Donna Kashian - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Donna Kashian

Hydrobiologia, Jul 1, 2024

Ecological Indicators, Sep 1, 2020

Conservation and management agencies may benefit from volunteer programs, or citizen science, to ... more Conservation and management agencies may benefit from volunteer programs, or citizen science, to monitor a variety of ecosystem types. Citizen science can simultaneously engage individuals living in or near an ecosystem and provide environmental data that may otherwise be lacking. However, data produced by untrained volunteers is not always trusted among agency and academic researchers due to uncertainty surrounding accuracy and lingering stigma associated with 'amateur' assessments. Here we provide site-specific comparisons between quantitative ecological monitoring data and qualitative data produced by citizen scientists. Two citizen science organizations in the metro Detroit (Michigan, USA) area conduct regular monitoring of aquatic macroinvertebrates to assess urban stream quality. We conducted analogous sampling at seven locations over three years (12 total samples) using quantitative stream ecology methods to provide a site-specific comparison of stream assessments. Invertebrate assemblage composition varied between methods, overlapping by an average of 30% per site. Assemblage differences largely corresponded to under-sampling of small sessile taxa and large mobile taxa by volunteer and quantitative surveys, respectively. Most of the invertebrate taxa which differed between data types were naturally rare taxa. This resulted in predictable differences in quality assessment by quantitative and qualitative methods. Citizen volunteers regularly rated sites with low invertebrate richness as higher in quality than did quantitative assessments, resulting in a conservative indicator of stream degradation. Though qualitative citizen data and quantitative data varied, both methods had shortcomings and strengths. Citizen science organizations can thus provide a useful complement to traditional monitoring practices, particularly given the long-term, spatially broad, and repeated nature of their sampling.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Sep 1, 2023

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Oct 1, 2019

Quagga (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) and zebra (D. polymorpha) mussels are broadcast spawners... more Quagga (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) and zebra (D. polymorpha) mussels are broadcast spawners that produce planktonic, free swimming veligers, a life history strategy dissimilar to native North American freshwater bivalves. Dreissenid veligers require highly nutritious food to grow and survive, and thus may be susceptible to increased mortality rates during harsh environmental conditions like cyanobacteria blooms. However, the impact of cyanobacteria and one of the toxins they can produce (microcystin) has not been evaluated in dreissenid veligers. Therefore, we exposed dreissenid veligers to eleven distinct cultures (isolates) of cyanobacteria representing Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Dolichospermum, Microcystis, and Planktothrix species and the cyanotoxin microcystin to determine the lethality of cyanobacteria on dreissenid veligers. Six-day laboratory bioassays were performed in microplates using dreissenid veligers collected from the Detroit River, Michigan, USA. Veligers were exposed to increasing concentrations of cyanobacteria and microcystin using the green algae Chlorella minutissima as a control. Based on dose response curves formulated from a Probit model, the LC 50 values for cyanobacteria used in this study range between 15.06 and 135.06 μg/L chlorophyll-a, with the LC 50 for microcystin-LR at 13.03 μg/L. Because LC 50 values were within ranges observed in natural waterbodies, it is possible that dreissenid recruitment may be suppressed when veliger abundances overlap with seasonal cyanobacteria blooms. Thus, the toxicity of cyanobacteria to dreissenid veligers may be useful to include in models forecasting dreissenid mussel abundance and spread.

Chemosphere, 2022

Microplastics (MPs) are globally ubiquitous in sediments and surface waters. Interactions between... more Microplastics (MPs) are globally ubiquitous in sediments and surface waters. Interactions between biota and MPs are complex and influence their fate and effects in the environment. Once MPs enter aquatic systems, they are colonized by biofilms that may form from the excretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from microalgae. Biofilm accumulation may change the density of the MPs, contributing to their transport to the sediments. Furthermore, benthic plantivores may consume biofilm laden MPs allowing them to enter the food web. Thus, it is crucial to understand the role algae plays in the vertical transport of MPs in the aquatic environment. In this study, Chlamydomonas was cultured with MPs at different concentrations (0-0.4 mg/mL), and temperatures ranging from 2.5 to 32.5 °C to understand the deposition dynamics and impacts of MPs on EPS production and algal density. Temperatures ranging up to 25 °C increased algal density and MPs deposition. However, at 32.5 °C, algal density and MPs deposition declined. The quantity of MPs also affected algal cell density and EPS production. MPs concentration from 0 to 0.4 mg/mL increased EPS production at all temperatures. Similarly, an increase in algal cell density and MPs deposition occurred when MPs concentration was raised to 0.3 mg/mL. Algal cultures exposed to 0.3-0.4 mg/mL of MPs had a decrease in algal cell density, with no corresponding decline in EPS production. At certain conditions, MPs can facilitate biofilm formation by stimulating EPS production, which can increase cell density thereby expediting MPs transport to the sediment.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Apr 7, 2015

