Freshwater mollusks as recorders of stream hydrography and ecology in agricultural settings
The profound conversion of land to agricultural uses across the American midwest has had far-reaching implications for the health of aquatic ecosystems, both locally and far-afield. We are exploring the reconstruction of stream water conditions using stable isotope analysis of aquatic mollusk shells to better understand the historical impact of land use change on aquatic ecosystems.
Phase-locked variation in stable isotope ratios of carbon and oxygen provide a record of seasonal oscillations in river water conditions during the life of a freshwater mollusk from the Wabash River

Phase-locked variation in stable isotope ratios of carbon and oxygen provide a record of seasonal oscillations in river water conditions during the life of a freshwater mollusk from the Wabash River

Cyclonaias tuberculata, a common freshwater mussel in midwestern rivers (Photo credit: Robert E. Warren, Illinois State Museum)

Cyclonaias tuberculata, a common freshwater mussel in midwestern rivers (Photo credit: Robert E. Warren, Illinois State Museum)
Personnel: Ashley Sankari