Lakes In Alberta Research Articles

The Contributions of Host Age and Size to the Aggregated Distribution of Parasites in Yellow Perch, Perca flavescens, from Garner Lake, Alberta, Canada

The independent effects of host age and size on parasite abundance are examined in yellow perch from Garner Lake in east-central Alberta. Older, larger perch tend to have more species of parasites combined with larger parasite infrapopulations. Sexual size dimorphism in perch generates 2 different size classes within each age class >2+ yr, thus allowing the opportunity to separate the effects of age and size on the recruitment of parasites by perch. The abundances of Diplostomum adamsi and Bothriocephalus sp. both increase with host age, whereas the increased abundances of Crepidostomum isostomum and Raphidascaris acus in larger fish are, in part, suggestive of size-specific feeding behaviors of the host. A combination of parasites with size- and age-dependent infrapopulations results in a size-dependent increase in infracommunity size. A comparison of variance-to-mean ratios within age classes to overall variance-to-mean ratios shows that the effects of host age and size on parasite recruitment do contribute to parasite aggregation.

Increased abundance and depth distribution of pelagic crustacean zooplankton during hypolimnetic oxygenation in a deep, eutrophic Alberta lake

Since June 1988, the north basin of eutrophic Amisk Lake has been treated by hypolimnetic oxygenation, while the south basin has served as a reference. In summer 1989, hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations were >=>1 mg ·L-1 in the treatment basin, while they fell to <1 mg ·L-1 in the reference basin by early July. There were no apparent treatment effects on biomass, abundance, or distribution of zooplankton in surface waters (0-10 m). However, in summer 1989, hypolimnetic abundances of two of four species (Daphnia longiremis and Daphnia pulex) were greater in the treatment than in the reference basin (P < 0.03) and than in the north basin in summer 1984 (4 years pretreatment). In the hypolimnion, D. longiremis, D. pulex, Bosmina longirostris, and Diacyclops bicuspidatus thomasi were found at greater median depths (P < 0.001) in the treatment than in the reference basin. Median depths of these four species in the hypolimnion tracked species-specific DO concentrations of between 1.5 and 2.3 mg ·L-1. Coincident with enhanced DO concentrations in the treatment basin in August, D. longiremis migrated vertically in the treatment basin (median depth day versus night, P < 0.001, median migration 4 m), but not in the reference basin (P > 0.9).

In situ evaluation of options for chemical treatment of hepatotoxic cyanobacterial blooms

Closed-bottom limnocorrals were placed in a hardwater lake in central Alberta to compare the effect of two alternative approaches to chemical removal of toxic phytoplankton blooms. Reglone A, which lyses phytoplankton cells, and lime-alum, which precipitates intact phytoplankton cells out of the water column were both effective in removing phytoplankton from the water column. Our results were consistent with laboratory studies in that treatment with Reglone A removed phytoplankton (primarily cyanobacteria) blooms with a concomitant increase in dissolved microcystin (exo-MCYST) and phosphorus concentrations in the surrounding water whereas lime-alum treatment did not. Maximum exo-MCYST concentrations in the water phase of the lime-alum treated limnocorrals were 32-fold lower than those recorded in the Reglone-treated limnocorrals. Treatment with lime alone caused a sharp rise in pH (to >10), and the observed increase in exo-MCYST was likely due to pH shock. Exo-MCYST concentration in the Reglone-treated enclosures remained high for the duration of the experiment (>5 days). As microcystin did not partition onto lake sediments in laboratory studies, our limnocorrals results were probably a good indication of microcystin dynamics in lakes. Thus, the use of chemicals such as lime-alum that precipitate out intact phytoplankton cells lessens the potential health risk where microcystins are present.

