Research Interests
Chris completed his MSc studying the impacts of municipal wastewater effluent on aquatic food webs in the Speed River, Ontario. His research examined how nutrient inputs from a tertiary-treated wastewater treatment plant influence riffle fish and invertebrate communities.
Using stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N), he assessed changes in food web structure and trophic dynamics in benthic fish species, including rainbow darter and greenside darter, in relation to shifts in invertebrate community composition and abundance downstream of the effluent outfall. His work showed that effluent inputs altered invertebrate communities and increased isotopic enrichment at downstream sites, leading to shifts in feeding behaviour and diet, particularly for rainbow darter, which showed greater adaptability to the altered conditions.
His work highlights how even well-treated wastewater can influence aquatic ecosystems, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring as urban pressures on freshwater systems continue to grow.