Contaminant exposure in aqueous systems typically involves complex chemical mixtures. Given the l... more Contaminant exposure in aqueous systems typically involves complex chemical mixtures. Given the large number of compounds present in the environment, it is critical to identify hazardous chemical interactions rapidly. The present study utilized a prototype for a novel high-throughput assay to quantify behavioral changes over time to identify chemical interactions that affect toxicity. The independent and combined effects of 2 chemicals, diazinon (an insecticide) and 4-nonylphenol (a detergent metabolite), on the swimming behavior of the freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex were examined. Cumulative distance and change in direction were measured repeatedly via optical tracking over 90 min. Exposure to low concentrations of diazinon (0.125-2 mM) or 4-nonylphenol (0.25-4 mM) elicited significant concentration-and time-dependent effects on swimming behavior. Exposure to 0.5 mM 4-nonylphenol alone did not significantly alter mean cumulative distance but did elicit a small, significant increase in mean angle, the measure of change in direction. When 0.5 mM 4-nonylphenol was used in combination with diazinon (0.125-0.5 mM), it augmented the adverse impact of diazinon on the swimming behavior of Daphnia. Additionally, enhanced sensitivity to diazinon was observed in animals exposed to treated wastewater effluent for 24 h prior to a diazinon challenge. The present experiments demonstrate that exposure to 4-nonylphenol and complex chemical mixtures (e.g., treated wastewater) can enhance the toxicity of exposure to the insecticide diazinon.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Nov 15, 2018

Phosphorous is an essential nutrient for all forms of life; however, the question of toxicity to ... more Phosphorous is an essential nutrient for all forms of life; however, the question of toxicity to aquatic species remains largely unanswered, despite many systems that exceed natural phosphorus loads. This study determined the ecotoxicological threshold concentration of phosphorus to the freshwater bivalve Dreissena bugensis using a 96-h bioassay. Sublethal, medial lethal, and lethal levels of sodium phosphate to D. bugensis were found to be 125, 260, and 476 ppm. Physiological biomarkers such as the oxygen consumption and filtration rate were estimated by exposing D. bugensis to five different sublethal concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 ppm) of sodium phosphate for 96 h. Both oxygen consumption and filtration rate gradually declined with increasing exposure concentrations and durations, which was significant (α < 0.05) for 75, 100, and 125 ppm of sodium phosphate concentrations. Based on the feeding rate and oxygen consumption endpoints, the no-observed effect concentration and the low observed effect concentration were 25 and 75 ppm, respectively. Maximum acceptable toxicant concentration of sodium phosphate was 43.3 ppm. Measured environmental concentration (MEC) of total phosphorus (0.015 ppm; n = 6) was obtained from seasonal field assessments in Saginaw Bay during the years 2008 to 2010. An assessment factor of 1000 was used for calculating the predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) of 0.025 ppm. Risk quotient (RQ) of B0.6^was therefore established using MEC/PNEC (real risk) ratio. Binary ecological classification (RQ < 1) suggested that there is no appreciable risk of phosphorus to D. bungensis in the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron of Laurentian Great Lakes.

Environmental Pollution, May 1, 2020

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Invertebrate Reproduction & Development, Mar 1, 2012

Dreissenids are invasive bivalves, native to water bodies of the Ponto-Caspian region of southwes... more Dreissenids are invasive bivalves, native to water bodies of the Ponto-Caspian region of southwestern Asia. Following dispersion in Europe in the early nineteenth century, they were accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes region of North America in the 1980s and 1990s. Recently, they were discovered in the southwestern USA. Initially, Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel, ZM) spread more rapidly than Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (quagga mussel, QM); however, QM is becoming predominant in many areas of the Great Lakes and was the first to appear west of the Continental Divide, in Lake Mead. In Europe, as well, ZM was the first species to spread widely in western Europe from its endemic range; however, QM have recently been found in areas previously colonized only by ZM. This article reviews the dynamics of this double dreissenid invasion and considers the question: what mechanisms mediate the displacement of ZM by QM? Despite their similar appearance, QM differ from ZM in temperature and salinity tolerance, byssal thread attachment, growth, respiration rates, assimilation efficiency, enzymes such as thiaminase, depth of occurrence, and reproduction. Differences in reproduction include the depth at which reproductively active animals are found, the temperature at which spawning can be initiated, number of gametes produced, and length and timing of their annual reproductive cycle. A hypothetical role of hybrids between the species mediating species change is suggested. Future investigations of the displacement of ZM by QM should consider the role of reproductive differences (hybrids, responses to environmental chemicals, etc.) in mediating the change.