Effects of Ca (OH)2 additions on phytoplankton communities under ice cover in eutrophic hardwater lakes

The effects of Ca(OH) 2 treatment during the open-water season on phytoplankton communities under ice cover were examined for up to three winters (Nov. Apr.) in three eutrophic hardwater lakes in central Alberta. Phytoplankton communities were compared between treated and untreated lakes, and between pre- and posttreatment periods within a treatment lake. In all study lakes, phytoplankton biomass tended to be high at ice-on, decrease after November, and remain low (<2mg/L) from January to early March, when light conditions and water temperatures were also low. After late March to early April, phytoplankton biomass started to increase exponentially because of higher light conditions and water temperature. Most phytoplankton species that were common under ice also occurred during the open-water season. Although phytoplankton species composition was diverse under ice, the biomass of most species, except for flagellates, did not increase before mid-March. Species composition and biomass of some phytoplankton groups varied without clear trends among winters in treated and untreated lakes. Therefore, Ca(OH) 2 treatment during the open-water season did not appear to affect winter phytoplankton communities.

Lake Management Based on Lime Application and Hypolimnetic Oxygenation: the Experience in Eutrophic Hardwater Lakes in Alberta

Abstract Many water bodies in western Canada experience high internal phosphorus recycling rates and excessive primary production, with associated water column anoxia and restricted fisheries habitat. Lime (Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3) application and hypolimnetic oxygenation were investigated in Alberta as nontoxic, inexpensive management alternatives. In hardwater lakes, multiple Ca(OH)2 applications at dosages &amp;lt;100 mg L-1 reduced chl a and TP concentrations by up to ~30 and 50%, respectively, often for several years. In contrast, high flushing rates in stormwater retention basins made repeated Ca(OH)2 treatment necessary. Hypolimnetic oxygenation in Amisk Lake from 1988-93 increased hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen concentrations from 0.9 to 4.6 mgL-1 in the treated basin while maintaining thermal stratification. Epilimnetic whole-lake chl a and TP concentrations were reduced by 55 and 13%, respectively. Deep-water habitat was improved for fish, zooplankton and macroinvertebrates. Our research shows that water quality can be improved in lakes that are naturally eutrophic (i.e., due to internal P cycling) and has implications for lake management projects worldwide.

Influence of Peatlands on the acidity of lakes in northeastern Alberta, Canada

About a third of the lakes surveyed in the Birch Mountains Upland of northeastern Alberta, Canada, have pH below 7.0; 25% have alkalinities below 10 mg/L identifying them as acid-sensitive following criteria established by the National Research Council of Canada (1981). Lakes in this region vary greatly as to surface area and depth. Watersheds also vary in area and in amount of peatland cover. Peatlands in the form of peat plateaus and collapse scars, continental bogs, treed and open fens, and shallow organic deposits cover over 50% of some watersheds. Surface water chemistries of these peatlands form three distinct classes: bogs, poor fens and shallow organic deposits. The acidity of certain lakes in this northern area is best explained by effects from high cover of Sphagnum-dominated peatlands in surrounding watersheds. Due to greater flow-through, poor fens appear to be more important than bogs in affecting the acidity of associated lakes.

Increased abundance and depth distribution of pelagic crustacean zooplankton during hypolimnetic oxygenation in a deep, eutrophic Alberta lake

Increased abundance and depth distribution of pelagic crustacean zooplankton during hypolimnetic oxygenation in a deep, eutrophic Alberta lake

The Late Quaternary palaeoenvironmental history of a presently deep freshwater lake in east-central Alberta, Canada and palaeoclimate implications

