergent vegetation and flow in real setting
Rigid emergent vegetation and flow in real setting
Measuring vegetation properties in the field with quadrant
Measuring vegetation properties in the field with quadrant
Sampling water chemistry and vegetation in field
Sampling water chemistry and vegetation in field
Plot of rigid emergent vegetation at KU field station
Plot of rigid emergent vegetation at KU field station
Wetland with varying types of vegetation (emergent, floating, submerged, riparian/forest)
Wetland with varying types of vegetation (emergent, floating, submerged, riparian/forest)
Baker wetland with varying types of vegetation (emergent, floating, submerged)
Baker wetland with varying types of vegetation (emergent, floating, submerged)