Biological Invasions, Jun 4, 2022

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Apr 6, 2018

Dreissenid mussels, Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel) and D. polymorpha (zebra mussel), are prol... more Dreissenid mussels, Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel) and D. polymorpha (zebra mussel), are prolific invasive species to the freshwaters of the United States and Western Europe. In the Great Lakes, D. polymorpha initially dominated the system since their invasion in the mid-1980s; however, recently D. bugensis has displaced D. polymorpha as the dominant species. Dreissena bugensis has several competitive advantages over D. polymorpha, including greater tolerances to deeper and colder waters and lower respiration rates. However, physiological differences between the species remain largely unknown. The oxidative stress response is a mechanism used by all organisms to mitigate environmental stress by reducing oxygen radicals in the body, and comparing this mechanism between similar species can be a useful for understanding how different species compete in aquatic environments. We compared oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid peroxidation and catalase activity) in mussels following exposure to four stressors (e.g., high densities, temperature, hypoxia, and polychlorinated biphenyls) independently and in combinations of two stressors. Overall, D. bugensis had lower lipid peroxidation and catalase activity than D. polymorpha when exposed to single stressors; however, in multiple stressors treatments D. bugensis had increased lipid peroxidation, especially with high temperatures and PCBs. The lower lipid damage in D. bugensis compared to D. polymorpha under single stressor conditions may come at the cost of the ability to respond to multiple stressors. This article is

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Since their introduction to North America in the 1980s, research to develop effective control too... more Since their introduction to North America in the 1980s, research to develop effective control tools for invasive mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis) has been ongoing across various research institutions using a range of testing methods. Inconsistencies in experimental methods and reporting present challenges for comparing data, repeating experiments, and applying results. The Invasive Mussel Collaborative established the Toxicity Testing Work Group (TTWG) in 2019 to identify “best practices” and guide development of a standard framework for dreissenid mussel toxicity testing protocols. We reviewed the literature related to laboratory‐based dreissenid mussel toxicity tests and determined the degree to which standard guidelines have been used and their applicability to dreissenid mussel testing. We extracted detailed methodology from 99 studies from the peer‐reviewed and gray literature and conducted a separate analysis for studies using presettlement and posts...

Journal of Great Lakes Research

Efforts to make research environments more inclusive and diverse are beneficial for the next gene... more Efforts to make research environments more inclusive and diverse are beneficial for the next generation of Great Lakes researchers. The global COVID-19 pandemic introduced circumstances that forced graduate programs and academic institutions to re-evaluate and promptly pivot research traditions, such as weekly seminar series, which are critical training grounds and networking opportunities for early career researchers (ECRs). While several studies have established that academics with funded grants and robust networks were better able to weather the abrupt changes in research and closures of institutions, ECRs did not. In response, both existing and novel partnerships provided a resilient network to support ECRs at an essential stage of their career development. Considering these challenges, we sought to re-frame the seminar series as a virtual collaboration for ECRs. Two interdisciplinary graduate programs, located in different countries (Windsor, Canada, and Detroit, USA) invested in a year-long partnership to deliver a virtual-only seminar series that intentionally promoted: the co-creation of protocols and co-led roles, the amplification of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion throughout all aspects of organization and representation, engagement and amplification through social media, the integration of social, scientific and cultural research disciplines, all of which collectively showcased the capacity of our ECRs to lead, organize and communicate. This approach has great potential for application across different communities to learn through collaboration and sharing, and to empower the next generation to find new ways of working together.

Ecological thresholds and responses of stream benthic communities to

Ecological Indicators, 2019

Co-occurrence of environmental stressors is ubiquitous in ecosystems, but cumulative effects are ... more Co-occurrence of environmental stressors is ubiquitous in ecosystems, but cumulative effects are difficult to predict for effective indicator development. Individual stressors can amplify (synergies) or lessen (antagonisms) each other's impacts or have fully independent effects (additive). Here we use the Laurentian Great Lakes, where a multitude of stressors have been studied for decades, as a case study for considering insights from both a systematic literature review and an expert elicitation (or structured expert judgment) to identify stressor interactions. In our literature search for pairs of stressors and interaction-related keywords, relatively few studies (9%, or 6/65) supported additive interactions with independent stressor effects. Instead, both antagonisms (42%, or 27/65) and synergies (49%, or 32/65) were common. We found substantial evidence for interactions of invasive dreissenid mussels with nutrient loading and between pairs of invasive species (predominantly dreissenids × round goby), yet both sets of records included mixtures of synergies and antagonisms. Complete quantification of individual and joint effects of stressors was rare, but effect sizes for dreissenid mussels × nutrient loading supported an antagonism. Our expert elicitation included discussion in focus groups and a followup survey. This process highlighted the potential for synergies of nutrient loading with dreissenid mussels and climate change as seen from the literature review. The elicitation also identified additional potential interactions less explored in the literature, particularly synergies of nutrient loading with hypoxia and wetland loss. To stimulate future research, we built a conceptual model describing interactions among dreissenid mussels, climate change, and nutrient loading. Our case study illustrates the value of considering results from both elicitations and systematic reviews to overcome data limitations. The simultaneous occurrence of synergies and antagonisms in a single ecosystem underscores the challenge of predicting the cumulative effects of stressors to guide indicator development and other management and restoration decisions.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2018

