taub@u.washington.edu, 206-685-2115
aquatic ecology, ecological risk assessment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
aquatic ecology, ecological risk assessment |
|
|
|
I am interested in exploring ecosystem properties, at least in part with microcosms, some being closed to material exchanges with the atmosphere. I am developing instruments to follow community metabolism (CO2/O2 diurnal changes) and community structure (species abundances). Nutrient cycling can be measured in larger systems but must be inferred in small, closed systems. Recent microcosm studies (Naeem, Morin) demonstrated increased predictability and carbon fixation as a function of increased species diversity; these studies have been well received (published in important journals and well cited). Microcosm studies are always vulnerable to the criticism that results are artifacts of the methods, so the studies must have the potential of being verified in natural systems, but must teach us something not already known. The work involves electronic monitoring and an understanding of pH/alkalinity/CO2 relationships, gas laws, gadget development, microbiology, algology, and grazer ecology. The microcosm systems include nutrient->algae->grazer->recycler processes. For many studies, aseptic technique is required to prevent contamination with unwanted organisms. Video recording and analyses of populations is an ongoing activity (see video.html). Many of my previous studies involved the use of microcosms to demonstrate the effects of test chemicals (pesticides, antibiotics, metals) on aquatic communities (10 algae and 5 zooplankton, plus unidentified bacteria, see ASTM E1366). I am interested in the interactions among organisms in a community and how the community responds to stress. |
|