Abstract The palaeoenvironmental history of Moore Lake, Alberta, Canada (54°30′N; 110°30′W) has been investigated through analysis of pollen, diatoms, total chrysophyte stomatocysts, and sedimentary pigments, including the blue-green algal xanthophylls, oscillaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll. The initial lake was shallow. Vegetation of the region was treeless and no doubt reflected the unique late-glacial pioneering environment. Planktonic diatoms characteristic of a deep, eutrophic lake were dominant by ca. 11400 yr B.P., when a birch-spruce-dominated Boreal Forest developed. However, in response to early Holocene warmth and aridity the lake had become saline by ca. 10,000 yr B.P. when Chaetoceros spp. and Cyclotella caspia became dominant, while an open parkland/grassland vegetation had developed, subject to increased fire frequency. Freshwater taxa reappeared between ca. 9100 and ca. 8400 yr B.P. providing evidence of a wetter period. However, after ca. 8400 yr. B.P. planktonic saline taxa returned as dominants. By ca. 6200 yr B.P. birch-spruce forests were once again developed in the area in response to more effective precipitation. Between ca. 5800 and 4000 yr B.P. oscillations between fresh and saline diatom taxa occurred suggesting some aridity reversals. During the last ca. 4000 years planktonic eutrophic diatom taxa dominated. Diatom numbers were initially low but increased ca. 11,400 yr B.P. and remained high until ca. 10,000 yr B.P. They were minimal during the saline interval. Afterwards as the lake freshened numbers of diatoms increased and several large peaks occurred, perhaps in response to internal nutrient loading coupled with increased runoff and erosion. Oscillaxanthin concentrations were initially high, but during the saline interval they became undetectable, except during the freshwater interlude, and then, as the lake became fresh large maxima occurred. In contrast, myxoxanthophyll concentrations were high during this saline interval. Large myxoxanthophyll peaks occurred simultaneously with those of oscillaxanthin as the lake freshened. Overall lake palaeoproduction levels during the Holocene appear to have altered little. The Moore Lake record demonstrates short-lived palaeoclimatic changes of unknown cause superimposed upon the broad trends, and the value of the palaeolimnological record which can be much more sensitive than fossil pollen vegetation reconstruction in demonstrating climate history. Results are compared with others for western Canada and the Great Plains.

Alberta Lake re-established after draining to mine coal: S. Sumer, L. Pitts, J. McCulloch & H. Quan, Mining Engineering, 47(11), 1995, pp 1015–1019

Alberta Lake re-established after draining to mine coal: S. Sumer, L. Pitts, J. McCulloch & H. Quan, Mining Engineering, 47(11), 1995, pp 1015–1019

Dissolved organic matter quantity and quality from freshwater and saltwater lakes in east-central Alberta

Concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in surface waters of sub-humid to semi-arid lakes in east-central Alberta increase with increasing salinity and water residence time from about 20 to 330 mg L- as dissolved organic carbon (DOC). This pattern is opposite to that observed among freshwater lakes spanning a gradient in water residence times, and is probably caused by evaporative concentration of refractory DOM. The proportion of total DOC, operationally defined as humic substances using XAD-8 resin, was high, though similar to surface waters typically referred to as "humic", and independent of salinity. Very long water residence times (hundreds of years) in saline lakes favors evapoconcentration of low-color, low molecular weight DOM, with N-content characteristic of allochthonous DOM.

