Effects of Invasive Quagga Mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) on Chlorophyll and Water Clarity in Lakes Mead and Havasu of the Lower Colorado River Basin, 2007–2009
Quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) were found in the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead (Nevada-Arizona) in the lower Colorado River Basin on January 6, 2007, and the population continued to grow from 2007 through 2009. This study focused on ecological impacts of quagga mussels in Lake Mead, w...
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Published in | Quagga and Zebra Mussels pp. 519 - 532 |
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Format | Book Chapter |
Language | English |
Published |
United Kingdom
CRC Press
2014
Taylor & Francis Group |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) were
found in the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead (Nevada-Arizona)
in the lower Colorado River Basin on January 6, 2007, and
the population continued to grow from 2007 through 2009.
This study focused on ecological impacts of quagga mussels in Lake Mead, which is the largest reservoir by water
volume in the United States. Annual chlorophyll a concentrations decreased signicantly during the post-quagga
period (2007-2009) compared to the pre-quagga period
(2002-2006) in Boulder Basin (−45%) and Virgin Basin
(−20%), but not in Las Vegas Bay, Overton Arm, or Gregg
Basin. Water clarity increased signicantly in Boulder Basin
(+13%) in the post-quagga period, but not in other basins
in Lake Mead. Although chlorophyll a concentration’s and
water clarity changed in the post-quagga period, falling
water levels and changes in nutrient inputs from wastewater
treatment plants are also likely causes for these observations. |
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ISBN: | 143985436X 9781439854365 |
DOI: | 10.1201/b15437-39 |