Understanding Macroalgal Blooms in Freshwater Ecosystems

Understanding Macroalgal Blooms in Freshwater Ecosystems
Presented by Dr. Andrea Kirkwood

The incidence of freshwater algal blooms has been increasing across North America, including regions with no historical record of bloom occurrence. Eutrophication and climate change have been implicated as major drivers of microalgal (i.e., phytoplankton) blooms. In contrast, macroalgal (i.e., visible mat-forming algae) blooms are not consistently explained by nutrients, nor is much known about the role of climate change. Morphologically diverse species of macroalgae bloom across a range of habitats and nutrient conditions, even in systems where nutrients are low. This presentation will explore how morphological traits and habitat features may support the emergence of macroalgal blooms, with a particular focus on three species: Cladophora glomerata, Didymosphenia geminata and Nitellopsis obtusa.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Andrea Kirkwood
Andrea Kirkwood completed a joint-honours degree in Environment and Resource Studies & Biology (Co-op) at the University of Waterloo, a Master's degree in Aquatic Ecology at McMaster University, and a doctoral degree in Environmental Microbiology at the University of Toronto. Andrea conducted postdoctoral studies at Oklahoma State University and the University of Calgary prior to joining the Faculty of Science at Ontario Tech University. Andrea is currently an Associate Professor with a research and teaching focus in environmental biology. In addition to research and teaching, Andrea is actively involved in community-based environmental stewardship initiatives.