VARIABILITY OF THE HEPATOTOXIN MICROCYSTIN‐LR IN HYPEREUTROPHIC DRINKING WATER LAKES1

ABSTRACT The patterns of occurrence of the peptide hepatotoxin microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR) was studied in three hypereu‐trophic hardwater lakes (Coal, Driedmeat, and Little Beaver) in central Alberta, Canada, over three open‐water seasons. MC‐LR concentration was based on high‐performance liquid chromatography detection and expressed as μg.g−1 of total plankton biomass, ng.L−1 of lake water, and μg.g−1 of Microcystis aeruginosa Kuetz. emend. Elenkin. MC‐LR was highly variable temporally (differences up to 3 orders of magnitude) within each lake over an individual year, between years in an individual lake, and between lakes in any year. Seasonal (within‐year) changes in MC‐LR concentration (expressed in the preceding units) were positively correlated to the abundance and biomass Of the cyanobacterium M. aeruginosa (r =0.60–0.77), total and total dissolved phosphorus concentration (r =0.46–0.59), pH (r=0.38–0.58), and chlorophyll a (r=0.25–0.59). Surprisingly, there was no relationship between MC‐LR concentration and water temperature (range: 7°‐24°C, r =‐0.13 to 0.02) and a negative correlation with nitrate concentration (r =–0.27 to ‐0.34). In two synoptic surveys examining spatial variability, MC‐LR concentrations were quite variable (CV of 185 and 36% between sampling sites for Coal and Little Beaver lakes, respectively). Spatial distribution of MC‐LR on any one day was correlated with the abundance and biomass of M. aeruginosa. Over a 24‐h period, MC‐LR concentration in M. aeruginosa decreased more than 6‐fold at night relative to daytime concentrations. In general, analytical and within‐site variation of MC‐LR was relatively small (CV &lt; 4 and 9%, respectively) but greatest both within and between years in a lake followed by diel and spatial variation.

Health effects associated with wastewater treatment, disposal, and reuse

and transfer of fecal indicator organisms (coliforms, enterococci, sulphite-reducing clostridia, and coliphages) downstream of a wastewater treatment plant were investigated at Lake Kallavesi, Finland (R?jala and Heinonen-Tanski, 1998). The observation of indicator organisms up to 18 km from the discharge point and good survival in the summer suggested that direct use of lake water could constitute a health risk. The effect of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) on the occur rence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium was investigated (Gibson et al., 1998). The results suggested that CSOs significantly contribute to the load of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in ambient waters and source waters for drinking and recreational uses. An outbreak of waterborne giardiasis in Temagami, Ontario, in 1994 was assessed (Wallis et al., 1998). The outbreak was traced to leakage from the municipal wastewater system into the lake and exacerbated by spring snow-melt runoff. The influence of rainwater on the con centration of helminth eggs in wastewater was investigated (Capizzi and Schwartzbrod, 1998). Concentrations of parasite eggs vary according to water flow rates and sedimentation; heavy rain following rainless days yielded higher concentrations in raw wastewater at the treatment plant, whereas continuous moderate rain resulted in low variation of parasite eggs. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms, skin disorders, status of spirometric lung functions, and amino acid profiles among wastewater workers were reported (Bener et al., 1998). Wastewa ter workers had a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms than controls, significant for chronic cough (p < 0.02), chronic phlegm (p < 0.03), chronic bronchitis (p < 0.02), asthma (p < 0.02), dyspneoa (p < 0.001), and nasal catarrh (p < 0.001) and acute symptoms of pruritus (p < 0.003), tinea (p < 0.004), dermatitis (p < 0.001), and nose irritation (p < 0.005). Spirometry tests scored lower in wastewater workers, and most of the plasma amino acids concentrations were elevated among wastewater workers. An investigation examining whether inadequate septic system construction may cause contamination of wells with coliform bacteria or nitrates was reported (Tuthill et al., 1998). The authors found that coliform bacteria and nitrate contamination were neg atively correlated with lot size, and coliform bacteria levels were negatively correlated with casing length, which suggested that septic systems may be a source of coliform bacteria and nitrate contamination in wells. CONTAMINATION OF WATER SUPPLIES

Detection and occurrence of waterborne bacterial and viral pathogens

Detection and occurrence of waterborne bacterial and viral pathogens

Zooplankton distribution and abundance in saline lakes of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada

