Publication Date
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Songlin Cheng (Advisor), Chad Hammerschmidt (Committee Member), Rebecca Teed (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
Crystal Lake showed distinct biogeochemical patterns, which were governed by thermal stratification, photosynthesis, and sulfur redox processes. Field parameter measurements and water and Planktothrix rubescens samples were collected in May, August, and October, 2013 at the deepest point in the lake, to better understand these processes. At the metalimnion-hypolimnion boundary, P. rubescens produced chlorophyll and turbidity maxima. Photosynthesis produced oxygen-rich and nutrient-poor surface waters. The decay of organic matter produced anoxic, nutrient-rich water in the hypolimnion. Sulfate concentrations were high in the epilimnion and metalimnion, with a maximum at the layer of P. rubescens, and decreased with depth in the hypolimnion. Sulfide was absent in the epilimnion and metalimnion and increased with depth in the hypolimnion. Sulfur isotopic composition changed with depth in the hypolimnion due to Rayleigh Fractionation. It can be concluded that P. rubescens play a major role in the sulfur cycle and sulfur isotopic composition changes.
Page Count
106
Department or Program
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Year Degree Awarded
2014
Copyright
Copyright 2014, all rights reserved. This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.