Dreissenid mussels Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel) and Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) are... more Dreissenid mussels Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel) and Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) are prolific invasive species to the freshwaters of the United States and Western Europe. In the Great Lakes, D. polymorpha has initially dominated the system since its invasion in the mid‐1980s; however, recently D. bugensis has displaced D. polymorpha as the dominant species. Dreissena bugensis has several competitive advantages over D. polymorpha, including greater tolerances to deeper and colder waters and lower respiration rates. Nevertheless, physiological differences between the species remain largely unknown. The oxidative stress response is a mechanism used by all organisms to mitigate environmental stress by reducing oxygen radicals in the body, and comparing this mechanism between similar species can be useful for understanding how different species compete in aquatic environments. We compared oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid peroxidation [LPO] and catalase [CAT] activity) in m...

Background/Question/Methods Saginaw Bay is a eutrophic embayment of Lake Huron with excess nutrie... more Background/Question/Methods Saginaw Bay is a eutrophic embayment of Lake Huron with excess nutrient loading from a largely agricultural watershed. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce nutrient loads, phosphorus levels remain elevated. We assessed the potential importance of internal phosphorus loading; focusing on influences of sediment type, oxygen levels and dreissenid mussels on sediment phosphorus fluxes. Sediment cores were collected from three regions of the bay, and assessed for carbon, nutrients, porosity and bulk density. These cores were utilized in two separate incubation experiments evaluating: 1) sediment P flux under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and 2) nutrient remineralization from mussel biodeposits when added to the surface of the cores. Results/Conclusions Anaerobic treatments exhibited significantly higher P release back to overlying waters (p < 0.05) when compared to aerobic treatments. This release was greatest in sediments collected from the depositional z...

Background/Question/Methods While invasive European earthworms belonging to the family Lumbricida... more Background/Question/Methods While invasive European earthworms belonging to the family Lumbricidae have known impacts on the temperate deciduous forests of North America, little is known about earthworms originating from other areas, despite increasingly common reports of thriving populations. Amynthas hilgendorfi, an Asian species with established populations in North American forests, is characterized by an annual life cycle, high metabolic and growth rates, and an ability to thrive at very high densities – traits that distinguish this species from many European earthworms. We hypothesized that the ecological impacts of this species on forest soils also differ, and here we present the results of field and laboratory experiments designed to 1) evaluate the potential impacts of A. hilgendorfi on forest-floor nutrient cycling and leaf-litter decomposition, 2) compare these impacts to those of a better-understood European species, Lumbricus rubellus,and 3) test for interactive effects...

Journal of Great Lakes Research, 2015

ABSTRACT Many initiatives since the early 1900s have been implemented to maintain water quality w... more ABSTRACT Many initiatives since the early 1900s have been implemented to maintain water quality within the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River basin. Despite these substantial efforts, emerging and re-emerging biological and chemical contaminants continue to pose serious human, animal, and ecosystem health risks. With over 100 biological and chemical contaminants detected in the basin and over 600 persistent and bio-accumulative contaminants listed in international databases, the threat of these contaminants to the basin is immense. This article discusses examples of legacy and emerging contaminants and their interactions with other drivers within the basin. A historical review of these contaminants from the past 50 years (1963 to present) has been prepared, as well as a synthesis of their current state. From this information and based on local and global initiatives and reports, three future scenarios for contaminants have been described projecting to the next 50 years (present to 2063), which are categorized as Status Quo, Utopian, and Dystopian. These are meant to categorize the possible range of occurrences and help decision makers prepare for various management options and improve resilience to future changes. In addition, we have highlighted some tools that are needed to effectively detect emerging contaminants in the basin. By exploring the plausible future scenarios of contaminants in the basin, we aim to highlight the need for bi-national agreements and initiatives to be developed and extended, both in time and scope, to restore and protect the basin and encourage ecosystem health.