Zooplankton collections were made during 1985, 1986, 1988 and 1989 from 17 lakes in Saskatchewan and 3 in Alberta. Salinity ranged from 2.8 to 269 g L−1 (total filtrable residue). A total of 35 species was present in four taxa: Anostraca (3 species), Cladocera (11), Copepoda (7) and Rotifera (14). Species richness was greatest at salinities 100 g L−1) had 2–5 species. The largest concentrations of zooplankton occurred at 50 g L−1. Eurysaline species included the rotifersAsplanchna girodi (3–111 g L−1),Brachionus plicatilis (13–146) andKeratella quadrata (2.8–103).Artemia franciscana (33–269—but absent from Big Quill Lake, 49–82),Daphnia similis (3–104).D. connexus (9–82),Diacyclops thomasi (3–72), andCletocamptus albuquerquensis (17 to 126—but never abundant in the plankton). About half the species were restricted to hyposaline waters (3–20 g L−1), but some (Hexarthra fennica, Moina hutchinsoni, Hexarthra polyodonta) occurred only at intermediate salinities. The latter two species were also only present at high pH values (>9.2). There was a trend of decreasing species richness with increasing salinity.

Occurrence and toxicological evaluation of cyanobacterial toxins in Alberta lakes and farm dugouts

The occurrence of neuro- and hepatotoxins produced by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) was assessed in eight lakes and six farm dugouts, located in Alberta. Anatoxin-a, an alkaloid neurotoxin produced by Anabaena flos-aquae, was not detected in the lake blooms with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Algal blooms which contained Microcystis aeruginosa almost always had detectable concentrations of microcystin-LR, a peptide hepatotoxin, based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. Bloom samples from the six farm dugouts contained no detectable quantity of either anatoxin-a or microcystin-LR. However, anatoxin-a and microcystin-LR were detected in algae isolated and subsequently cultured from two separate dugouts. Microcystin-RR was not detected in any bloom sample collected. Among three lakes studied in greater detail, the concentration of microcystin-LR present in the blooms was highly variable between lakes and temporally within each lake over the limited sampling period. Fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) performed on a composite of several bloom samples from one lake confirmed the identity of microcystin-LR. Bioassays were performed with a subset of the bloom samples to determine acute toxicity to mice. Intraperitoneal injection of bloom extracts containing microcystin-LR resulted in a massive dose-dependent pooling of blood in the liver, shock and very rapid (as quickly as 50 min post-injection) death of injected mice.

Holocene paleohydrology of a hypersaline lake in southeastern Alberta

Analyses of pollen, plant macrofossils, sediment mineralogy, geochemistry, and lithology of cores from Chappice Lake, southeastern Alberta, provide an outline of paleohydrological changes spanning the last 7300 radiocarbon years. Situated near the northern margin of the Great Plains, Chappice Lake is currently a small (1.5 km2), shallow (<1 m), hypersaline lake. Results of this study suggest that the lake has experienced significant changes in water level and chemistry during the Holocene.

Comparison of Chlorophyll a Extractions with Ethanol and Dimethyl Sulfoxide/Acetone, and a Concern about Spectrophotometric Phaeopigment Correction

Chlorophyll a (Chl a) in water samples from three mesotrophic to eutrophic lakes in north-central Alberta was extracted with one of three solvents (95% ethanol, 90% ethanol, or a 2:3 mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide and 90% acetone (DMSO/acetone)) and analyzed by two techniques (spectrophotometry and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The dominant phytoplankton were blue-green algae and diatoms. Total Chl a concentrations (i.e. no correction for phaeopigments (Pha)) were not significantly different among solvents (P &gt; 0.5). Total Chl a concentrations from spectrophotometric analyses were significantly higher than those from HPLC analyses (4.2 ± 0.88 and 2.6 ± 0.50 μg∙L−1 respectively, P &lt; 0.05). Pha concentrations derived by spectrophotometry were 64 times higher than those derived by HPLC (1.7 ± 0.52 and 0.025 ± 0.01 μg∙L−1 respectively, P &lt; 0.005). Thus, spectrophotometry appears to dramatically overestimate Pha concentrations and may overestimate total Chl a (i.e. no correction for Pha). Therefore, ethanol and DMSO/acetone are equally suitable for Chl a extraction from natural populations dominated by blue-green algae and/or diatoms, but if information on Pha and/or accessory pigments is required, HPLC analyses are the appropriate route rather than spectrophotometry.

A Coupled Geomechanic-Multiphase Flow Model For Analysis Of In Situ Recovery In Cohesionless Oil Sands

Abstract It is now generally recognized that reservoir operations in oil sands promote fabric disturbance in the sand matrix resulting in large changes in pore volume and permeability. These disturbances depend on the stress stales which are continuously altered by temperature and pressure changes due to fluid and heat diffusion and convection processes. Thus, a proper analysis of fluid flow behaviours also requires the solution oj the stress-deformational changes in the reservoir. This investigation is concerned with the numerical solution of the coupled geomechanic-mu!tiphase flow model suitable for the analysis of oil-sand reservoir behaviour. The coupled theory for the isothermal situation is described in detail. This is the first part of an ongoing research effort to develop a realistic simulation tool for this class of problem. The system a/nonlinear partial differential equations is discretized using a control-volume finite-element method (CVFEj which is found to be well-suited for the analysis. The resulting equations are then solved using a fully-coupled, fully implicit approach. A hyperbolic dilatant stress-strain model is incorporated to represent the mechanical behaviour of uncemented sands. As far as we know, this is the first successful attempt in solving the coupled system using the method. Some results from the initial verification and testing are included. Areas of ongoing research are also palmed out. Introduction The exploitation of the vast tar-sand deposits of Peace River, Cold Lake, and Athabasca in Alberta remains one of the most challenging problems in the oil industry. The majority of these deposits are overlain by over 500 m of overburden and thus necessitates the use of in situ recovery methods. The bitumen viscosities at original reservoir temperature are high (&amp;gt; 100 000 cp in Cold Lake and &amp;gt; 1 000 000 cp in Athabasca). and as such, bitumen at native condition is immobile. However, the viscosities decline exponentially with an increase in temperature. This makes thermal recovery methods particularly attractive. Tar sands at initial conditions have no injectivity unless there exist communication channels intersecting the injectors. Therefore, methods of creating hot communication paths are required. These include the circulation of steam in a horizontal well as a means of heating an annulus of sand around the well in the HASD (Heated Annulus Steam Drive) or the injection of steam at a pressure large enough to overcome the minimum effective stress, thus inducing formation failure. The study of thermal recovery processes in oil sands involves the analysis of complex interactions of geomechanics and multiphase thermal flow in cohesionless porous media. The oil-sand matrix has no cohesion because of the absence of mineral cement. The sand matrix is further characterized by an interpenetrative grain structure with large grain-to-grain contact areas. This peculiar fabric is the result of the predominant quartz dissolution and recrystallization diagenetic processes. It was suggested that oil sands constitute a distinct class of frictional materials known as locked sands(1). The native porosity is lower than what can be achieved in the laboratory after the fabric has been disturbed.

7000 year record of lake-level change on the northern Great Plains: A high-resolution proxy of past climate

Mineralogical and paleobotanical characteristics of the sedimentary fill in a shallow, saline lake in southeastern Alberta indicate that drought intervals are aperiodic and that climatic extremes unprecedented in historic time occurred earlier during the Holocene, when century-long intervals of repeated, intense droughts alternated with long periods when droughts were rare. Low-water intervals (signifying periods of drought) are recorded by carbonate-rich laminae containing abundant plant fossils indicative of hypersalinity. In contrast, highstands of relatively fresh water (outlining moist periods) are represented by massive, silicate-rich sediment with lower numbers of halophytic indicators.

Atlas of Alberta Lakes. Patricia Mitchell , Ellie Prepas

Previous articleNext article No AccessBook ReviewsAtlas of Alberta Lakes. Patricia Mitchell , Ellie Prepas Clair L. SchelskeClair L. Schelske Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Volume 10, Number 4Dec., 1991 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.2307/1467673 Journal History This article was published in the Journal of the North American Benthological Society (1986-2011), which is continued by Freshwater Science (2012-present). Copyright 1991 The North American Benthological SocietyPDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.